The Transport Education Training Authority (TETA) invites unemployed South African learners and students to apply for its Bursary Programme for the 2026 academic year. This initiative supports the development of skills in the transport sector, empowering students to pursue careers in critical areas such as engineering, logistics, aviation, and more.
Bursary Details
- Closing Date: 24 September 2025
- Location: South Africa (applicable to studies at recognised institutions)
- Eligible Institutions:
- Public and private universities
- Universities of Technology
- Public and private Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Colleges
- Accredited Aviation and Diving Schools
Who Should Apply?
Applicants must meet the following criteria:
- South African citizen or permanent resident.
- Aged 18–35 years.
- Currently in Grade 12, have completed Matric, or are a registered student at a university, university of technology, or TVET college.
- Aviation students with a valid Student Pilot License (SPL), Private Pilot License (PPL), or Commercial Pilot License (CPL).
- Commercial divers with a Matric (Senior Certificate).
- Enrolled or intending to enroll in a TETA-funded qualification at an accredited institution.
- Strong academic record (minimum 50% average).
- Household income of R350,000 or less per year (priority given to financially needy students).
- Not currently funded by another TETA programme or bursary provider.
Qualifications Funded by the TETA Bursary
The bursary supports studies in transport-related fields, including:
- Engineering:
- Electrical/Electronic Engineering (N4–N6, National Diploma, B-Tech, Advanced Diploma, B Degree)
- Mechanical Engineering (N4–N6, National Diploma, B-Tech, Advanced Diploma, B Degree)
- Mechatronics (Diploma)
- Aeronautical Engineering (BSc, B Degree)
- Marine Engineering (B Degree)
- Business & Finance:
- Financial Management (N4–N6, National Diploma, B-Tech, Advanced Diploma, B Degree)
- Business Administration/Management (National Diploma, B-Tech, Advanced Diploma, B Degree)
- Accounting (BCom)
- Risk Management (National Diploma, B-Tech, Advanced Diploma, B Degree)
- Operations Management (National Diploma, B-Tech, Advanced Diploma, B Degree, Honours)
- Transport & Logistics:
- Logistics Management (National Diploma, B-Tech, Advanced Diploma, B Degree)
- Road Transport Management (National Diploma, B-Tech, Advanced Diploma, B Degree)
- Supply Chain Management, including Warehouse, Storage, and Distribution (National Diploma, B-Tech, Advanced Diploma, B Degree)
- Transport Economics (National Diploma, B-Tech, Advanced Diploma, B Degree)
- Transportation Management (National Diploma, B-Tech, Advanced Diploma, B Degree)
- Maritime/Nautical Studies (National Diploma, B-Tech, Advanced Diploma, B Degree)
- Freight Forwarding and Customs Compliance (National Certificate)
- Technology & Data:
- Information and Communication Technology (ICT) (National Diploma, B-Tech, Advanced Diploma, BSc)
- Cloud Computing/Networking (Diploma)
- Data Sciences (BSc)
- Data Analytics/Business Intelligence (Postgraduate Diploma)
- Cybersecurity (Postgraduate Diploma)
- Artificial Intelligence (Postgraduate Diploma, Master’s)
- Robotics (Master’s)
- Machine Learning (Master’s)
- Environmental & Safety:
- Environmental Health (BSc)
- Environmental Management (Bachelor’s)
- Sustainable Development (Postgraduate Diploma)
- Health and Safety Management (National Diploma, B-Tech, Advanced Diploma, B Degree)
- Law:
- Maritime Law (B Degree)
- General Law (B Degree)
- Transport Law
- Postgraduate Research:
- Master’s Degree (AI, Robotics, Machine Learning, or transport-related research)
- Doctoral Degree (PhD, transport-related research)
- Aviation & Diving:
- Private Pilot License (PPL)
- Commercial Pilot License (CPL) with ATPL Subjects (Frozen ATPL)
- Instructor’s Rating
- Instrument Rating
- ATPL Hour Building
- Commercial Divers (Class II, III, IV)
What the Bursary Covers
The TETA bursary provides comprehensive funding, including:
- Tuition fees (paid directly to the institution)
- Registration fees
- Prescribed books and study materials
- Accommodation (on or off campus)
- Meals
- Transport (where applicable)
How to Apply
Applications must be submitted online via the TETA Bursary Application Portal:
- Apply Online: TETA Bursary Application 2026
- Guidelines: Review the TETA Bursary Guidelines (PDF) before applying.
Required Documents:
- Completed TETA bursary application form (available on the portal).
- Certified copy of South African ID.
- Proof of acceptance or registration at a recognised institution.
- Academic record or Grade 12 results (for first-year applicants).
- Proof of household income (salary slips or affidavit if unemployed).
- Proof of residence.
- For aviation students: Valid SPL, PPL, or CPL.
- For diving students: Proof of swimming ability and English proficiency.
Submission Notes:
- Only online applications are accepted; no hand-delivered or emailed applications will be considered.
- Incomplete or late applications will be disqualified.
- Shortlisted candidates may be invited for interviews, and only successful applicants will be contacted.
Selection Process
- Applications are screened based on academic merit, financial need, and relevance to transport-related fields.
- Shortlisted candidates may be required to attend interviews.
- Successful applicants will be notified by 30 January 2026. If no feedback is received by this date, consider your application unsuccessful.
Why Apply?
The TETA Bursary Programme offers:
- Full financial support to alleviate the burden of study-related costs.
- Access to education in high-demand transport-related fields.
- Opportunities to contribute to South Africa’s critical transport sector, including aviation, maritime, logistics, and engineering.
- A pathway to a rewarding career in a vital industry driving economic growth.
Enquiries
For further information, contact TETA:
- Email: bursaries@teta.org.za
- Phone: 011 577 7018 / 7093 / 7098 / 7033 / 7004
- Contact Persons:
Conclusion
The TETA Bursary Programme 2026 is a transformative opportunity for unemployed South African learners and students to pursue qualifications in the transport sector. By providing comprehensive financial support and targeting critical skills areas, TETA empowers the next generation of professionals to drive innovation and growth in South Africa’s transport industry. Apply now to secure your future in this dynamic field.
