What Is a SETA in South Africa? Complete Guide 2026
4 min · Updated 20 April 2026
A SETA — Sector Education and Training Authority — is a government body that funds skills training in South Africa. There are 21 SETAs, each responsible for a different sector of the economy.
SETAs are funded by a 1% payroll levy that every employer with a large enough payroll pays to SARS. This money goes into a Skills Development Fund. SETAs use this fund to pay companies to train unemployed people through learnerships, apprenticeships, and skills programmes.
How Do SETAs Help Job Seekers?
When a company runs a SETA-funded learnership, they take on unemployed people as learners. You receive on-the-job training AND a nationally recognised qualification — free of charge, with a monthly stipend. You never apply to the SETA directly; you apply to companies running SETA-funded programmes.
Which SETA Covers Which Sector?
Each SETA covers a specific industry. For IT learnerships, look for MICT SETA programmes. For banking, BANKSETA is relevant. For construction, CETA. For retail, W&RSETA. You'll find the SETA name listed on every opportunity in our directory.
Do I Need to Pay Anything?
No. All legitimate SETA-funded learnerships are completely free of charge. If anyone asks you to pay an application fee, registration fee, or any deposit — it is a scam. Report it to the SAPS immediately.
Frequently asked questions
How many SETAs are there in South Africa?
There are 21 SETAs, each covering a different economic sector.
Can I apply directly to a SETA for a learnership?
No. You apply to companies or training providers that run SETA-funded programmes, not to the SETA itself.
Are SETA learnerships free?
Yes. All legitimate SETA-funded programmes are completely free. Any programme that charges a fee is a scam.