HWSETA Postgraduate Bursary Application for 2026/2027

Detailed guide on HWSETA Postgraduate Bursary Application 2026/2027. Are you a South African graduate or final-year student aspiring to advance your studies in the health and social development sectors? The HWSETA Postgraduate Bursary Programme 2026/2027 is now open for applications, offering much-needed financial support to eligible students pursuing postgraduate qualifications in priority health and welfare fields. The Health and Welfare Sector Education and Training Authority (HWSETA) is a statutory body mandated to develop skills and strengthen human resource capacity within South Africa’s health and social development sector, in line with national skills development priorities.

The HWSETA Postgraduate Bursary provides financial assistance that may cover tuition fees, study-related expenses, and other approved academic costs, depending on funding availability and programme guidelines. The bursary is aimed at supporting Honours, Master’s, and Doctoral students whose research and studies contribute to addressing critical skills shortages, improving service delivery, and strengthening research capacity within the health and welfare sector. Preference is often given to academically deserving students from previously disadvantaged backgrounds who demonstrate commitment to advancing public health, social services, and community development in South Africa.

By applying for the HWSETA Postgraduate Bursary 2026/2027, students not only gain financial relief but also become part of a national effort to build a skilled, research-driven workforce capable of responding to South Africa’s evolving health and social challenges.

In addition, satrends.co.za offers a wide range of other bursary categories to suit your preference. Click on the links below to access other kinds of bursaries.

Universities in South Africa Bursaries Available for 2026

Government Departments Bursaries Available for 2026

Field of Studies Specified Bursaries Available for 2026

Keep reading to find out more about the eligibility requirements, funded fields of study, application process, and closing date for the HWSETA Postgraduate Bursary Programme 2026/2027.

About HWSETA

The Health and Welfare SETA (HWSETA) is one of South Africa’s 21 Sector Education and Training Authorities (SETAs) established to address skills development and training needs across key economic sectors. HWSETA focuses on the health, veterinary, and social development sectors, ensuring that professionals are equipped with the skills required to deliver high-quality, world-class services.

HWSETA is guided by strong core values, including transparency, transformation, integrity, and service excellence, and is committed to uplifting the standard of care and service delivery across South Africa.

About the HWSETA Postgraduate Bursary Programme

The HWSETA Postgraduate Bursary supports students undertaking postgraduate qualifications, with a strong preference for research-based studies that address priority skills gaps within the sector.

Supported Qualifications

The bursary is available for the following levels of study:

Postgraduate Diploma
Honours
B-Tech / M-Tech
Master’s
Doctoral
Post-Doctoral

Fields of Study Covered

The bursary prioritises research in the following disciplines:

Veterinary, Marine and Biological Sciences

Veterinary Sciences
Marine Aquaculture
Marine Biology

Health Sciences

Pharmacy
Physiotherapy
Dentistry
Speech Language Therapy
Optometry
Radiography
Audiology

Nursing Sciences

Nursing Education
Primary Health Care
Maternal and Child Health
Community Health Nursing
Health Professions Education
Mental Health Nursing
Rural Health

Mental Health and Psychology

Forensic Mental Health
Public Mental Health and Community Psychiatry
Child, Adolescent and Adult Psychiatry
Counselling Psychology
Clinical Psychology
Forensic Psychology
Educational and Community Psychology

Public and Environmental Health

Health Systems (Policy, Planning & Management)
Health Economics
Clinical Epidemiology
Medical Informatics
eHealth and Telemedicine
Biostatistics
Bioethics and Health Law
Environmental Health
Occupational Health and Safety

Social Sciences and Welfare

Medical Sociology
Demography and Population Studies
Environmental Sociology
Social Work (Clinical, Occupational, Forensic Practice)
Child Protection Law and Play Therapy
Social Services and Development
Child and Youth Care
Poverty and Inequality Studies
Disability Care, Rehabilitation and Management

Eligibility Requirements for HWSETA Postgraduate Bursary Application for 2026/2027

Applicants must meet all of the following minimum requirements to be considered:

Must be a South African citizen
Must be unemployed or employed part-time
Must be studying towards a postgraduate qualification (Honours, Master’s, Doctoral or Post-Doctoral)
Research topic must preferably align with one of HWSETA’s priority areas
Must be registered at a recognised South African university or accredited higher education institution
Applicants with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply

Selection Criteria

Bursary applications will be assessed based on:

Relevance of the study to the health and welfare sector
Academic performance and merit
Innovation and potential impact of the research
Alignment with national and sector skills priorities

How to Apply for HWSETA Postgraduate Bursary 2026/2027

Follow the steps below to apply:

Step 1: Complete the Application Form

Download and complete the HWSETA Postgraduate Bursary Application Form (PDF).

Step 2: Prepare Supporting Documents

Submit clear copies of the following compulsory documents:

Certified copy of your South African ID
Proof of tertiary registration (stamped by the institution)
Draft research proposal
Itemised and detailed research budget
One-page motivational letter

Incomplete applications will not be considered.

Step 3: Submit Your Application

Email your completed application and supporting documents to: rimepg@hwseta.org.za

Use the following subject line: “HWSETA Postgraduate Bursary Application – Your Full Name”

Closing Date of HWSETA Postgraduate Bursary Application 2026/2027

Application Deadline: 31 July

Late applications will not be accepted, so applicants are encouraged to submit well before the closing date.

Contact Details of HWSETA

For further information or bursary-related enquiries, contact:

Contact Person: Dr Sipho Buthelezi

Telephone: 011 607 6900

Email: siphob@hwseta.org.za