In order to promote skill development in the retail industry, the Wholesale and Retail Sector Education and Training Authority (W&RSETA) has launched its W&RSETA bursary program for the 2025 academic year. This program offers qualifying South African students financial aid to support their technical training in a range of retail-related disciplines as well as their further education.
Opportunities for Aspiring Retail Professionals
The bursary program is available to students pursuing qualifications that align with the Sectoral Priority Occupations and Interventions (HTFVs) as well as Emerging Occupations outlined in the Sector Skills Plan. A range of retail-related qualifications will be considered, including but not limited to:
- Food Technology / Food Security
- Financial Accounting / Management
- Human Resources
- Operations and Supply Chain Management
- Business and Office Administration
- Credit and Clothing Technology
- ICT / Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) Programs
By targeting these disciplines, the W&RSETA bursary aims to equip students with the necessary skills to thrive in the retail sector, ensuring a well-trained workforce for the future.
Who Qualifies for the Bursary?
To be eligible for this bursary, applicants must meet specific criteria:
- Be South African citizens under the age of 35 (if unemployed).
- Be accepted or registered with an institution for one of the qualifying study programs.
- Preference will be given to “missing middle” students—those whose parental income falls between R350,000 and R600,000 annually.
This initiative is designed to bridge the gap for students who may not qualify for full government funding yet still require financial assistance to pursue their studies.
Types of Institutions That Can Apply
The bursary is not directly accessible to individual students but is instead managed through qualifying entities, which include:
- Public and Private Higher Education Institutions (HETs)
- Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Colleges
- W&RSETA Levy-paying Entities
- Bursary Administrators and Retail Chairs
These entities will be responsible for the recruitment and registration of qualifying students on the W&RSETA Management Information System (MIS).
Application Process and Deadlines
Applicants must submit their bursary applications online via the W&RSETA stakeholder portal at www.wrseta.org.za. The application process involves the submission of:
- Proof of institutional registration and program accreditation.
- A list of selected registered students and their chosen study programs.
- Cost schedules for courses and students.
Entities submitting applications must ensure that all documentation is uploaded correctly to the MIS system, as outlined by W&RSETA.
The application deadline is 21 February 2025, with bursary allocations expected to be finalized by 15 April 2025. Upon approval, successful applicants will receive an Award Letter, after which bursar registrations can proceed.
Funding and Benefits
The bursary covers essential educational expenses, including:
- Tuition fees
- Books and stationery
- An incidental/student allowance
Funding will be awarded at the discretion of W&RSETA, subject to budget availability. Payments will be processed upon submission of a Grant Claim Form, following the conclusion of the bursary contract.
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Support for Applicants
For first-time applicants, W&RSETA provincial offices are available to provide guidance on the application process and access to the MIS system. Below are the relevant contact details for provincial representatives:
| Province | Contact Person | Phone Number | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Eastern Cape | Mzamo Matyobeni | 043 726 3281 | mmatyobeni@wrseta.org.za |
| Western Cape | Ashley Goliath | 021 561 6500 | agoliath@wrseta.org.za |
| KwaZulu-Natal | Angel Gambushe | 031 277 0500 | agambushe@wrseta.org.za |
| Gauteng North | Lekgethile Mothoa | 012 430 4930 | lmothoa@wrseta.org.za |
| Gauteng South | Jephrey Nene | 011 656 0085 | jnene@wrseta.org.za |
| Limpopo | Sipho Khosa | 015 291 2237 | skhosa@wrseta.org.za |
| Mpumalanga | Portia Chiloane | 013 690 1214 | pchiloane@wrseta.org.za |
| North West | Membry Mmolotsi | 014 592 0483 | mmmolotsi@wrseta.org.za |
| Northern Cape | Kabelo Thembu | 053 831 4117 | kthembu@wrseta.org.za |
| Free State | Senzenina Moroe | 051 444 0766 | smoroe@wrseta.org.za |
The W&RSETA 2025 Bursary provides a significant opportunity for students aiming to pursue retail-related qualifications. With funding available for a wide range of academic programs, this initiative is set to contribute positively to the growth and sustainability of South Africa’s retail sector.
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Prospective students and qualifying institutions are encouraged to apply before the 21 February 2025 deadline to secure financial assistance for their studies.
