About The Organization
The Culture, Arts, Tourism, Hospitality and Sport Sector Education and Training Authority (CATHSSETA) is a government-linked organization in South Africa. It was created under the Skills Development Act to help young people gain skills and qualifications in important sectors of the economy. CATHSSETA helps learners and workers by funding training, learnerships, internships, and bursaries so they can study and get jobs in fields like tourism, hospitality, sports, arts and more.
About The Bursary Programme
The CATHSSETA bursary helps students who are studying or want to study in fields that fall under CATHSSETA’s sectors. The bursary can be used to pay for things like:
Study fees and tuition
Textbooks
Accommodation (if you stay away from home)
Meals
Other study-related costs
You must be enrolled (or about to enroll) at a South African public university, university of technology, or FET college for courses that are part of CATHSSETA’s focus areas.
📘 What Does The Bursary Cover?
✔ Tuition and registration fees
✔ Textbooks and study materials
✔ Accommodation and meals (where needed)
✔ Other related educational costs
(Exact amounts and coverage can vary each year depending on the funding available.)
Eligibility Requirements – Who Qualifies?
You can apply for the CATHSSETA bursary if:
✅ You are a South African citizen
✅ You are studying or have an acceptance letter for a qualification in one of these sectors:
• Arts, Culture & Heritage
• Hospitality
• Tourism & Travel
• Conservation
• Gaming & Lotteries
• Sport, Recreation & Fitness
(These fields are part of CATHSSETA’s skills areas.)
👉 The bursary is usually for students at public universities, universities of technology, or TVET/FET colleges in South Africa.
Who Is Disqualified – Who Should Not Apply
You should not apply if:
🚫 You are not studying (or not accepted) into a relevant course
🚫 You are studying in a field that is not part of CATHSSETA’s sector
🚫 You already have full funding from another government bursary (like NSFAS)
🚫 You can afford your full tuition and study costs without assistance
(Exact terms change with each year, so always check the latest guidelines.)
How To Apply For The Bursary
CATHSSETA bursaries are usually offered as Discretionary Grants through accredited institutions or training providers — individuals cannot apply directly to CATHSSETA online by themselves. Applications must be submitted through your college or university or a training provider that is partnered with CATHSSET
📍 Application Steps (General)
1. Get acceptance or be enrolled in your chosen course.
2. Prepare your documents (ID, acceptance letter, Matric results, proof of residence).
3. Apply through your institution or accredited training provider during the bursary intake window.
4. If shortlisted you will be contacted by the institution or provider.
5. The bursary decision will be announced after evaluation.
🔗 The main official website to start is:[https://www.cathsseta.org.za] – check the Funding / Discretionary Grant sections for bursary announcements.
📅Important Dates
📌 2026/27 Discretionary Grant Bursary Window
Opening date: 11 December Annually
Closing date: 31 January Annually at 16h00
These dates are for the 2027/28 funding intake period (bursaries included under Discretionary Grants).
The exact dates for bursary applications each year may change — always check the official website announcements or ask at your training institution
Bursary Contact Details
📍 Address:270 George Road, Noordwyk, Midrand, South Africa
📞 Telephone:011 217 0600
📧 Email: [info@cathsseta.org.za]
🌐 Website: [www.cathsseta.org.za]
