BANKSETA Opens Study-Debt Funding to Help Eligible Graduates Access Their Certificates
BANKSETA has opened an institutional funding window for outstanding study debt preventing eligible graduates from obtaining their certificates. Students do not apply directly: public universities, universities of technology and TVET colleges submit applications.
Who may benefit?
The published criteria concern unemployed South African identity-document holders younger than 35 who completed full qualifications in the 2026 academic year. Qualifications must align with BANKSETA sector-skills priorities.
What the support covers
Funding covers approved qualifying institutional debt, not new training, equipment or living stipends. The guidelines cap approved debt settlement at R120,000 per beneficiary, subject to budget and verification. This is debt relief through the institution, not a cash bursary.
How to apply
Graduates can ask their institution’s financial-aid or student-finance office whether it is preparing a BANKSETA submission. Eligible institutions should download the prescribed form and supporting-document requirements from the official call and submit through BANKSETA SIMS.
The deadline is 10 December 2026 at 16:00 South African time. Read the official funding guidelines before preparing a submission. Institutions must supply the prescribed application and supporting beneficiary and debt records; the full checklist is in the document pack.
Frequently asked questions
Can a graduate submit directly?
No. This window is for institutional applications. Contact your institution rather than sending personal documents to Reign Gigs.
Will every eligible graduate receive funding?
No. The cap is not a guaranteed award. Funding remains subject to BANKSETA approval, verification and available budget.
Reign Gigs is an independent publisher and is not affiliated with BANKSETA or responsible for application decisions.
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