The Wholesale and Retail Sector Education and Training Authority (W&RSETA) has opened applications for its 2026 Bursary Scheme for retail and related qualifications. Funding is available for new unemployed students as well as continuing students who were funded by W&RSETA in 2025 and will be progressing to the next level of their qualification.
At a glance
- Who it’s for: Unemployed students (new entrants) and continuing W&RSETA-funded bursars (funded in 2025) studying retail-related qualifications.
- Important: The bursary window is managed via qualifying entities (e.g., TVET/HET institutions, bursary administrators, W&RSETA levy-paying companies, and Retail Chairs). Individual students do not apply directly.
- What it covers: The advert does not publish a fixed “what it covers” list. Instead, funded entities submit a cost schedule per course/student and W&RSETA verifies it against the institution’s fee schedule. Funding is awarded at W&RSETA’s discretion, based on availability of funds.
- Key dates: Closing date: 16 January 2026 (this closes very soon — act urgently).
- How to apply: Applications must be submitted on the W&RSETA MIS (stakeholder portal).
Who’s offering this?
W&RSETA is a Sector Education and Training Authority (SETA) serving the Wholesale and Retail sector. This bursary scheme is part of its skills development funding interventions for retail-related qualifications.
Fields of study supported
W&RSETA notes that preference is given to qualifications that address sector demand (Hard-to-Fill Vacancies) and New and Emerging Occupations. The advert also lists retail-related qualifications that may be considered, including:
- Food Technology / Food Security
- Supply Chain Management
- Financial Accounting / Management
- Human Resources
- Credit Management
- Marketing Management
- Operations Management
- Clothing Technology / Production
- Business Management / Administration
- ICT / 4IR programmes
Eligibility checklist
New (unemployed) bursary applicants: W&RSETA indicates preference for students enrolled for the 2026 academic year on qualifications aligned to sector demand. The advert also lists qualifying programme types (for example: higher certificates/degrees/diplomas at NQF 5–7; NCV Levels 2–4; NATED N4–N6; and certain occupational qualifications at NQF 5–7).
Continuing bursars (funded in 2025): The advert states a continuing student must have been funded by W&RSETA in the 2025 academic year, must have passed 60% of modules, and must qualify for acceptance into the next level.
Equity note: The advert states preference will be given to students classified as “missing middle” based on parental income between R350 000 and R600 000 (as identified by the institution).
Documents to prepare
This funding window is submitted via qualifying entities (not directly by students). If you are a student, ask your institution/employer/bursary administrator what documents they need from you. The advert sets submission requirements for entities (e.g., proof of institutional registration, programme accreditation, and lists of funded students for continuation applications).
Closing date
16 January 2026
How selection and allocation work
- Applications are evaluated by W&RSETA provincial offices where the applicant entity is based.
- The advert states award letters will be generated from the MIS by no later than 15 April 2026.
- Upon acceptance of the award letter, funded entities commence bursar registrations on the MIS, and contracts are concluded for approved registrations.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Waiting until the last day — this window closes on 16 January 2026.
- Trying to apply as an individual student (the advert states W&RSETA will not receive applications from individual students).
- Applying through a non-qualifying channel (applications must be made on the W&RSETA MIS).
- For continuing bursars: not meeting the 60% module pass requirement or not being accepted into the next level.
- Missing supporting proof required by your institution/bursary administrator for submission on the MIS.
How to apply (step-by-step)
- If you are a student: Contact your TVET/University bursary office, employer (if levy-paying), Retail Chair, or bursary administrator and ask them to submit your application via the W&RSETA MIS.
- If you are an institution/stakeholder: Register / sign in to the W&RSETA MIS stakeholder portal and submit the bursary application for the 2026 bursary project, including the required supporting documentation.
- Submit before 16 January 2026.