Funding Window Guidelines for Employers 2026-27

Closing Date: March 27, 2026

Description of Funding Window

The objective of this funding window is to invite BANKSETA levy-paying employers to apply for Discretionary Grant Funding for the following.

#	Programme	Total Funding Available *	Capped Amount per Learner
1	Workers enrolled in learnership programmes	R75 000 000	Maximum funding of R50 000 for the end-to-end delivery of the programme
2	Unemployed learners enrolled in learnership programmes	R224 000 000	Maximum funding of R112 000 for the end-to-end delivery of the programme, including learner stipends and UIF, for at least 12 months
3	Workers granted Bursaries (New) Continuing Bursaries refer to learners in the second, third or final year of studies.	R41 000 000	Maximum funding of R50 000 for the end-to-end delivery of the programme
4	Workers granted Bursaries (continuing) Continuing Bursaries refer to learners in the second, third or final year of studies.	R25 000 000	Maximum funding of R50 000 for the end-to-end delivery of the programme
5	Workers enrolled in Skills Programmes	R15 000 000	Maximum funding of R30 000 for the end-to-end delivery of the programme
6	Unemployed learners enrolled in skills programmes	R30 300 000	Maximum funding of R56 000, including but not limited to delivery, assessment, certification, and stipends
7	Unemployed learners enrolled in internship programmes	R66 096 000	R99 000 (600018 months) Or R72 000 (600012) months

PLEASE NOTE: The above funding is per learner per programme, irrespective of the duration it takes the learner to complete the programme. For example, Occupational Qualifications may take longer to complete.

Please submit only one application per category.

The funding windows open on 06 February 2026 and close at 16h00 on 27 March 2026.

Submission Information

No late applications will be accepted.
Applications must be submitted to the BANKSETA MIS. SIMS (Training will be provided to all stakeholders).
Submission of the application will be acknowledged; however, applicants must note that the completeness and correctness of applications will only be evaluated/determined after the closing date.