Apply Now: TETA Unemployed Bursary 2025 for Transport Studies
Company: Transport Education and Training Authority (TETA)
Location: South Africa
Remuneration: Full or partial bursary funding for approved programmes
Closing Date: 24 September 2025
Introduction
The TETA Unemployed Bursary Programme (2025-2026) is an initiative by the Transport Education and Training Authority aimed at supporting unemployed South African youth who wish to pursue studies in the transport sector. This bursary is designed to help learners gain access to higher education and specialised training opportunities in fields critical to the country’s economic growth, such as aviation, maritime studies, logistics, engineering, and transport management.
What is TETA Unemployed Bursary Programme (2025-2026)?
The TETA bursary provides financial support to unemployed learners between the ages of 18 and 35, enabling them to study at public tertiary institutions or accredited training schools in South Africa. The programme covers a wide range of qualifications, from diplomas to bachelor’s degrees, and includes specialised training such as pilot ratings, diving certifications, and maritime studies.
Minimum Requirements
To qualify, applicants must:
- Be South African citizens
- Be aged between 18 and 35 years
- Be currently unemployed
- Be enrolled or accepted at a public tertiary institution (university, TVET, university of technology, or accredited aviation/diving school)
- Be studying towards an NQF Level 6 qualification or higher in a transport-related field
- Have achieved at least 50% in the previous year of study
- Have a combined household income not exceeding R350,000 per annum
Role Responsibility
The bursary aims to:
- Provide access to tertiary education for unemployed youth
- Support skills development in transport-related industries
- Contribute to reducing unemployment by building sector-specific skills
- Offer financial assistance for tuition fees, study materials, and in some cases, living costs
- Support specialised career pathways in aviation, maritime, logistics, and engineering
Skills and Attributes
Applicants who succeed in the TETA bursary programme typically demonstrate:
- Strong academic potential and commitment to their studies
- A genuine interest in transport-related fields (aviation, maritime, logistics, etc.)
- Discipline and resilience in pursuing demanding academic or technical programmes
- Good communication and problem-solving skills
- The ability to work well independently and within a team
What Qualifications Are Funded
TETA bursary funding applies to programmes in fields such as:
- Electrical, Electronic, Industrial, and Mechanical Engineering
- Logistics and Supply Chain Management
- Road Transport and Transport Economics
- Maritime Law and Nautical Studies
- Business Administration and Financial Management
- Health and Safety Management
- Aviation (Pilot Training, Instructor Ratings, ATPL-hour building)
- Diving Programmes (Class II, III, and IV)
Application Requirements
When applying, you must include the following documents:
- Certified copy of ID (not older than three months)
- Proof of registration or acceptance letter from institution
- Latest academic record (stamped)
- Certified Matric certificate (if a first-year applicant)
- Aviation/diving applicants: valid licenses, medical exam results, or certificates
- Certified copies of parents’/guardians’ IDs
- Proof of household income (recent payslips or affidavit if unemployed)
Important Notes
- Only one qualification per application is allowed.
- Incomplete or unclear documents will lead to automatic disqualification.
- Official application forms must be used.
How to Apply
Applications must be completed online through the official TETA bursary application portal. Applicants are advised to check deadlines and follow the guidelines carefully.
For assistance, applicants can contact:
- Confidence Ngobeni – Bursaries Administrator
- Mabongi Maduna
- Nelisiwe Mndaweni
- Juliet Manyoni – Bursaries Administrator
- Phuti Rankapole – Bursaries Practitioner
Why This Bursary Matters
The TETA Unemployed Bursary is more than financial aid — it is an investment in the future of South Africa’s transport industry. By supporting young people in specialised fields such as aviation, logistics, and maritime studies, the programme helps reduce unemployment, address critical skills shortages, and create sustainable career pathways.
Tips to Strengthen Your Application
- Double-check that you meet all requirements
- Submit clear, certified documents before the deadline
- Apply for only one qualification
- Maintain strong academic performance
- Provide accurate household income details