The Health and Welfare Sector Education and Training Authority (HWSETA) continues to support skills development in South Africa by funding education and workplace learning opportunities across the health, social development and veterinary sectors.
For 2026, prospective applicants can explore seven major learning pathways that may become available through approved employers, universities, TVET colleges, training providers and public institutions. These opportunities can help unemployed youth, graduates and employed workers gain qualifications, practical experience and industry-relevant skills.
It is important to note that HWSETA does not accept one national learner application. Instead, approved institutions and employers recruit participants after receiving discretionary grant funding from HWSETA.
HWSETA Skills Development Programmes 2026 Overview
| Programme | Purpose | Typical Target Group |
|---|---|---|
| Learnerships | Occupational qualification with workplace training | School leavers & unemployed youth |
| Skills Programmes | Short occupational skills training | Employed & unemployed candidates |
| Bursaries | Financial assistance for studies | Students |
| University Work Integrated Learning (WIL) | Practical placement for university students | Undergraduate students |
| TVET Work Integrated Learning | Workplace training for TVET learners | N6 students |
| Graduate Internships | Workplace experience after graduation | Diploma & degree graduates |
| Artisan Development | Trade training leading to artisan careers | Technical learners |
Financial Overview
Unlike many programmes, HWSETA does not publish one standard stipend or salary.
Funding depends on:
- Programme type
- Funding agreement
- Employer
- Institution
- Duration
- Attendance requirements
Estimated Financial Information
| Programme | Monthly Earnings |
|---|---|
| Learnerships | May include a learner allowance (varies) |
| Internships | May include a monthly stipend (varies) |
| WIL Placements | Some placements offer an allowance |
| Skills Programmes | Depends on funding arrangement |
| Bursaries | Tuition and approved study costs instead of salary |
| Artisan Development | Depends on apprenticeship agreement |
Always rely on the official advertisement for the confirmed allowance or stipend.
The Seven HWSETA Training Routes Explained
1. Learnerships
Learnerships combine classroom learning with practical workplace experience.
Participants complete a registered occupational qualification while working under supervision.
Benefits include:
- Industry-recognised qualification
- Workplace experience
- Professional development
- Improved employability
2. Skills Programmes
Skills Programmes are shorter than learnerships and focus on specific occupational skills.
Examples include:
- Administration
- Community support
- Health and safety
- Record management
- Communication
- Client support
Some programmes may carry credits towards larger qualifications.
3. Bursaries
HWSETA bursaries help eligible students studying qualifications linked to the health and welfare sector.
Funding may include:
- Tuition
- Registration
- Prescribed textbooks
- Accommodation
- Meals
- Learning materials
Coverage depends on the specific bursary agreement.
4. University Work Integrated Learning (WIL)
University students often require practical workplace experience before graduation.
WIL placements allow students to:
- Complete compulsory practical training
- Develop technical skills
- Gain professional experience
- Build workplace confidence
5. TVET Work Integrated Learning
TVET students who have completed their theoretical studies may require workplace exposure before qualifying.
Participants gain experience in:
- Administration
- Technical work
- Teamwork
- Workplace communication
- Record keeping
6. Graduate Internships
Internships help graduates transition into employment.
Graduates can:
- Apply academic knowledge
- Gain practical experience
- Build professional networks
- Strengthen their CV
Internships do not guarantee permanent employment.
7. Artisan Development
Artisan Development prepares candidates for skilled trades through:
- Technical training
- Workplace learning
- Practical instruction
- Trade test preparation
Requirements differ depending on the trade.
General Requirements
Requirements vary according to each programme, but applicants may need:
- South African ID
- Grade 10, Grade 11 or Grade 12
- Relevant diploma or degree (where applicable)
- Academic record
- Updated CV
- Proof of residence
- Registration at an approved institution (where required)
- Certified supporting documents
- Availability for the full programme
Always read the official advertisement carefully.
Duties and Responsibilities
Participants are generally expected to:
- Attend all scheduled training sessions
- Complete workplace learning
- Participate in practical activities
- Meet assessment requirements
- Maintain satisfactory attendance
- Follow workplace policies
- Complete assignments and portfolios
- Demonstrate professional conduct
Skills You Can Develop
Depending on the programme, participants may gain:
- Communication skills
- Computer literacy
- Administration
- Patient support
- Teamwork
- Professional ethics
- Problem-solving
- Time management
- Technical competence
- Workplace readiness
Career Opportunities
Successful participants may pursue careers in:
- Hospitals
- Clinics
- Community health organisations
- NGOs
- Social development agencies
- Veterinary services
- Public healthcare
- Private healthcare
- Government departments
- Rehabilitation centres
- Elderly care facilities
- Child and youth services
How to Apply
HWSETA learner application form.
Instead:
- Monitor official advertisements.
- Apply through the recruiting employer or institution.
- Prepare certified documents.
- Submit before the advertised closing date.
- Wait for communication from the recruiting organisation.
Where to Apply
Applications become available through:
- The official HWSETA website and career information portal
- Approved employers
- Public universities
- TVET colleges
- Government departments
- Approved training providers
- Participating healthcare and social development organisations
Always use the application channel stated in the official advertisement.
Closing Date
There is no single closing date for all learner applications.
The 2026–2027 Expression of Interest funding window for organisations closed on 20 February 2026.
Individual employers and institutions publish their own learner recruitment dates after funding approvals.
Applicants should therefore monitor official recruitment notices regularly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there one national HWSETA application?
No. Applications are submitted through participating employers or institutions.
Does every programme pay a stipend?
No. Some programmes provide an allowance, while others provide bursary funding or workplace experience only.
Can Grade 10 learners apply?
Some learnerships may accept Grade 10, while others require Grade 12 or higher.
Does completing a learnership guarantee employment?
No. Completing a programme improves employability but does not guarantee a permanent job.
Can graduates apply?
Yes. Graduate internships are designed for candidates who already hold relevant qualifications.
Who recruits learners?
Approved employers, universities, TVET colleges and other funded institutions recruit participants.
Key Takeaways
- HWSETA supports skills development across the health, social development and veterinary sectors.
- Seven learning pathways are available, including learnerships, internships and bursaries.
- Recruitment is conducted by approved employers and institutions—not through one national learner application.
- Programme requirements, funding and deadlines differ for every intake.
- Applicants should monitor official opportunities and submit complete applications before the advertised closing dates.
Editorial Policy
This article has been prepared using information published in the official HWSETA discretionary grant and programme guidance. It is intended to provide a factual overview of available learning pathways. No stipend amounts, entry requirements or recruitment dates have been estimated beyond what is stated in official programme notices. Applicants should always verify current information in the latest advertisement before applying.
Official Sources and References
- Health and Welfare Sector Education and Training Authority (HWSETA)
- Official HWSETA Discretionary Grant and Expression of Interest documentation (2026–2027)
- Official HWSETA Careers and Programme Information
- Participating employers, universities and TVET colleges recruiting under approved HWSETA-funded programmes
Tip from Phindile
Prepare your application documents before opportunities open. Keep certified copies of your South African ID, qualifications, academic records, updated CV and proof of residence ready in PDF format. Since many HWSETA-funded programmes have short application windows, having your documents organised allows you to apply quickly and avoid missing out on valuable training opportunities.
