Education is the key to a brighter future, but financial constraints often stand in the way of pursuing dreams. For students passionate about the transport sector, the Transport Education Training Authority (TETA) Bursary offers a lifeline, enabling them to focus on their studies without worrying about the financial burden.
Who Can Apply for the TETA Bursary?
The TETA Bursary is designed to support a wide range of learners and students within the transport sector. If you fall into any of the following categories, you are eligible to apply:
- Learners Currently in Grade 12 or Completed Matric or NCV (L4): If you are finishing your secondary education or have recently completed it and are looking forward to studying a transport-related qualification, this bursary is for you.
- Current Students at Institutions of Higher Learning: Whether you are already enrolled in a higher education institution or planning to start in 2025, TETA can provide the financial support you need to continue your education.
- Aviation and Commercial Diving Students: If you hold a valid Private Pilot License (PPL) or Commercial Pilot License (CPL), or if you are a commercial diver with Class II, III, or IV certification, and wish to advance your skills, this bursary can help you achieve your goals.
- Learners Intending to Study in 2025: If you plan to pursue qualifications listed in TETA’s advert for the 2025 academic year, you are eligible to apply.
Eligibility for the TETA Bursary
Before you start your application for the TETA Bursary, ensure you meet the following criteria:
- South African Citizenship or Permanent Residency: You must be a South African citizen or have permanent resident status.
- Qualification Relevance: Your chosen field of study must align with the qualifications specified in the TETA bursary advert.
- Academic Status: You should be a student or prospective student at an accredited institution, including TVET colleges, universities, diving, or flying schools.
- Financial Need: Your household income must be R350,000 or less per annum.
- Youth Status: Applicants must be classified as youth at the time of application.
- First-Time Registrants: You should be registering for the first time at a public or private university or TVET college for an undergraduate qualification or National Certificate Vocational (NCV).
- Academic Performance: A minimum pass mark of 40% is required, with a focus on previously disadvantaged groups, including African, Coloured, and Indian people, women, and people with disabilities.
- Pilot and Diving School Requirements: Applicants for pilot training or commercial diving must meet specific licensing and certification requirements.
Required Documents for Application
Depending on your current academic level and the type of qualification you are pursuing, the documents required may vary. Here’s a breakdown of what you need:
For Grade 12/Matriculants/NCV (L4) Prospective First-Year Students:
- Certified Matric Certificate/Grade 12 Mid-Year Results/NCV (L4) results.
- Certified ID copy of the applicant.
- Certified ID copies of parents/guardian.
- Proof of income (payslip) or an affidavit if unemployed, or proof of SASSA/Pension grant.
- Affidavit confirming employment status.
- Proof of application to an Institution of Higher Learning.
For TVET Students (Previously FET Colleges):
- Certified Senior Certificate/Matric Certificate or Grade 12 Mid-Year Results or NCV (L4) results.
- Certified ID copies of the applicant and parents/guardian.
- Proof of application to a TVET college.
- Proof of registration (where applicable).
For Undergraduate/Postgraduate Students:
- Certified ID copies of the applicant and parents/guardian.
- Recent academic transcript or official results.
- Proof of application, registration, or acceptance letter from the Institution of Higher Learning.
- Financial Statement indicating the current status of the learner’s account.
For Pilot Training Applicants:
- Certified Matric Certificate/Grade 12 Mid-Year Results.
- Certified copy of a valid Private or Commercial Pilot License.
- Proof of registration from a flying school.
- Quotations for training costs.
For Commercial Diving Applicants:
- Certified Matric Certificate/Grade 12 Mid-Year Results.
- Certified copy of the highest qualification.
- Proof of registration or application from a diving school.
- Quotations for training costs and equipment.
Research Themes for Postgraduates
For postgraduate students, research topics relevant to the transport sector should be aligned with TETA’s research agenda. These topics should be agreed upon between the learner and the Research and Knowledge Unit to ensure they meet TETA’s priorities.
How to Apply
When applying for the TETA Bursary, follow these detailed guidelines to enhance your chances of success:
- Select One Qualification: You can only apply for one qualification, so choose carefully.
- One Application per Person: Each applicant is allowed only one submission, so make sure it’s your best.
- Use the Correct Link: Access the TETA Online Bursary Application System at https://indicium.teta.org.za/Account/Login.aspx.
- Document Certification: All copies of documents must be certified and no older than six months.
- Format and Label Your Documents: Ensure all supporting documents are in PDF format, properly named, and uploaded to the correct fields.
Tip: College vs University: Which Qualification Secures Better Jobs in South Africa
Reasons for Automatic Rejection
To avoid disappointment, ensure you adhere strictly to the following guidelines, as failure to do so may result in the automatic rejection of your application:
- Incorrect or Incomplete Information: Double-check that all your details are accurate and complete before submission.
- Ineligibility: If you do not meet at least two of the eligibility requirements, your application will be rejected.
- Missing Documents: Failure to submit all required documents will lead to rejection.
- Duplicate Funding: If you are already funded by TETA or another sponsor, your application will not be considered.
- Household Income Exceeds R350,000: If your household income surpasses the limit, your application will be declined.
- Improper Document Submission: Ensure that all documents are correctly uploaded and are clear and legible. Misplaced or unreadable documents will result in rejection.
Important Points to Note
Before submitting your application for the TETA Bursary, keep these crucial points in mind:
- Parental Consent for Minors: If you are under 18, an affidavit or consent letter from your parent or guardian is required.
- Accurate Application: Ensure that all sections of the application form are completed accurately and all required documents are attached.
- Performance Monitoring: TETA reserves the right to withdraw the bursary if the recipient’s academic performance is unsatisfactory.
- Funding Limitations: TETA will not fund applicants studying less than four modules per semester or those registered for part-time or online qualifications.
- Publication Rights: TETA reserves the right to publish any dissertation or thesis produced at the end of the programme.
Applying for the TETA Bursary is a significant step towards achieving your educational and career goals in the transport sector. By carefully following the eligibility criteria, avoiding common pitfalls that lead to rejection, and submitting a complete and accurate application, you enhance your chances of securing this valuable funding. Whether you’re a fresh matriculant, a current student, or someone looking to further your studies in aviation or diving, the TETA Bursary could be your gateway to a successful future.