Top SETA Learnerships in South Africa: A Complete 2025 Guide to Skills Development
In South Africa’s evolving job market, SETA Learnerships stand out as one of the most effective ways to gain hands-on skills and formal qualifications simultaneously. Whether you’re a school leaver, unemployed graduate, or someone looking to upskill, these programs open doors to practical experience and nationally recognized certificates.
Let’s explore everything you need to know about SETA Learnerships — from eligibility and application tips to the best programs available in 2025.
Understanding SETA Learnerships
What is a Learnership Program?
A learnership is a structured training program that combines theory and practical workplace experience. Each learnership is aligned with the National Qualifications Framework (NQF), ensuring that participants earn a qualification recognized across South Africa.
Learners spend part of their time in classrooms or training centers and the rest working in real-world environments. This dual learning approach bridges the gap between academic learning and industry practice.
The Role of SETAs in South Africa’s Education System
SETA stands for Sector Education and Training Authority. These bodies were established by the South African government to promote skills development across various industries.
There are 21 SETAs, each responsible for specific sectors such as banking, agriculture, construction, and health. Their main goal is to identify skill shortages, fund learnerships, and ensure training quality through accreditation.
Types of SETA Learnerships Available in 2025
Business and Finance SETA Learnerships
These programs cover banking, bookkeeping, financial management, and entrepreneurship. Participants learn how to manage budgets, process payroll, and handle financial documentation — essential skills for South Africa’s growing business sector.
Health and Social Services SETA Learnerships
If you’re passionate about helping others, the Health and Welfare SETA (HWSETA) offers learnerships in nursing, caregiving, and social work. Graduates often find employment in hospitals, NGOs, and government programs.
Engineering and Construction SETA Learnerships
CETA (Construction Education and Training Authority) provides training in building, civil engineering, and project management. Learners gain practical skills like plumbing, bricklaying, and electrical installation.
ICT and Digital Skills Learnerships
The MICT SETA focuses on modern careers in technology — coding, digital marketing, cloud computing, and data analytics. These programs are ideal for young professionals aiming for high-demand tech jobs.
Benefits of Enrolling in a SETA Learnership
Enrolling in a SETA Learnership offers several key advantages:
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Nationally recognized qualifications (NQF certificates)
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Practical work experience with top employers
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Monthly stipends to support learners during training
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Improved employability in your chosen sector
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Pathways to permanent employment after completion
Many SETA graduates transition smoothly into full-time jobs because of the experience and credibility they gain during the program.
Eligibility and Requirements
To qualify for a SETA Learnership, you typically need:
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A valid South African ID
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A Grade 12 certificate (or equivalent)
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To be between 18 and 35 years old
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Be unemployed or not enrolled in full-time study
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Basic communication and math skills
Some specialized learnerships may require prior experience or relevant coursework.
Application Process: Step-by-Step Guide
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Identify your career field. Decide which SETA matches your interests (e.g., BANKSETA for finance).
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Visit the official SETA website or check job portals like Career Portal SA.
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Complete the application form and attach required documents.
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Submit your application before the closing date.
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Attend interviews or assessments if shortlisted.
Documents Needed for Application
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Certified copy of your ID
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Highest qualification certificate
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Updated CV
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Proof of address
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Motivational letter
Duration and Structure of Learnership Programs
Most SETA Learnerships last 12 months, combining:
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30% classroom training
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70% workplace experience
Upon successful completion, learners receive a national certificate, improving their professional credibility and job readiness.
SETA Accredited Institutions and Employers
Top organizations partnering with SETAs include:
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Standard Bank (BANKSETA)
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Department of Health (HWSETA)
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Telkom and Vodacom (MICT SETA)
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Murray & Roberts (CETA)
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These partnerships ensure quality training and real employment exposure.
Career Opportunities After Completing a Learnership
After completing a learnership, graduates can:
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Apply for entry-level positions in their field
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Continue education through higher NQF levels
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Start small businesses using their new skills
Employers often prefer SETA-certified candidates for their proven competence and reliability.
Challenges and Solutions in the Learnership System
While the SETA system is impactful, it faces challenges like limited funding, application backlogs, and placement shortages.
Solutions include:
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Expanding employer partnerships
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Enhancing digital platforms for applications
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Increasing awareness among youth
Future of SETA Learnerships in South Africa
The future looks promising! With the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) reshaping industries, SETAs are embracing digital transformation — integrating AI, robotics, and data analytics into training modules.
Government initiatives aim to double the number of learnerships by 2026, focusing on green energy, technology, and entrepreneurship.
FAQs About SETA Learnerships
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Are SETA Learnerships paid?
Yes! Learners receive a monthly stipend to cover basic expenses. -
Can I apply for multiple learnerships at once?
You can apply to more than one, but you can only participate in one at a time. -
Do SETA Learnerships guarantee employment?
Not guaranteed — but most learners find work soon after completion. -
What if I fail a module during the learnership?
You’ll be given support or a chance to redo the module. -
How can I verify if a learnership is SETA accredited?
Check the official SETA website or the SAQA database. -
Are there online SETA Learnerships?
Yes — several hybrid and digital programs now offer online components.SETA Learnerships Stipend 2026: Everything You Need to Know
Focus Keyword: SETA Learnerships Stipend
Introduction: What Is a SETA Learnership?
South Africa’s Sector Education and Training Authorities (SETAs) play a crucial role in developing skills and creating employment opportunities. Through learnership programmes, SETAs provide unemployed youth and employed workers with the chance to earn recognized qualifications while gaining hands-on experience in a real workplace.
A key question many learners ask before applying is:
“How much will I be paid during a SETA learnership?”The answer lies in the SETA learnership stipend, a financial allowance designed to support learners throughout the training period.
Understanding the SETA Learnership Stipend
A stipend is not the same as a salary. It’s a training allowance paid to learners for participating in a registered learnership programme. The purpose is to cover basic expenses such as transport, food, and other daily needs while the learner completes the programme.
The stipend amount depends on various factors such as:
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The qualification level (NQF level) of the learnership
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The duration of the programme
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The industry or sector
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The budget available from the employer and the SETA
In most cases, SETA stipends are guided by the Sectoral Determination 5: Learnerships, issued by the Department of Employment and Labour. This document outlines the minimum allowance employers must pay learners.
Average SETA Learnership Stipend in 2026
While stipend amounts may vary, the average SETA learnership stipend in South Africa typically ranges between R2,000 and R5,000 per month.
Here’s a general breakdown based on different NQF levels:
NQF Level Qualification Type Average Monthly Stipend (R) NQF 2 Entry-level (basic skills) R2,000 – R2,500 NQF 3 Intermediate certificate R2,500 – R3,000 NQF 4 Matric-level or equivalent R3,000 – R3,500 NQF 5 – 6 Diploma-level programmes R3,500 – R5,000+ Note: Some learnerships, especially in high-demand sectors like engineering, IT, and finance, may pay higher stipends—sometimes reaching R6,000 or more, depending on the sponsoring company.
Why Do Learners Receive a Stipend?
The stipend serves as financial support to help learners focus on their training without being burdened by financial hardship.
The main reasons for the stipend include:
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Encouraging participation among unemployed youth.
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Covering basic living costs, such as food and transport.
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Compensating for time and effort spent in training instead of regular employment.
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Promoting equality, ensuring all learners—regardless of background—can access training opportunities.
Essentially, the stipend acts as a motivational tool to ensure learners remain committed to completing their programmes.
How the SETA Stipend Is Calculated
Each SETA or employer may have a slightly different formula, but in general, the stipend is determined by:
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The national minimum wage (as a baseline reference)
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The number of training hours per month
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The complexity of the qualification (NQF level)
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The availability of SETA funding or grants
For instance, if the minimum wage is R27.58 per hour (as per recent updates), and a learner spends an average of 160 hours a month in training and work-based learning, the baseline stipend would be around R4,400 per month.
However, many employers provide a lower fixed stipend since the learnership is a structured training programme, not full employment.
Which SETAs Offer Learnership Stipends?
All 21 SETAs in South Africa offer stipends through registered learnerships. Here are a few popular examples:
SETA Name Industry Typical Stipend Range Services SETA Business, HR, Finance R2,500 – R4,000 MICT SETA ICT, Media, Telecommunications R3,000 – R5,000 CETA Construction and Engineering R3,000 – R5,500 HWSETA Health and Welfare R2,500 – R4,000 FASSET Finance and Accounting R3,500 – R6,000 LGSETA Local Government R2,500 – R4,000 Each SETA manages its own funding and allocation policies, so the stipend may differ depending on the host employer and training provider.
Do You Have to Pay Tax on a Learnership Stipend?
Generally, stipends are tax-free if the total amount falls below the annual tax threshold set by the South African Revenue Service (SARS).
However:
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If you earn more than the tax threshold, your stipend may be subject to tax deductions.
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Always check with your employer or training provider for clarification.
In most cases, SETA stipends are treated as allowances, not formal salaries, so learners often receive the full amount without deductions.
Payment Schedule and Duration
Learnership stipends are usually paid monthly, similar to a salary.
Payment starts once:
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You have signed the learnership agreement,
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The SETA has approved funding, and
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You have started training or work-based learning.
The duration of learnerships typically ranges from 12 to 24 months, depending on the qualification. Throughout this period, learners continue receiving a stipend each month, as long as they attend classes, meet performance requirements, and follow workplace rules.
Common Challenges Learners Face
While stipends are meant to help learners financially, there are still some challenges, such as:
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Late payments due to administrative delays.
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Inconsistent amounts if employers deduct for attendance or performance.
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Misunderstanding between learners and employers regarding payment schedules.
To avoid confusion, always:
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Keep a copy of your signed learnership agreement.
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Ask about the stipend amount and payment dates before starting.
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Contact your SETAs representative or skills development facilitator if payments are delayed.
How to Apply for a SETA Learnership with a Stipend
If you’re ready to apply, follow these steps:
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Identify your field of interest (e.g., business, IT, healthcare, or construction).
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Visit your relevant SETA website to view available learnerships.
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Prepare your CV, ID copy, and educational certificates.
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Register on platforms like:
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Apply directly to accredited training providers or companies offering SETA-funded learnerships.
Once accepted, ensure you understand the stipend details—how much you’ll earn, when it will be paid, and for how long.
Benefits of SETA Learnership Stipends
Receiving a stipend might seem small compared to a full salary, but it offers huge long-term benefits:
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Practical work experience in your field.
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Nationally recognized qualification (NQF).
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Improved employability after completion.
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Financial assistance during your training journey.
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Networking opportunities with professionals in your industry.
For many South African youth, the stipend represents more than money—it’s a pathway to financial independence and career growth.
Final Thoughts
A SETA learnership stipend is an essential part of the skills development system in South Africa. It ensures that learners can focus on their studies without worrying about daily expenses.
While the amount may not be high, the experience, qualification, and career opportunities gained through SETA learnerships are truly invaluable.
If you’re a young South African looking to start your career journey, applying for a SETA-funded learnership could be your best move in 2026 — and that monthly stipend will help you stay motivated and on track to success.
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Conclusion
SETA Learnerships are more than just training programs — they are career-launching opportunities that empower South Africans with the skills needed in today’s economy. Whether you dream of working in finance, healthcare, construction, or IT, there’s a SETA Learnership designed for you.
Start your application today and take the first step toward a brighter, employable future!