Young South Africans who want to build a career in the financial sector now have access to several development opportunities through the banking industry training authority.
Banking Sector Education and Training Authority, commonly known as BANKSETA, is offering various skills development programmes designed to help youth gain qualifications, workplace experience, and financial support while studying.
These programmes are aimed at unemployed youth and individuals who want to develop careers in banking, microfinance, and financial technology.
Participants can apply for learnerships, internships, bursaries, and short skills training programmes.
Where the Programmes Are Offered
Many of the programmes funded by Banking Sector Education and Training Authority take place in major economic hubs across South Africa.
Common locations include:
Centurion in Gauteng
Cape Town in Western Cape
Durban in KwaZulu-Natal
Depending on the programme, participants may be placed with an accredited training provider or a participating employer in one of these regions.
Learnership Opportunities
Learnerships funded by Banking Sector Education and Training Authority usually run for between 12 and 18 months.
These programmes combine classroom learning with practical workplace training.
Participants work toward nationally recognised qualifications aligned with the South African National Qualifications Framework at levels 4 to 6.
Popular learnership fields include:
Banking Service Advice
Wealth Management
Financial Services
Learners typically receive a monthly stipend while completing the programme. The amount usually ranges from about R3,000 to R5,000 depending on the training provider or host employer.
Internship Opportunities
Graduates who have completed diplomas or degrees can apply for internships supported by Banking Sector Education and Training Authority.
Internships generally last between 12 and 24 months and provide workplace experience in areas such as:
Risk Management
Banking Operations
Information Technology
Interns also receive a monthly stipend, which often falls within the R3,000 to R5,000 range depending on the organisation hosting the internship.
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Bursary Funding
Students who are preparing to attend university or are already enrolled in tertiary studies may qualify for bursary funding.
BANKSETA bursaries support students studying finance-related qualifications such as:
BCom Finance
Financial Management
Information Technology
The bursary funding can provide up to approximately R80,000 per year. This funding may cover tuition fees, textbooks, and accommodation costs.
Applicants must show proof that they have been accepted by a recognised tertiary institution.
Short Skills Programmes
For individuals who want to develop specific skills quickly, short training programmes are also available.
These skills programmes typically last between one and six months.
Examples include training in:
Contact Centre Operations
Financial Literacy
Basic Financial Services Skills
While these programmes generally do not include a stipend, they provide valuable industry knowledge and certificates that can improve employment prospects.
Who Can Apply
Applicants must meet several eligibility requirements before applying for programmes funded by Banking Sector Education and Training Authority.
Requirements include:
South African citizenship with a valid ID
Grade 12 qualification for learnerships and skills programmes
Proof of tertiary acceptance for bursaries
Relevant diploma or degree for internships
Applicants must usually be unemployed, unless the programme specifically targets employees who want to upgrade their skills.
Most programmes are designed for individuals between the ages of 18 and 35.
Employment Equity candidates, including Black applicants, women, and persons with disabilities, may receive preference during the selection process.
What Participants Gain
Participants benefit from more than financial assistance or certificates.
These programmes provide real industry exposure and professional development.
Learners and interns gain practical work experience, mentorship from industry professionals, and nationally recognised qualifications aligned with the South African National Qualifications Framework.
Many previous participants have successfully moved into permanent roles in banks, financial institutions, and technology companies that support the financial sector.
How to Apply
Applicants must submit a complete application package when applying for BANKSETA programmes.
Typical application documents include:
Updated Curriculum Vitae
Certified copy of South African ID
Certified proof of highest qualification
Proof of residence certified within the last six months
A cover letter stating the programme being applied for
For example, applicants should clearly indicate the programme in the cover note such as “Learnership: Wealth Management”.
Applications can be submitted using the following contact details.
Email: info@bankseta.org.za
Physical Address:
Building C2, Eco Origin Office Park
Eco Park Estate
349 Witch Hazel Avenue
Highveld
Centurion
Postal Address:
PO Box 11678
Vorna Valley
1686
Phone: +27 11 805 9661
More information can be found on the official website of Banking Sector Education and Training Authority.
Applicants should note that no application fees are required for these programmes.
If applicants do not receive feedback within 90 days after the closing date, their applications should be considered unsuccessful.
Conclusion
The BANKSETA Skills Development Programmes for 2025 and 2026 provide a valuable pathway into the financial services industry.
Through learnerships, internships, bursaries, and skills programmes, young South Africans can gain recognised qualifications, workplace experience, and professional mentorship.
For individuals interested in banking, financial services, or financial technology, these programmes can provide the foundation for long-term career growth in one of the country’s most important industries.