Support Teacher Empowerment Trust (STET) invites South African Black female students to apply for the STET Bursary Programme 2026.
Bursary Application Closing Date: 5 January 2026
Bursary Location: South Africa (UNISA – Distance Learning)
Support Teacher Empowerment Trust (STET) Bursary Programme 2026
South Africa urgently needs future-ready teachers, particularly in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) subjects that drive innovation, digital skills, and economic growth.
The Support Teacher Empowerment Trust (STET) is inviting applications from Black female South African students who aspire to study STEM-related qualifications and become part of the next generation of empowered educators.
This bursary is more than financial support — it is a holistic teacher development programme designed to build confident, digitally skilled, and socially conscious educators who can transform classrooms and communities.
About the Support Teacher Empowerment Trust (STET)
The Support Teacher Empowerment Trust (STET) is a South African non-profit organisation established in 2017 with a focused mission:
to strengthen teaching standards and empower future educators, particularly women, in high-demand STEM subjects.
STET was founded in response to challenges facing South Africa’s education system, especially in under-resourced schools where learners lack access to qualified teachers, digital tools, and modern teaching approaches.
What Makes STET Different?
Unlike bursaries that only pay tuition fees, STET follows a holistic empowerment model, which includes:
- Financial support through STEM teaching bursaries
- Structured mentorship and leadership development
- Digital skills and ICT training
- Exposure to modern, industry-relevant teaching methods
- Focus on future-oriented education
STET prioritises high-demand subjects such as:
- Coding
- Robotics
- Information and Communication Technology (ICT)
- Mathematics
- Science
This approach directly addresses South Africa’s digital divide and prepares educators for a technology-driven education system.
About the STET Bursary Programme 2026
The STET Bursary Programme 2026 targets Black female students who want to pursue undergraduate STEM qualifications and contribute meaningfully to basic education in South Africa.
Applications are open to students who are:
- Currently studying at UNISA, or
- Planning to register at UNISA for the 2026 academic year
Why UNISA?
UNISA’s distance learning model enables:
- Greater access for rural and disadvantaged students
- National reach across all provinces
- Reduced accommodation and relocation costs
By partnering with UNISA, STET ensures inclusive access to education for women across South Africa.
Fields of Study Covered
The bursary supports undergraduate STEM qualifications, including but not limited to:
- Mathematics
- Physical Sciences
- Life Sciences
- Information Technology
- Computer Science
- Coding and Robotics-related qualifications
- Engineering-related STEM pathways (within UNISA offerings)
- ICT-focused education streams
These fields are critical for:
- Improving numeracy and science literacy
- Preparing learners for the Fourth Industrial Revolution
- Building South Africa’s future workforce
Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must meet all of the following criteria:
- Be a South African citizen
- Be Black
- Be Female
- Be between 18 and 35 years old
- Have completed Matric
- Be studying or intending to study an undergraduate STEM qualification
- Be studying or intending to study at UNISA
⚠️ This bursary is intentionally targeted to address historical inequality and support women in under-represented STEM teaching fields.
How to Apply
Applications must be submitted online.
👉 Click here to apply for the Support Teacher Empowerment Trust (STET) Bursary Programme 2026
https://stet.co.za/apply-now/bursary-application-form/
Step-by-Step Application Process
- Visit the STET bursary application platform
- Complete the online application form carefully
- Upload all required supporting documents
- Review your information before submitting
- Submit before the closing date
⚠️ Incomplete applications will not be considered.
Required Supporting Documents
Applicants must upload clear, certified copies of:
- South African ID document
- Matric certificate or final results
- Latest academic record (if currently studying)
- Motivational letter explaining:
- Why you want to study STEM
- Why you want to become an educator
- How this bursary will impact your life and community
Your motivational letter plays a critical role in the selection process.
Closing Date
Closing Date: 5 January 2026
Late applications will not be accepted.