Bursaries Without Matric in South Africa 2025
South Africa has plenty of bursaries and programmes for people without Matric, especially if you want to learn a skill, start working, or study further.
Whether you want to become a mechanic, work in hospitality, or boost your education — there’s something out there for you.
Bursaries Without Matric in South Africa
Let’s break it down.
Bursaries & Programmes That Don’t Need Matric
1. SETAs (Sector Education and Training Authorities)
SETAs offer bursaries and learnerships — many of which don’t require Matric.
Popular SETAs:
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ETDP SETA – for education and training
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CETA – for construction
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MERSETA – for manufacturing and engineering
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FOODBEV SETA – for food and beverage sector
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CHIETA – for chemical industries
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AGRISETA – for agriculture
They offer:
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Skills development programmes
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Artisan training
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Short courses
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Stipends while you learn
Check www.nationalskillsportal.co.za or individual SETA websites.
2. TVET College Bursaries via NSFAS
If you’ve passed Grade 9, you can study at a TVET College, even without Matric — and NSFAS will pay for it!
NSFAS Covers:
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Tuition fees
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Accommodation
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Transport
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Learning materials
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Meals
Fields You Can Study:
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Electrical Engineering
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Plumbing
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Welding
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Hospitality
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Hairdressing
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Office Admin
Courses start from NQF Level 2, no Matric needed.
Apply for NSFAS: www.nsfas.org.za
TVET info: www.tvetcolleges.co.za
3. Funza Lushaka (If You’re Finishing Matric Later)
If you’re planning to re-write or upgrade Matric and want to teach after, the Funza Lushaka Bursary could help in the future.
It doesn’t help without Matric yet — but it’s worth keeping on your radar if you plan to complete it soon.
4. Learnerships That Offer Bursary Support
Some learnerships include bursary support and don’t need Matric. These are hands-on work and training programmes for young people.
Examples:
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Youth Employment Service (YES) Programme
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Retail Learnerships (Shoprite, Mr Price, Ackermans)
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Hospitality Learnerships
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Construction Training (CETA programmes)
They pay you a monthly stipend, and some even cover training costs or basic education courses.
See latest learnerships at zabusaries.com/learnerships
5. Community College Programmes (No Matric Needed)
Community colleges offer skills training and adult education (AET) for those without Matric.
Many have funding or bursary options through the Department of Higher Education.
Bursaries Without Matric in South Africa
Courses include:
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Basic Literacy and Numeracy
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Agriculture
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Welding
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Clothing Manufacturing
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Early Childhood Development (ECD)
Find one near you at: www.dhet.gov.za
Bursaries Without Matric in South Africa
6. NYDA Funded Programmes & Grants
The National Youth Development Agency (NYDA) funds small business training, short skills courses, and even offers grants to help you start a hustle — no Matric required.
Bursaries Without Matric in South Africa
You can:
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Attend a short course
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Start your own small business
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Get a stipend during training
Bursaries Without Matric in South Africa
Extra Options If You Want to Finish School
If you’d like to go back and complete Matric, there are funded options too:
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Second Chance Matric Programme (by DBE)
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ABET (Adult Basic Education & Training)
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Matric College (distance learning options)
You can then qualify for university bursaries or higher-level funding!
FAQs – Bursaries Without Matric in South Africa
Bursaries Without Matric in South Africa
Q: Can I get a bursary with only Grade 9?
Yes! TVET Colleges accept students with Grade 9 for NATED and NC(V) programmes — and NSFAS pays if you qualify.
Q: Are learnerships the same as bursaries?
Not exactly. Learnerships combine work + study and pay you a stipend. Some also include bursary-style benefits (training, meals, or accommodation).
Bursaries Without Matric in South Africa
Q: What if I failed Matric? Can I still get help?
Absolutely! You can:
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Apply to TVET Colleges
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Join SETA programmes
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Enroll in Community Colleges
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Re-write Matric through Second Chance Programme
Q: Is NSFAS only for university students?
Nope! NSFAS also covers TVET Colleges, which is ideal if you don’t have Matric but have at least Grade 9.
Bursaries Without Matric in South Africa
Final Thoughts
Life happens. Whether you didn’t finish Matric, failed it, or never started — there’s still a path forward. South Africa has bursaries, training programmes, and learnerships to help you level up without Matric.
So don’t give up. Start small. Apply for what’s available now, and grow your skills one step at a time.
For the latest bursaries with or without Matric, visit zabusaries.com
Bursaries Without Matric in South Africa
Bursaries Without Matric in South Africa
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