The Banking Sector Education and Training Authority (BANKSETA) has opened its 2026/2027 Higher Education Bursary Funding Window to support unemployed South African students pursuing approved qualifications at public universities and public universities of technology. The bursary programme aims to improve access to higher education and develop skilled graduates for South Africa's banking and alternative banking sectors. Funding is available for both first-year students and continuing students entering their second, third or final year of study. Under the published guidelines, the maximum bursary funding is R120,000 per learner per year, subject to approval, eligible expenses and the programme's funding conditions. Important: This funding opportunity is administered through eligible public universities and universities of technology. Students should contact their institution's financial aid office to enquire about participation and the process for being considered for BANKSETA bursary funding. Who Can Qualify for the BANKSETA Bursary? The funding is intended to support unemployed South African learners who are registered, or seeking to enrol, at eligible public universities and public universities of technology. The programme covers two categories of students: New students: First-year students entering an approved programme of study. Continuing students: Unemployed students progressing into their second, third or final year of an approved qualification. The programme is intended to support learners who fall within the NSFAS income bracket as well as the missing-middle category, with household income between R350,000 and R600,000 per year. The qualification must align with BANKSETA's sector skills priorities and approved funding requirements. Meeting the general criteria does not automatically guarantee funding. What Does the BANKSETA Bursary Cover? The guidelines provide for a maximum funding allocation of R120,000 per learner per year, inclusive of approved bursary expenses. Eligible funding categories and their maximum amounts include: Tuition fees: Up to R50,000 per year. Study materials: Up to R10,000 per year. Accommodation: Up to R45,000 per year. Living or meal allowance: Up to R15,000 per year. All funding remains subject to the overall annual cap, approval and the applicable bursary conditions. The amounts are maximum limits, not a guarantee that every student will receive the full allocation. Students must not receive duplicate public funding for the same bursary expenses, including funding from NSFAS or another SETA. How to Apply for the BANKSETA Bursary Unlike bursaries where students submit applications directly to the funding provider, this BANKSETA funding window invites eligible public universities and universities of technology to apply for funding on behalf of qualifying learners. Students interested in the opportunity should: Contact their university's financial aid office or bursary department. Enquire whether the institution is participating in the BANKSETA 2026/2027 Higher Education Bursary Funding Window. Confirm whether their qualification and student status meet the institution's requirements for consideration. Ask about the supporting documents, internal deadlines and selection process required by their institution. Eligible institutions must submit their applications through BANKSETA's prescribed application process using the Student Information Management System (SIMS). Students should not assume that submitting an enquiry directly to BANKSETA constitutes a bursary application. Official Application Links BANKSETA Bursary Guidelines: Official BANKSETA Funding Window: BANKSETA SIMS Portal for Eligible Institutions: Closing Date The BANKSETA Unemployed Learners Bursary Funding Window closes on 13 November 2026 at 16:00. Students are encouraged to contact their institution as soon as possible to enquire about eligibility and any internal deadlines. Follow Career Unified for more bursaries, scholarships, internships, graduate programmes and job opportunities. Share this opportunity with students who may benefit from financial assistance with their studies.