Meta Description: The Private Security Industry Regulatory Authority (PSiRA) is offering bursaries for the 2026 academic year to help South Africans pursue studies in security-related fields. Learn who can apply, how to qualify, and why this bursary matters.
PSIRA 2026 External Study Bursary Grant — Empowering the Future of South African Security
The Private Security Industry Regulatory Authority (PSiRA) has officially opened applications for its 2026 External Study Bursary Grant, a major initiative aimed at building a more professional, skilled, and educated security workforce in South Africa.
This programme provides financial assistance to deserving students who want to pursue studies in areas that support the private security industry. Whether you’re already studying or planning to start a qualification in security, law, or related fields, this bursary offers a pathway to real career advancement and meaningful industry impact.
Closing Date: 31 December 2025
What the PSIRA Bursary Offers
The PSIRA External Study Bursary is designed to support academic excellence and career growth within the private security sector. It covers a range of costs that may include tuition fees, registration fees, and study materials — depending on available funding and individual need.
Beyond financial assistance, successful recipients gain access to a network of industry professionals and development opportunities that help them integrate into South Africa’s growing and dynamic security industry.
About PSIRA and Its Educational Commitment
PSiRA is the national regulatory authority responsible for ensuring compliance and professionalism across the private security industry. But the organisation’s mission goes beyond licensing and regulation — it also invests in the long-term development of security practitioners through education and training.
This bursary initiative aligns with PSiRA’s broader strategy of professionalising the sector and ensuring that future leaders are well-equipped with academic knowledge, ethical principles, and technical skills.
In essence, PSiRA’s bursary programme is a tangible commitment to building capacity — ensuring that security professionals in South Africa are competent, informed, and ready to meet emerging challenges in a complex safety landscape.
Useful Links:
- Learnerships Programme
- Online courses
- Funding Bursaries
- Internships Programme
- Youth Opportunities
- Learning Programmes 2026
Why This Opportunity Matters
Education plays a pivotal role in transforming industries, and the private security sector is no exception. As technology and regulatory demands evolve, the need for qualified, informed, and innovative professionals becomes even more urgent.
By supporting students who want to study in security-relevant fields, PSiRA is creating a direct link between academic education and industry practice. This helps ensure that the private security workforce can contribute to South Africa’s broader goals of safety, compliance, and economic stability.
For many applicants, this bursary isn’t just about funding — it’s about empowerment. It’s a gateway to building a career that makes a real difference in protecting communities and businesses nationwide.
Who Should Apply
The PSIRA 2026 Bursary is open to South African students currently enrolled or planning to enrol at a public higher education institution. The programme focuses on fields that align closely with the private security industry’s needs.
Ideal applicants include:
- Students pursuing security-related or law enforcement studies.
- Individuals passionate about the protection, regulation, and administration of security services.
- Students who demonstrate academic commitment and financial need.
- South Africans interested in contributing to a safer, more professional industry.
While exact eligibility details will be outlined in the official application form, applicants generally must:
- Be South African citizens.
- Be enrolled or accepted at an accredited tertiary institution.
- Demonstrate satisfactory academic performance.
- Provide proof of financial need where applicable.
Fields of Study Covered
The bursary supports studies in disciplines that contribute directly to the growth, regulation, and effectiveness of the private security industry. Commonly supported fields include:
- Security and Risk Management
- Criminology and Forensics
- Law (LLB and related legal studies)
- Business or Public Administration (security-focused)
- Policing and Investigation
- Information and Cybersecurity
- Occupational Health and Safety
- Human Resources or Industrial Relations (relevant to security services)
These areas of study equip students with the theoretical grounding and practical insight necessary to succeed in a rapidly evolving security environment.
How to Apply
Applicants can apply directly via the official PSiRA website, where they can access the full bursary details and download the required application forms.
Application steps:
- Visit www.psira.co.za
- Download and complete the PSIRA 2026 Bursary Application Form.
- Attach certified copies of the following:
- South African ID
- Proof of registration or acceptance at a tertiary institution
- Latest academic transcripts or results
- Proof of household income or affidavit of unemployment (if applicable)
- A motivational letter explaining your academic goals and how your studies align with the security industry
- Submit your completed application before 31 December 2025 as per the instructions on the website.
Late or incomplete applications will not be considered, so candidates are encouraged to apply early.
What Successful Applicants Can Expect
Selected students will receive a bursary package that assists with tuition and study-related expenses, enabling them to focus fully on academic performance and career growth.
In addition to funding, successful recipients join a network of young professionals and gain recognition from one of South Africa’s most respected regulatory bodies. This enhances employability and opens doors for mentorship, internships, and future roles within the security sector.
Expert Opinion: The Broader Value of Investing in Security Education
Experts in the private security field emphasise that education is not only about individual progress — it’s a national investment. South Africa’s security sector employs hundreds of thousands of people, and improving the skill level of that workforce has long-term benefits for public safety, industry credibility, and economic development.
By offering bursaries, PSiRA contributes to building a professional environment where practitioners uphold integrity, competence, and accountability. It’s an approach that aligns education with regulation — ensuring the industry meets both local and global standards.
Why Students Should Apply Now
With rising costs of education, many capable students struggle to access quality training and degrees. The PSiRA 2026 External Study Bursary helps remove these barriers by providing direct financial and academic support.
Students who are serious about contributing to South Africa’s future security and governance should not miss this opportunity. Applying now not only secures funding for the 2026 academic year but also connects applicants with a national institution known for integrity and public service.
Key Dates and Contact
- Bursary Name: PSIRA 2026 External Study Bursary Grant
- Application Deadline: 31 December 2025
- Where to Apply: www.psira.co.za
- Eligibility: South African citizens pursuing relevant tertiary studies
Final Thoughts
The PSIRA 2026 External Study Bursary is more than a financial aid opportunity — it’s an investment in the next generation of South African security professionals. It empowers deserving students to study, grow, and eventually contribute to one of the country’s most vital industries.
By combining education with opportunity, PSIRA is helping to build a stronger, safer, and more skilled security workforce for South Africa’s future.
Don’t miss this chance — apply before 31 December 2025.
