Discretionary Grant Funding Window 2026/27 Now Open
Reference: 2026/27-DG-03
Services SETA invites eligible employers, sectoral associations, professional bodies, trade unions and federations, and accredited Skills Development Providers within its scope to apply for the 2026/27 Discretionary Grant window.
The window supports learning programmes that build scarce and critical skills and enable workplace-based learning. Available grant types include learnerships, apprenticeships, Recognition of Prior Learning, Adult Education and Training, skills programmes and candidacy. Eligibility differs by learning programme.
Applications must align with the Sector Priority Occupations and Interventions List and hard-to-fill vacancies specified in Annexure A. Applicants may apply for a maximum of two learning programmes.
Non-compulsory online briefing sessions
Prospective applicants are strongly encouraged to attend. Each session covers all three open grant windows: Regular Discretionary Grants, Strategic Projects and Public Entities.
| Date | Time | Recording Link |
|---|---|---|
| 22 October 2026 | 10:00–13:00 | Watch Recording Here |
| 23 October 2026 | 10:00–13:00 | Watch Recording Here |
The sessions will explain the grant types, eligibility criteria and application requirements, and include a demonstration of the application system.
How to apply
The application system for this window is currently unavailable. The submission deadline has been extended to 15 November 2026.
Applicants must complete and sign the required declarations and upload all compulsory supporting documents, which must be valid at submission. Incomplete applications will be disqualified.
Before applying, read the full advert, Annexure A, the Discretionary Grant Policy and applicable unit costs for detailed eligibility requirements, grant priorities and supporting documents. Consult the evaluation criteria when preparing your application.
Documents and forms
- Discretionary Grant Advert 2026/27
- Occupational Qualifications and Learning Programmes
- Discretionary Grant Evaluation Criteria
- Reference Letter Template
- Declaration of Interest
- Tranche Guidelines
- Declaration of Authorised Person
- POPI Declaration
- List of Professional Bodies
The documents and forms above must be read together with the full supporting-document requirements in the advert.
Applicants are encouraged to consult the Sector Skills Plan, Strategic Plan and Annual Performance Plan, available below, to ensure their proposals align with Services SETA’s priorities.
Enquiries
For assistance, email dgwindow2627@serviceseta.org.za by 6 November 2026.
Submission does not guarantee a grant. Applications are subject to compliance checking, evaluation, due diligence and allocation.
