PSIRA External Bursary 2026: Funding for Security Officers and Their Children

The Private Security Industry Regulatory Authority (PSIRA) is offering Financial Aid for the 2026 academic year to support South Africa security officers and their legal children in pursuing higher education. This funding is available for learners enrolled at institutions accredited and registered with the Department of Higher Education across South Africa. As part of PSIRA’s Corporate Social Investment in the security sector, the initiative aims to ease education costs and promote long-term academic and professional growth for industry families.

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must meet the following criteria to qualify for funding:

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

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Financial Aid Details

The funding covers tuition fees for the 2026 academic year and is structured as follows:

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

Exclusions: PSIRA does not fund postgraduate studies. The financial aid covers a full-time, 12-month academic period. Applicants who have received funding previously must provide academic results and a statement indicating any outstanding tuition fees for the new year.

Duration: The financial aid will cover the tuition fees for the 2026 academic year only,
for 12-month full-time period.

Previously Funded Learners: Applicants who have received funding in the past must
submit their academic results, and a statement reflecting the outstanding amount for the
new year.

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Application Requirements

Applicants must submit the following documents:

• Fully completed application form (attached).
• Certified copies of the ID of the legal parent and the learner (certified within the last
  months).
• Proof that the learner is enrolled at a registered institution for the 2026 year.
• The PSIRA registration number of the applicant’s parent or guardian must be referenced
  in the application.
• Affidavit Confirming legal Gaudian, if applicable.
• Abridged birth certificate of the learner, as evidence of legal parentage

Submission of Applications

Interested applicants should submit their completed application forms (attached) via email to [email protected], addressed to the Senior Manager: Human Capital Management.

Download Application form

All applications must be submitted before the closing date of 31 December 2025. Late or
incomplete applications will not be considered.

For more Information: Visit the website for PSIRA External Bursary 2026