BANKSETA / UKZN Outstanding Student Debt Fund Application for 2026/2027
Detailed guide on BANKSETA / UKZN Outstanding Student Debt Fund Application for 2026/2027. Are you a final-year student at the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) struggling with unpaid tuition fees? The BANKSETA / UKZN Outstanding Student Debt Fund for 2026/2027 is a targeted financial support initiative designed to help academically deserving students clear their student debt and graduate without the burden of unpaid fees. This funding opportunity is especially critical for students who have completed their academic requirements but cannot receive their qualifications due to outstanding balances.
Funded by the Banking Sector Education and Training Authority (BANKSETA) in partnership with UKZN, this student debt relief fund provides much-needed assistance to students from financially constrained backgrounds, specifically those pursuing qualifications aligned with the banking and financial services sectors. The goal of the fund is to promote transformation and inclusion by ensuring that no capable graduate is left behind due to historical debt.
The BANKSETA / UKZN Debt Relief Fund covers outstanding tuition fees, allowing eligible students to Access their academic records and graduate, Improve employment opportunities, Apply for postgraduate study or bursaries, and Enter the job market debt-free
In this article, we cover all the essential information about the BANKSETA / UKZN Outstanding Student Debt Fund Application for 2026/2027, including Who qualifies for this debt relief funding, Eligible programmes and qualifications, Step-by-step application process, Required supporting documentation, and Important deadlines and contact information
If you’ve successfully completed your studies at UKZN but cannot receive your qualification due to unpaid fees, this student debt funding could be the financial solution you need to move forward with your academic and professional goals.
Continue reading for answers to key questions like How do I apply for BANKSETA student debt relief at UKZN?, What are the eligibility criteria for the 2026 UKZN debt fund? And Which courses are covered by BANKSETA debt relief funding?
About BANKSETA & UKZN
The Banking Sector Education and Training Authority (BankSETA) is a public entity established through the Skills Development Act of 1998 (amended in 2011). BankSETA supports skills development and transformation in the banking and microfinance sector. Its key goals include reducing unemployment, empowering youth and adults, promoting employment equity, and driving broad-based black economic empowerment through skills training, support for SMEs, continuous learning, and research initiatives.
The University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN), through its School of Accounting, Economics and Finance, offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programmes across its Westville and Pietermaritzburg campuses. The school is part of the UKZN College of Law and Management Studies.
About BANKSETA / UKZN Outstanding Student Debt Fund
BANKSETA, in partnership with UKZN, is offering funding to students with outstanding historical student debt for the 2026/2027 academic year.
This opportunity is specifically for students enrolled in or planning to pursue the following undergraduate and postgraduate qualifications in the School of Accounting, Economics and Finance at UKZN:
- Bachelor of Accounting
- Bachelor of Business Science
- Postgraduate Diploma in Accounting
- Postgraduate Diploma in Financial Planning
- Postgraduate Diploma in Finance, Banking and Investment Management
- Postgraduate Diploma in Maritime Studies
- BCom Honours in Accounting (ACCA)
- BCom Honours in Finance and Economics
- BCom Honours in Management Accounting
- Master of Accountancy – Taxation
- Master of Accountancy – Coursework
- Master of Commerce (Economics) – Coursework
- Master of Commerce in Maritime Studies
Funding Coverage & Selection Criteria
Applicants will be selected based on:
- Academic performance
- Financial need
The exact funding amount will be communicated to successful applicants.
There are no contractual obligations or work-back requirements attached to this financial aid.
Eligibility Requirement for BANKSETA / UKZN Outstanding Student Debt Fund Application for 2026/2027
To qualify for the BANKSETA/UKZN Outstanding Student Debt Fund, you must:
- Be a South African citizen under the age of 35 (you must not turn 35 in 2026)
- Be enrolled in or planning to study one of the listed qualifications in 2026
- Be registered at UKZN for the 2026 academic year
- Have achieved at least 60% average for both semester 1 and 2 of your 2021 academic year
- Have outstanding student debt
- Previous BANKSETA bursary recipients are welcome to apply if continuing in one of the listed programmes
How to Apply for BANKSETA / UKZN Outstanding Student Debt Fund 2026/2027
Apply online here to start the BANKSETA / UKZN Outstanding Student Debt Funds Application 2026
Be sure to upload clear and certified copies of the following supporting documents (applications without all required documents will be disqualified):
-
Certified copy of your South African ID
- Matric certificate
- Full academic record, including your latest available results (must be on official UKZN letterhead)
- UKZN fee statement (also on UKZN letterhead)
Closing Date for BANKSETA / UKZN Outstanding Student Debt Fund Application 2026/2027
20 January
(Late applications will not be considered. Apply early to avoid missing out!)
Contact Details of BANKSETA / UKZN
For questions or assistance, please contact:
Ms Nonhlanhla Mkhize
Email: MkhizeN35@ukzn.ac.za
