Bursaries Without Matric In South Africa For 2025. Not having a Matric certificate doesn’t mean the end of your educational or career journey in South Africa. In fact, several bursaries without Matric in South Africa for 2025 are available, providing individuals with a second chance to gain skills, build careers, and pursue further education.
From skills development programmes to artisan training and learnerships, there are numerous opportunities for people without Matric to gain qualifications and even receive financial support along the way.
Why Bursaries Without Matric Matter in South Africa
Many South Africans face personal, financial, or family challenges that prevent them from completing Grade 12. To tackle unemployment and support youth development, the government and private institutions have introduced bursaries and programmes that don’t need Matric.
Whether you want to become a tradesperson, work in retail or hospitality, or simply build a career with hands-on skills, these programmes can help you get there without needing a Matric certificate first.
1. SETAs (Sector Education and Training Authorities)
The SETAs are among the top providers of bursaries without Matric in South Africa. They are responsible for skills development in specific economic sectors and offer training to individuals who want to work in practical or trade-based fields.
Popular SETAs That Offer Support Without Matric
| SETA Name | Industry Focus |
|---|---|
| ETDP SETA | Education, Training, and Development |
| CETA | Construction Sector |
| MERSETA | Manufacturing, Engineering |
| FOODBEV SETA | Food and Beverages |
| CHIETA | Chemical Industries |
| AGRISETA | Agriculture |
These SETAs often offer:
- Skills development programmes
- Artisan training
- Short courses
- Monthly stipends while training
You don’t need Matric to start some only require Grade 9 or 10 and a willingness to learn.
2. TVET College Bursaries via NSFAS
Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Colleges are ideal for learners without Matric. If you’ve passed Grade 9, you’re eligible to study at a TVET college and apply for funding through NSFAS.
What NSFAS Covers
- Tuition fees
- Accommodation (for eligible students)
- Transport costs
- Learning materials
- Meals and daily expenses
Popular Fields of Study
| Course Name | NQF Level | Matric Required |
|---|---|---|
| Electrical Engineering | 2–4 | No |
| Welding | 2–4 | No |
| Plumbing | 2–4 | No |
| Office Administration | 2–4 | No |
| Hairdressing | 2–4 | No |
| Hospitality | 2–4 | No |
TVET courses start from NQF Level 2, meaning Matric is not needed. These qualifications are recognised in the job market and can lead to employment or further study.
3. Funza Lushaka Bursary (If Completing Matric Soon)
Although Funza Lushaka is not for individuals without Matric yet, it’s an important bursary to know about if you’re planning to rewrite or upgrade your Grade 12 results.
The bursary is aimed at future teachers and covers:
- University tuition fees
- Accommodation
- Books and learning materials
- A living allowance
You must have (or plan to get) a Matric with bachelor’s pass to qualify.
4. Learnerships That Include Bursary Support
Many learnerships in South Africa offer bursary support without requiring Matric. These combine on-the-job training with classroom learning and provide monthly stipends to participants.
Examples of Learnerships Without Matric
- Youth Employment Service (YES) Initiative
- Retail Learnerships at Shoprite, Mr Price, Ackermans
- Hospitality Training Programmes
- Construction Learnerships via CETA
These programmes are ideal for youth who want to earn while they learn, gaining both experience and basic educational skills.
5. Community College Programmes (No Matric Needed)
Community colleges across South Africa offer Adult Education and Training (AET) and short skills programmes. These institutions are designed for learners who never finished school and need to upskill.
Common Community College Courses
| Programme Name | Matric Needed | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Literacy and Numeracy | No | 3–6 months |
| Welding | No | 6–12 months |
| Clothing Manufacturing | No | 6 months |
| Early Childhood Development (ECD) | No | 6–12 months |
| Agriculture Training | No | Varies |
Funding is often available via the Department of Higher Education, which offers bursaries without Matric for qualifying students.
6. NYDA Programmes and Grants (No Matric Required)
The National Youth Development Agency (NYDA) is another excellent resource for youth seeking bursaries and skills programmes without Matric.
They provide:
- Short business and vocational training
- Funding for small business startups
- Stipends during training
- Grants to launch micro-enterprises
This is especially useful if you have an entrepreneurial spirit or want to start your own hustle.
7. Second Chance and Finishing School Options
For those who want to complete Matric and unlock more bursary options later, there are multiple support systems in place.
- Second Chance Matric Programme (DBE)
- ABET (Adult Basic Education & Training)
- Matric College (Distance Learning)
Once you have your Matric, you’ll be eligible for university and TVET-level bursaries that require a Grade 12 certificate.
Bursaries and Programmes That Don’t Need Matric
| Programme Type | Matric Required | Funding Source |
|---|---|---|
| SETA Skills Programmes | No | SETA (CETA, MERSETA) |
| TVET College Courses | No (Grade 9 pass) | NSFAS |
| Learnerships | No | Private & Government |
| Community College Courses | No | Department of Higher Education |
| NYDA Grants & Training | No | National Youth Development Agency |
| Funza Lushaka | Yes (in future) | DHET (Post Matric) |
FAQs About Bursaries Without Matric in South Africa
Can I get a bursary without Matric in South Africa?
Yes, there are multiple bursaries without Matric in South Africa, including those from SETAs, TVET Colleges (via NSFAS), and NYDA-funded programmes. These opportunities support skills development, artisan training, and entrepreneurship.
What courses can I study without Matric?
You can study courses such as welding, hospitality, office administration, plumbing, hairdressing, basic literacy, and even business skills training without needing a Grade 12 certificate.
Will I get paid while doing these programmes?
Yes, many learnerships and SETAs offer monthly stipends to cover your transport, food, or other living costs while you’re learning or training.
Conclusion
Not having Matric should never limit your potential. South Africa has numerous bursaries without Matric for 2025 designed to help individuals develop employable skills, gain practical training, and even start their own businesses.
