PSIRA 2026 External Study Bursary

Application for the PSIRA 2026 External Study Bursary for Security Officers and Their Children is now opened.

The Private Security Industry Regulatory Authority (PSIRA) has officially opened applications for its 2026 External Study Bursary. This initiative supports security officers and their legal children who wish to pursue higher education at institutions accredited by the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) across South Africa.

The bursary forms part of PSIRA’s Corporate Social Investment (CSI) in the security sector — aimed at empowering families of security officers and helping them access quality education. Applications close on 31 December 2025.

If you’re part of the private security industry, this is your chance to take an important step toward academic and career advancement.

Before applying, security professionals can manage their credentials easily through the PSIRA Renewal Online Booking Portal and verify details via the PSIRA Online Verification System.

PSIRA 2026 EXTERNAL STUDY BURSARY ELIGIBILITY

Eligibility and Requirements

To qualify for the 2026 PSIRA bursary, applicants must meet the following conditions:

The applicant must be employed in the private security sector or be the legal child of a registered PSIRA security officer.
Both the learner and parent must be South African citizens.
Applicants must be between 19 and 35 years old.
The learner must have completed Grade 12 and be accepted or enrolled at a registered and accredited institution for the 2026 academic year.
Applications are open to candidates from all provinces in South Africa.

This bursary provides a meaningful opportunity for families in the private security sector to pursue courses in a variety of fields, from IT and management to technical and vocational training offered at accredited colleges.

You can explore related programs through our guide on the List of Courses Offered at Majuba TVET College.

Field of Study

The bursary applies to any accredited course at institutions registered with the DHET across South Africa. This includes:

TVET Colleges (for certificate and diploma courses)
Universities and Universities of Technology (for undergraduate degrees)

Applicants are encouraged to choose courses that enhance skills in high-demand sectors such as security management, law, information technology, and public safety.
Students interested in health-related disciplines can explore promising options in our guide to Food, Nutrition and Dietetics Careers.

Stipend Amount

The PSIRA bursary covers study fees for the 2026 academic year only.

The financial support is as follows:

Up to R25,000 (VAT inclusive) per year — for learners studying certificate courses at TVET institutions.
Up to R45,000 (VAT inclusive) per year — for learners pursuing undergraduate diplomas or degrees.

Please note:

The bursary does not fund postgraduate studies.
Funding covers tuition fees only for a 12-month full-time period.
Previously funded learners must attach academic results and a statement of outstanding fees for the new year.

PSIRA 2026 EXTERNAL STUDY BURSARY APPLICATION PROCEDURE

Interested applicants must submit the following:

A fully completed PSIRA bursary application form (attached to the official notice).
Certified copies of both the learner’s and the parent’s ID documents (certified within the last 3 months).
Proof of registration or acceptance at a registered institution for the 2026 academic year.
The PSIRA registration number of the parent or guardian.
Abridged birth certificate of the learner (as proof of legal parentage).
Affidavit confirming legal guardianship, if applicable.

Application Deadline

Closing Date: 31 December 2025

Applications received after this date will not be accepted. Early submission is strongly encouraged to ensure eligibility and proper document verification.