The Services Sector Education and Training Authority (Services SETA) has announced a range of measures to promote education and skills development from students with outstanding debt, to first-time entrants to university, to funding for post-school education and training colleges and graduate internships.
The support measures are targeted at different stages of the education and employment cycle. The focus is on reducing barriers to students completing their studies and moving on to the workforce.
Among the most recent of these initiatives is R9.3 million in funding for 155 students at the Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT), who have been unable to access their graduation certificates due to historical student debt.
R9.3 million helps 155 CPUT students access certificates
Services SETA contributed R9.3 million towards outstanding student debt at the CPUT, helping 155 students who have completed their studies but who were unable to access their graduation certificates because of historical unpaid fees.
The impact of this particular intervention has the potential to stretch well beyond the receipt of a graduation certificate by these students.
The certificate itself may be required by graduates when applying for jobs, further studies or other opportunities. Until the debt is cleared, the graduate does not have this important ‘key’.
R20 million allocated for first-time university students
Services SETA has also allocated R20 million in March 2026 for students who are first-time entrants to university who are not recipients of National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) funding as per the information provided.
This financial aid is targeted at students who would not otherwise be able to access university education as they are not receiving NSFAS support.
The important caveat for would-be beneficiaries of this particular Services SETA intervention is that it should not be assumed to be a right for all students who are not receiving NSFAS funding.
Prospective students should take care to understand the qualifying criteria and terms and conditions of any Services SETA-supported funding before making any decisions about financing their studies.
R90 million committed to CET colleges
Services SETA has committed R90 million to the revitalisation of Community Education and Training (CET) colleges.
The funding is targeted at upgrading facilities and equipment, and has been allocated on a provincial basis with the allocation for each province amounting to R10 million.
CET colleges are an important pillar of the post-school education and training sector, providing an alternative to traditional tertiary education.
This commitment demonstrates the importance of CET colleges – as does the collaboration with the Department of Higher Education and Training in making the announcement.
The need for education and skills development spans a wide spectrum and is not limited to just universities and Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET) colleges. CET colleges play a critical role in meeting the demand for education and skills development.
Power of X² provides 20,000 graduate internships
The Power of X² is a national programme that has earmarked 20,000 graduate internships for unemployed graduates. It provides a structured 24-month workplace experience programme.
For graduates, a structured internship can be integral to helping them navigate the transition from studying to being in the workforce.
While a qualification may open the door to a range of opportunities, the completion of a structured internship can provide them with the additional credibility and confidence boost that they require to secure a job.
That said, an internship should not be mistaken for a permanent position. As per usual practice, graduates should familiarise themselves with the terms and conditions of any internship before accepting it. There may be implications for those who are considering an internship as a permanent job opportunity.
Services SETA supports different phases of a student’s journey
An analysis of the various initiatives that have been announced by Services SETA indicates that the SETA covers different phases of a student’s journey.
The student support interventions range from helping students clear historical debt, to assisting first-time entrants to university who are not receiving NSFAS, to supporting CET colleges, to helping graduates secure internships.
Each of the targeted areas plays an important role in ensuring equitable access to education, skills development and employment.
The significance of the SETA’s multi-pronged approach reflects the fact that the barriers to accessing post-school education and employment opportunities often continue long after completing one’s studies.
What this means for students and graduates
South Africans who are considering applying for any form of Services SETA support should note that the information presented in this article indicates what has been announced, rather than what is currently open for applications.
As such, it is always important to confirm whether one qualifies for any form of Services SETA funding, and what the application timelines, required documents, eligibility requirements, whether any allowances stipends or other benefits, and whether an internship, qualification or other support is being offered.
This is particularly important given that eligibility criteria and application timelines can vary for different initiatives.
Why these interventions matter
Education and employment are inextricably linked. If one cannot access education, one cannot access employment. If one cannot access employment, one cannot access financial independence.
A student who is unable to settle historical student debt, for instance, will be unable to access their qualification certificate upon graduation, despite having completed their studies. Another student who is unable to access funding support will be unable to access university, despite having the academic credentials and motivation to study. A graduate who has completed their studies, but who lacks the necessary workplace experience, will be unable to access employment opportunities despite having a qualification.
The interventions that have been announced by Services SETA are geared towards addressing the barriers that students and graduates face at different stages of their journey.
The impact of these initiatives, however, will ultimately be determined by how many of those who are eligible for support are able to access it, and how effectively the opportunities provided contribute to bridging the skills gap.
Source
Sources: Services SETA and the Cape Peninsula University of Technology, with additional information on the CET investment from the South African Government News Agency.
Services SETA official website
Editorial policy
This article was independently written for South African readers using the supplied information and cited institutional sources. Reported funding amounts and beneficiary figures have been retained where supported by the source material. No unsupported salaries, stipends, eligibility requirements or application deadlines have been added.
Disclaimer
The initiatives discussed in this article should not automatically be interpreted as current open applications. Funding availability, eligibility requirements and application dates can change. Students and graduates should confirm the latest information through the relevant official institution before applying.
Applicant awareness
Be cautious of individuals or websites claiming to offer guaranteed Services SETA funding, internships or employment.
Do not pay anyone for guaranteed selection. Verify the programme and application process through an official source before providing identity documents, banking information or other personal details..
