Introduction
A SETA funded learnership is a structured “earn while you learn” programme where training and workplace experience are funded through a Sector Education and Training Authority (SETA). The goal is simple: help South Africans gain a nationally recognised qualification plus real work experience—often with a monthly stipend—so they can enter the job market with stronger skills.
What does “SETA-funded” actually mean?
Most SETA-funded learnerships cover two main cost areas:
- Training costs (paid to the accredited training provider)
SETAs fund or co-fund tuition/training delivery through grant mechanisms (often via employers or approved project partners). This is why legitimate learnerships should not charge you an “application fee”. - Learner stipend/allowance (paid to the learner)
Many learnerships include a monthly stipend to support transport, meals, and basic needs while you train. For example, MICT SETA states learners enrolled in its funded learnership programmes are eligible for a monthly stipend of R2,500 (subject to programme terms and attendance). (mict.org.za)
Important: There is no single national stipend amount for all SETA learnerships. Stipends differ by SETA, programme type, NQF level, employer budget, and whether you’re employed or unemployed at entry.
How much money do SETA learnerships fund?
1) Typical learner stipend amounts (what you can expect)
Across many programmes, stipends commonly fall within a broad range. One recent South Africa-focused overview puts 2026 stipends in the region of R2,500 to R6,000 per month (depending on SETA and programme). (sseta.co.za)
And we can see real examples on official or programme-specific pages, such as:
- R2,500/month (example: MICT SETA-funded learnership stipend) (mict.org.za)
- ±R3,000/month (some ETDP SETA-funded ECD learnership intakes cited in programme documents/coverage) (edufeeds.co.za)
In practice, some learnership adverts go higher, but any post promising “guaranteed R10,000+ stipend for everyone” is a red flag unless it’s backed by an official advert with credible details.
2) Training costs: what SETAs fund behind the scenes
Training funding is usually paid directly to the training provider/employer/project partner via SETA grant processes (like discretionary grants). SETAs describe these as funds used to implement skills development priorities in their sector plans. For instance, BANKSETA explains discretionary grants are used to implement the sector skills plan and may be once-off or multi-year projects. (BANKSETA)
Because training costs are not always shown on learner adverts, the most visible funding to applicants is usually the stipend—while training fees are handled contractually by the project stakeholders.
When do SETA learnerships open and close?
Key point: there is no single national opening/closing date
Learnership recruitment dates depend on:
- The specific SETA and sector,
- The employer (company) hosting the workplace,
- The training provider/project partner,
- The funding window and project timelines.
So, learnership adverts can open and close any month of the year.
What DOES have clear dates: SETA grant windows (mostly for employers/providers)
SETAs often publish grant windows that fund training interventions. These are mainly aimed at employers/providers (not individual learners), but they strongly influence when learner intakes happen.
Examples of published windows:
- Services SETA published a Call for Special Projects Proposals 2026/27 with an opening date of 19 November 2025 and closing date (extended) of 19 December 2025. (Services SETA)
- Services SETA also communicated a Mandatory Grants window running from 2 February 2026 to 30 April 2026. (facebook.com)
Practical “best months” to watch for learner adverts
Even though intakes can happen anytime, many learnerships are advertised more often around:
- January–April (new budget cycles + annual planning),
- July–September (mid-year intakes),
- plus occasional short “special project” intakes when funding is released.
Your best strategy is to monitor the official SETA portals and employer career pages regularly (weekly, not once a year).
Who should apply for a SETA-funded learnership?
Most SETA learnerships are designed for:
- Unemployed South African youth seeking a route into work,
- Matric/Grade 12 holders (many programmes start here),
- TVET graduates or people with NQF-aligned qualifications (depending on the learnership level),
- People willing to commit to a structured programme (often 12–18 months).
Some learnerships accept both:
- Employed learners (company registers you), and
- Unemployed learners (you apply through an advert/portal).
For general guidance on finding official SETA channels, Department of Higher Education and Training provides an official page linking to South Africa’s SETAs. (Higher Education Dept)
Minimum requirements (common across many SETAs)
While each advert differs, these are common:
- South African ID (or legal eligibility where stated)
- Grade 10–12 or Matric (varies)
- Basic communication skills (English often required)
- Not currently registered for a similar learnership (some programmes exclude duplicates)
- Availability for workplace placement and classroom sessions
- Ability to travel to the training/workplace site (transport planning matters)
How to apply (the safe way)
- Identify the correct SETA for your career goal (e.g., IT, services, manufacturing, education). Use official lists/links where possible. (Higher Education Dept)
- Apply only through official channels, such as:
- The SETA’s official website/learner portal,
- The employer’s official careers page,
- An accredited provider clearly named in the official advert.
- Prepare a clean application pack:
- Certified ID copy
- Certified highest qualification (Matric/NCV/TVET)
- Updated CV
- Proof of address (if requested)
- Follow the advert instructions exactly (subject lines, reference numbers, file naming). Many people get rejected for admin mistakes.
Warning signs of scams (don’t lose your money)
Avoid any “learnership” that:
- Charges an application/registration/placement fee,
- Promises a guaranteed job without interviews/selection,
- Uses WhatsApp-only applications with no official advert,
- Refuses to provide an official website notice, email domain, or reference details.
Legit SETA programmes are funded, not sold.
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