CHIETA Industrial Futures Bursary 2026/2027 (Reminder Closing Today)

Still looking for funding for 2026 study? The CHIETA Industrial Futures Bursary (2026/2027) is open to unemployed South African youth who have been accepted at a public university or TVET college. This bursary is aimed at qualifications aligned to the chemical and related sectors — with a strong focus on scarce skills and academic performance.

What this bursary is

CHIETA (the Chemical Industries Education and Training Authority) is offering bursary funding to support deserving students with academic potential and financial need who are entering undergraduate study in areas linked to the chemical industry and related value chains. Priority is given to applicants accepted to study Chemical Engineering and qualifications aligned to occupations in high demand.

Eligibility requirements (read carefully)

This bursary has non‑negotiable “screen‑out” requirements. You must meet all of the below to be considered:

• Citizenship: South African citizen
• Age: 16–35 years
• Employment status: Unemployed
• Matric subject requirement: Matric with Mathematics and Physical Science
• Matric performance: Minimum 75% overall average
• Institution: Accepted into an undergraduate qualification at an accredited public tertiary institution or TVET college for the 2026 academic year
• Financial preference: Preference for households below R350 000 annual income, and “missing middle” households between R350 000–R600 000 (as stated)

Supported sub‑sectors (high-value detail)

CHIETA indicates bursaries will be considered for studies aligned to these sub‑sectors:

• Petroleum
• Base Chemicals
• Glass
• Explosives
• Fertilisers
• Pharmaceuticals
• Fast Moving Consumer Goods
• Speciality Chemicals
• Surface Coatings

About the sponsor

CHIETA is South Africa’s Sector Education and Training Authority (SETA) for the chemical industries. It supports skills development and training initiatives aligned to sector priorities — including funding windows and bursaries that target scarce skills and occupations in high demand.

What it covers

CHIETA states that the bursary covers tuition fees based on the official statement of account, up to a maximum of R76 000 per annum for undergraduate studies. (Other costs like accommodation/transport are not listed on the call — so don’t assume they’re included.)

Closing date

Applications close on 27 February 2026 at 15:00 (SAST). Late applications will not be considered. If you haven’t received feedback by 30 April 2026, CHIETA advises you to consider your application unsuccessful.

Application checklist

• Certified copy of South African ID (not older than 6 months)
• Certified copy of final Matric results / highest qualification
• Proof of acceptance for 2026 (and proof of registration prior to contract signing if awarded, not older than 6 months)
• Most recent proof of household income
• Certified copies of parents’/guardian’s IDs (not older than 6 months)

Quick tips for applicants

• Don’t leave uploads for the last hour — aim to submit well before 15:00.
• Make sure your certification dates are recent (within 6 months where required).
• Use clear file names (e.g., ID_Surname.pdf, MatricResults_Surname.pdf) and ensure scans are readable.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Applying without the required Mathematics + Physical Science Matric subjects.
• Applying with a Matric average below 75%.
• Uploading documents that are not certified or certified more than 6 months ago (where required).
• Missing proof of acceptance/registration at a public institution for 2026.
• Submitting after the deadline (even minutes late).

How to apply

• Apply online via the CHIETA IMS platform.
• Complete the online form and upload all required supporting documents (see checklist below).
• Submit before the closing time (15:00).

Enquiries: Bursary@chieta.org.za • Tel: 087 357 6623 (as listed).

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