National Skills Fund (NSF) Bursary

The National Skills Fund has confirmed continued funding for bursaries and skills programmes linked to its 2026 cycle, affecting thousands of young people and training institutions across Gauteng. The funding supports priority skills development programmes aligned with national economic needs and post-school education plans. This matters now as youth unemployment in Gauteng remains high and demand for funded training opportunities continues to outstrip supply.

What the National Skills Fund is and how it works

Main areas funded by the National Skills Fund

How NSF bursary and skills funding applications work

2026 NSF-linked bursary and training opportunities

What This Means for Gauteng Residents

NSF leadership and accountability

The National Skills Fund operates under the Department of Higher Education and Training and plays a central role in financing skills development initiatives outside the traditional university funding system.

ALSO READ: Bursaries Closing in February 2026

The National Skills Fund, commonly referred to as the NSF, is a public entity established in 1999 under the Skills Development Act. It is listed as a Schedule 3A public entity in terms of the Public Finance Management Act and reports to the Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation.

According to the department, the fund exists to finance skills development initiatives that are identified as national priorities in the National Skills Development Plan 2030.

Unlike NSFAS, which focuses mainly on student financial aid at universities and TVET colleges, the NSF funds a wider range of skills programmes. These include bursaries, workplace-based learning, learnerships, artisan development, infrastructure investment, and research linked to labour market needs.

Gauteng is the economic hub of South Africa and has one of the highest concentrations of unemployed youth, job seekers, and skills training providers. Many NSF-funded projects are implemented through Gauteng-based colleges, training academies, municipalities, and sector bodies.

The department has previously indicated that NSF funding is used to bridge the gap between education and employment by funding training that responds directly to labour market demand.

For Gauteng residents, this means access to funded skills programmes in sectors such as manufacturing, aviation, security, construction, digital skills, and public infrastructure support.

The NSF does not fund programmes randomly. Its funding priorities are guided by legislation, national policy, and long-term development plans.

Key frameworks guiding NSF funding include:

The National Skills Development Plan 2030

The White Paper on Post-School Education and Training

The Industrial Policy Action Plan

According to the NSF, funding is targeted at initiatives that improve employability, support economic participation, and strengthen the post-school education and training system.

The NSF’s work is structured around three core areas.

Education and training of learners through bursaries, scholarships, and skills programmes

Support for the post school education and training system, including skills infrastructure and institutional capacity building

Skills development, research, innovation, and system improvement

Funding is channelled through public institutions, training providers, and approved partners rather than directly to individuals in most cases.

The NSF’s revenue comes from several sources defined in law.

Twenty percent of the national skills development levies

Interest earned on investments held with the Public Investment Corporation

Uncommitted surpluses transferred from the sector education and training authorities

According to National Treasury listings, the NSF has been classified as a Schedule 3A public entity since 2012, which places it under strict financial governance and reporting requirements.

The NSF does not run continuous open bursary applications in the same way as NSFAS. Instead, funding is released through specific calls and partnerships.

There are two main application routes.

Open callsIn an open call process, the NSF publishes requests for proposals and invites qualifying institutions and organisations to submit skills development proposals. These are evaluated competitively based on alignment with national priorities, available funding, and geographic spread.

Closed callsIn closed calls, the NSF targets specific institutions or sectors. These often include TVET colleges, universities, community education and training colleges, municipalities, state-owned companies, and non-profit organisations.

Individual applicants usually apply through funded programmes rather than directly to the NSF.

For the 2026 cycle, several NSF-linked and government-supported programmes have opened or announced timelines.

One confirmed opportunity affecting Gauteng youth is the Flyfofa Cabin Crew Training Programme for 2026. According to programme details, the initiative targets young people s

You must represent the bursary programme positively in your professional conduct and fulfill any work-back obligations specified in your bursary contract after graduating. As a bursary recipient, your responsibilities will include maintaining the minimum academic performance standards and attending all lectures and tutorials as required.

Commitment to completing your qualification within the prescribed time and willingness to fulfill any work-back obligations. South African citizenship and acceptance or current enrolment at a recognised South African tertiary institution.

This opportunity was sourced from Nasi-Ispani. Always verify final requirements and deadlines on the official source before applying.

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Multiple positions/application links:
• NSF funding is used to bridge the gap: https://www.dhet.gov.za/SitePages/NSF.aspx
• Flyfofa Cabin Crew Training Programme for 2026: https://www.flyfofa.co.za/nsf-bursary-cabin-crew-training/

This bursary is offered by Not specified.