SETA Learnership Stipends in 2026 continue to play a vital role in supporting thousands of South African youth entering structured training and workplace experience. As unemployment remains a pressing national challenge, learnerships funded through the country’s Sector Education and Training Authorities (SETAs) offer a practical route into skills development and long-term employment.
One of the main attractions of these programmes is the monthly stipend paid to learners while they complete training. However, there is often confusion about how these stipends work, how much students receive, and why payment amounts differ between sectors.
This comprehensive guide explains how SETA learnership stipends function in 2026, what learners can realistically expect to earn, how payments are processed, and what factors influence the final amount.
What Is a SETA Learnership Stipends ?
A SETA learnership stipend is a monthly allowance paid to learners enrolled in an approved, SETA-funded learnership programme. It is designed to assist with essential living costs such as:
- Transport to and from the workplace
- Meals during training
- Basic day-to-day expenses
It is important to understand that a stipend is not a salary. It does not create a formal employment relationship and is only paid for the duration of the signed learnership contract.
Funding for stipends comes from the Skills Development Levy (SDL), which is collected from registered employers and distributed to relevant SETAs across sectors.
Average SETA Learnership Stipends Amounts in 2026
Typical Monthly Range
In 2026, most SETA Learnership Stipends in 2026 fall within the following range:
R2,500 to R6,000 per month
The most common stipend range is between R2,500 and R5,000, depending on:
- The sector
- The level of the qualification
- Whether the learner is unemployed or employed
- The format of training (online, blended, or workplace-based)
There is no fixed national stipend rate that applies to all SETAs.
Related Opportunities 2026
• Funding Bursaries
• Youth Opportunities
• Internship Programme
• Learnership Programme
• Online Courses
SETA Learnership Stipends in 2026: On-Site vs Online Programmes
The format of the learnership significantly influences the stipend amount.
Workplace-Based (On-Site) Learnerships
Learnerships that require learners to physically report to a workplace generally offer higher stipends. In 2026, these typically range between:
R3,500 and R6,000 per month
Higher stipends reflect:
- Daily transport costs
- Physical attendance requirements
- Workplace exposure and operational duties
These programmes often include practical, hands-on training in sectors such as logistics, services, ICT, and manufacturing.
Online or Blended Learnerships
Programmes delivered fully online or with limited physical attendance may offer lower stipends, typically:
R2,000 to R3,000 per month
Because learners incur fewer transport costs, stipend levels are adjusted accordingly. However, attendance, participation, and performance monitoring still apply.
How Different SETAs Influence Stipend Amounts
Each SETA operates within its own sector, budget allocation, and funding priorities. As a result, stipend structures vary.
Services SETA
Learnerships funded by Services SETA often pay stipends ranging from:
R3,000 to R7,000 per month
The exact amount depends on:
- Programme type (learnership vs internship)
- Whether the learner is unemployed
- Qualification level
Services SETA supports sectors such as business administration, contact centres, and project management.
MICT SETA
The Media, Information and Communication Technologies SETA typically offers stipends between:
R2,500 and R4,000 per month
These programmes often focus on:
- Entry-level ICT skills
- Digital literacy
- Software development support
- Technical support roles
Higher-level ICT programmes may offer increased stipends depending on funding availability.
Transport Education and Training Authority (TETA)
Learnerships under TETA commonly fall between:
R3,500 and R5,500 per month
Transport, freight, and logistics roles that require operational exposure often attract higher stipends due to workplace demands and compliance requirements.
Other SETAs
Across South Africa, additional SETAs determine stipend amounts based on:
- Occupational level
- Workplace exposure intensity
- Duration of training
- National funding guidelines
- Scarce skills priorities
There is no single standard stipend amount across all sectors.
Who Qualifies for SETA Learnership Stipends in 2026?
To qualify for SETA Learnership Stipends in 2026, applicants must meet programme-specific eligibility criteria.
Basic Requirements
Most learnerships require:
- South African citizenship
- A minimum of Grade 10 or Grade 12 (depending on the qualification level)
- Unemployed or underemployed status (for most funded programmes)
- Commitment to complete the full learnership period
Some SETAs also fund employed learners in critical or scarce skills roles.
Duration of Learnerships and Payment Periods
Most SETA learnerships run for:
- 12 months (1 year)
Some occupational programmes extend to:
- 18 to 24 months
Stipends are paid monthly for the duration of the contract, provided that learners:
- Maintain attendance
- Submit required documentation
- Comply with programme rules
Failure to comply may result in delayed or suspended payments.
How and When Stipends Are Paid
Tripartite Agreement Requirement
Before payment begins, a formal agreement must be signed between:
- The learner
- The employer or host organisation
- The accredited training provider
Without a signed contract, stipends cannot be processed.
Payment Timing
In many programmes:
- Stipends are paid monthly
- Payment is processed after attendance verification
- Funds are typically released around the 15th of the month
In some cases, payments are made one month in arrears after compliance checks are completed.
Why SETA Learnership Stipends Payments Are Sometimes Delayed
Delays are usually administrative rather than personal. Common reasons include:
- Missing attendance registers
- Incomplete learner contracts
- Employer non-compliance
- Late reporting by training providers
- Bank detail verification issues
Because SETA funding is compliance-driven, payments cannot be released without proper documentation.
Are SETA Learnership Stipends Free?
Yes. SETA learnerships are fully funded.
Learners:
- Do not pay tuition fees
- Do not pay registration fees
- Do not repay stipends
This makes SETA programmes one of the most accessible forms of post-school training in South Africa.
Can You Receive NSFAS and a SETA Stipend at the Same Time?
Generally, no.
Learners may not receive double public funding for the same qualification. If you are funded by the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) for a specific qualification, you typically cannot receive a SETA stipend for the same programme during the same period.
Why SETA Learnership Stipends Matter in 2026
SETA stipends play a critical socio-economic role by:
- Enabling unemployed youth to participate in skills training
- Reducing financial barriers to entry
- Supporting work-based learning
- Improving employability outcomes
- Strengthening labour market access
For many learners, the stipend determines whether participation is financially possible.
While the amounts are modest, the long-term benefits of gaining an accredited qualification and workplace experience often outweigh the short-term financial limitations.
Compliance Responsibilities for Learners
To ensure consistent stipend payments, learners must:
- Attend all required training sessions
- Complete workplace logbooks
- Submit documentation on time
- Maintain professional conduct
- Inform providers of any changes in personal details
Non-compliance may lead to warnings, suspension, or termination of the contract.
Are SETA Learnership Stipends Taxable?
SETA stipends are generally not taxed as income because they are classified as training allowances rather than salaries. However, learners should always confirm with programme administrators if unsure.
Can Stipend Amounts Change During the Programme?
No. The stipend amount is fixed in the signed learnership agreement and cannot be changed midway unless the contract is formally amended.
Do All Learners Receive the Same Amount?
No. Stipend amounts vary based on:
- SETA sector
- Programme type
- Qualification level
- Learner category (employed vs unemployed)
- Delivery model (online vs workplace-based)
Two learners in different sectors may receive different stipend amounts even in the same year.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. How much are SETA Learnership Stipends in 2026?
Most stipends range between R2,500 and R6,000 per month, depending on sector and programme structure.
2. Are SETA Learnership Stipends considered salaries?
No. They are training allowances and do not create an employment relationship.
3. How long are stipends paid?
Stipends are paid monthly for the duration of the learnership contract, usually 12 months.
4. Why is my stipend delayed?
Delays are often caused by incomplete documentation, attendance verification issues, or reporting delays from training providers.
5. Can I receive NSFAS and a SETA stipend together?
Generally not for the same qualification and period, as double public funding is not permitted.
6. Do I have to repay the stipend?
No. SETA stipends do not need to be repaid.
7. Is attendance mandatory?
Yes. Payment is directly linked to verified attendance and participation.
Final Thoughts: SETA Learnership Stipends
SETA Learnership Stipends in 2026 remain a crucial support mechanism for South Africans pursuing structured, work-integrated learning. With monthly allowances typically ranging from R2,500 to R6,000, these programmes provide financial assistance while learners gain nationally recognised qualifications and workplace exposure.
Although stipend amounts differ between SETAs and programme formats, the overall objective remains the same: expanding access to skills development and improving employability outcomes.
Before enrolling, learners should carefully review:
- Stipend amounts
- Contract terms
- Attendance requirements
- Compliance obligations
Understanding these elements ensures a smoother experience and maximises the long-term benefits of participating in a SETA-funded learnership programme.
Thato Sabethwa is a passionate education advocate and digital content creator dedicated to helping young South Africans access valuable career and learning opportunities. With a strong belief in the power of skills development, Thato writes informative articles about learnerships, internships, bursaries, and job readiness. Through OnlineLearnership.co.za, Thato aims to guide students and job seekers toward the right opportunities that can shape their future. Her content focuses on practical advice, career tips, and reliable updates to empower readers to make informed decisions about their education and career paths.
