The Chemical Industries Education and Training Authority (CHIETA) invites South African unemployed youth to apply for the Industrial Futures Bursary Programme for the 2026 academic year. This bursary is designed to remove financial barriers to study while building scarce skills needed in South Africa’s chemical, manufacturing, and industrial economy.
Applications open: 30 January 2026
Applications close: 27 February 2026 at 15:00
About CHIETA
CHIETA is the Sector Education and Training Authority responsible for skills development within South Africa’s chemical industries sector. Through targeted funding and training interventions, CHIETA supports industrial growth, innovation, and sustainable employment across manufacturing, engineering, and laboratory sciences.
The Industrial Futures Bursary is one of CHIETA’s flagship initiatives to develop future-ready professionals for high-demand technical fields.
What Is the CHIETA Industrial Futures Bursary?
The Industrial Futures Bursary supports academically strong but financially constrained youth who want to study qualifications aligned with the chemical industry. Beyond paying fees, the programme focuses on building long-term career pathways in technical and industrial disciplines.
Key focus areas include:
- Manufacturing and process operations
- Petrochemicals
- Laboratory sciences
- Engineering and industrial technology
Quick Overview
- Programme: CHIETA Industrial Futures Bursary 2026
- Target Group: Unemployed South African youth (16–35 years)
- Institutions: Public universities and TVET colleges
- Funding Support:
- Tuition fees up to R76,000 per year
- Textbooks and approved academic costs (subject to availability)
- Application Window: 30 January – 27 February 2026 (15:00)
Who Can Apply?
Applicants must meet all of the following criteria:
- South African citizen, unemployed, aged 16–35
- Completed Matric with Mathematics and Physical Science
- Minimum 75% overall average
- Accepted for 2026 at a public university or TVET college
- Registered or accepted for a chemical industry–related qualification
- Household income of R600,000 or less per year
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Priority is given to applicants who demonstrate strong academic potential and financial need.
What the Bursary Covers
- Tuition fees (up to R76,000 per annum)
- Textbooks and approved academic costs, subject to available funding
This support helps students focus on their studies without constant financial pressure.
Qualifications Supported
The bursary supports programmes aligned with the chemical and manufacturing sectors, including (but not limited to):
- Chemical Engineering
- Analytical Chemistry
- Industrial Chemistry
- Polymer Science
- Biotechnology
- Process Engineering
- Laboratory Technology
- Environmental Science
- Manufacturing Technology
Both university and TVET college programmes are eligible if aligned to sector priorities.
How to Apply for the CHIETA Industrial Futures Bursary 2026
Applications must be submitted online via the CHIETA bursary system.
Application steps: Apply here
- Create an account on the CHIETA bursary platform
- Complete the online application form
- Upload all required supporting documents
- Submit before 27 February 2026 at 15:00
Typical documents required:
- Certified copy of South African ID
- Matric certificate
- Proof of acceptance (university or TVET college)
- Academic transcripts
- Proof of household income
Enquiries
- Email: bursary@chieta.org.za
- Tel: 087 357 6623
Conclusion
The CHIETA Industrial Futures Bursary 2026 is a powerful opportunity for young South Africans who want to build careers in chemical, manufacturing, and industrial fields. With substantial tuition support and a focus on scarce skills, this bursary helps talented students transition from education into in-demand, sustainable careers.
If you meet the requirements and have secured acceptance for 2026, make sure you apply before the closing deadline.
