Big Funding Alert! Apply Now for merSETA Discretionary Grants 2025 in South Africa

As of August 2025, the Manufacturing, Engineering, and Related Services Sector Education and Training Authority (merSETA) opened a call for applications for its 2025/26 Discretionary Grants. The application window is from 5 September 2025 for programmes launching in August 2025. 

While the main application window is closed, MerSETA periodically announces new funding windows or special initiatives. To stay informed about future grant opportunities, interested parties should: 

• Visit the official MerSETA website at www.merseta.org.za.
• Look for announcements under the “Levies and Grants” or “News/Media” sections.

Eligibility

For the 2025/26 Discretionary Grant window, eligible applicants included levy-paying and non-levy-paying merSETA employers, various educational institutions, community-based and non-governmental organizations, cooperatives, trade unions, research organizations, and accredited skills development providers. 

Past Funding Priorities

The grants typically support programs addressing critical skills shortages within the sector. Priorities for the 2025/26 window included PIVOTAL programs, Work Integrated Learning, support for SMMEs and rural enterprises, green skills, candidacy programs, and specialized initiatives like retrenchment assistance and bursaries.

Future Application Process

Future discretionary grant applications are expected to follow a similar process: 

Monitoring the merSETA website for announcements of future funding windows and access to the latest guidelines is crucial. 

Registration on the National Skills Development Management System (NSDMS) portal is required for application submission.

Applicants will need to provide the necessary documents, such as company registration, tax clearance, and B-BBEE certificates.