The Insurance Sector Education and Training Authority (INSETA) continues to play a significant role in developing South Africa’s insurance and financial services workforce through its Skills Development Programmes for 2026.
These programmes are designed to provide young South Africans and industry professionals with access to quality training, workplace experience, and nationally recognised qualifications that can lead to meaningful employment opportunities within the insurance sector.
Whether you are a recent matriculant, a university student, a graduate, or someone already working within the industry, INSETA offers a range of opportunities aimed at improving skills and creating career pathways.
What Is INSETA?
INSETA is the Sector Education and Training Authority responsible for skills development within South Africa’s insurance sector.
Operating under the Department of Higher Education and Training, INSETA focuses on addressing critical and scarce skills shortages by supporting education, workplace learning, and professional development initiatives.
Through partnerships with employers, training providers, universities, TVET colleges, and industry stakeholders, INSETA helps ensure that learners acquire the practical and theoretical skills required by the modern insurance industry.
Purpose of the INSETA Skills Development Programmes
The programmes are designed to achieve several important objectives, including:
- Expanding access to industry-relevant training opportunities
- Supporting workplace-based learning and skills development
- Building a skilled and employable workforce
- Strengthening partnerships with employers and training providers
- Supporting transformation and economic growth within the insurance sector
- Addressing critical and scarce skills needs
These initiatives help prepare learners for careers in insurance, risk management, compliance, financial services, and related fields.
Types of Programmes Available
INSETA offers several skills development opportunities depending on an applicant’s qualifications and career goals.
Learnership Programmes
Learnerships combine classroom-based learning with practical workplace experience.
Programme Details
Qualification Level: NQF Level 4 to NQF Level 6
Duration: 12 to 18 Months
Monthly Stipend: Approximately R3,000 to R5,000
Examples of Learnership Fields
- Wealth Management
- Insurance Administration
- Short-Term Insurance
- Long-Term Insurance
- Financial Services
Participants receive structured training while gaining practical industry exposure.
Bursary Programmes
INSETA bursaries provide financial support to students pursuing insurance and financial services-related qualifications.
Funding Benefits
Bursary recipients may receive funding of up to:
R80,000
Funding may cover:
- Tuition fees
- Prescribed textbooks
- Accommodation
- Academic-related expenses
Examples of Supported Qualifications
- BCom Insurance
- BCom Risk Management
- Financial Planning
- Actuarial Science
- Business and Financial Services Qualifications
Internship Programmes
Internships provide graduates with workplace experience in insurance-related environments.
Programme Details
Qualification Level: NQF Level 6 to NQF Level 7
Duration: 12 to 24 Months
Monthly Stipend: Approximately R3,000 to R5,000
Areas of Exposure
- Risk Management
- Compliance
- Financial Planning
- Underwriting
- Claims Administration
- Insurance Operations
Internships help graduates build practical experience while improving employability.
Skills Programmes
Skills Programmes are short occupational training courses focused on specific competencies.
Programme Details
Duration: 1 to 6 Months
Minimum Requirement: Grade 12 with Mathematics
Examples of Skills Programmes
- Insurance Compliance
- Advisory Services
- Insurance Administration
- Customer Service
- Regulatory Compliance
These programmes focus on specialised workplace skills and professional development.
What Participants Will Learn
Depending on the programme selected, learners may gain experience in:
Insurance Administration
Participants may learn:
- Policy administration
- Client communication
- Claims processing
- Record management
Risk Management
Learners may develop skills in:
- Risk identification
- Risk assessment
- Compliance monitoring
- Regulatory reporting
Financial Services
Training may include:
- Financial planning principles
- Wealth management concepts
- Client relationship management
- Financial product knowledge
Workplace Readiness
All programmes help participants strengthen:
- Communication skills
- Teamwork
- Professional conduct
- Problem-solving abilities
- Time management
- Computer literacy
Responsibilities During the Programmes
Learnership Participants
Learners may be required to:
- Attend training sessions
- Complete workplace assignments
- Participate in assessments
- Perform administrative duties
- Follow industry regulations and ethical standards
Bursary Recipients
Students receiving bursary funding may be expected to:
- Maintain satisfactory academic performance
- Submit academic progress reports
- Continue studies in approved fields
Interns
Interns may assist with:
- Compliance activities
- Risk assessments
- Client support
- Administrative functions
- Insurance operations
They will also participate in mentorship and professional development activities.
Benefits of Joining an INSETA Programme
Participants may benefit from:
Monthly Financial Support
Many learnerships and internships provide stipends ranging from:
R3,000 to R5,000 per month
Educational Funding
Bursaries may provide funding of up to:
R80,000
Nationally Recognised Qualifications
Learners can earn qualifications recognised within South Africa’s National Qualifications Framework.
Workplace Experience
Participants gain valuable practical experience required by employers.
Career Development
The programmes help learners build professional networks and industry knowledge.
Eligibility Requirements
Applicants generally need to meet the following requirements:
- Must be a South African citizen
- Must possess a valid South African ID
- Must have Grade 12 with Mathematics
- Must meet qualification requirements for the specific programme
- Must have a clear criminal record
- Must not have previously completed the same INSETA programme
Age Requirements
Learnerships and Bursaries
Applicants are generally required to be:
- Between 18 and 35 years old
Internships
There is generally no upper age limit for internship opportunities.
Preferred Candidates
Preference may be given to:
- Women
- Persons living with disabilities
- Previously disadvantaged individuals
- Applicants demonstrating commitment to completing the programme
- Candidates residing in key economic provinces
Skills and Attributes Required
Successful candidates should demonstrate:
- Good communication skills
- Professional conduct
- Attention to detail
- Analytical thinking
- Problem-solving abilities
- Basic computer literacy
- Strong work ethic
- Interest in the insurance industry
Required Supporting Documents
Applicants should prepare the following:
- Updated Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Certified copy of South African ID
- Certified academic qualifications
- Grade 12 certificate
- Academic transcripts where applicable
- Proof of tertiary acceptance for bursary applications
- Certified proof of residence
Incomplete applications may not be considered.
How to Apply
Interested applicants can submit enquiries and applications through INSETA.
Contact Information
Email: info@inseta.org.za
Telephone: +27 11 381 8900
Physical Address
18 Fricker Road
Illovo
Sandton
2196
Postal Address
PO Box 32035
Braamfontein
2017
Applicants should clearly indicate the programme they are applying for when submitting documentation.
Selection Process
Applicants should note that:
- Applications are reviewed against programme requirements
- Background verification checks may be conducted
- Qualification verification may be performed
- Criminal record screening may be required
- Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted
Successful applicants may be required to attend interviews, assessments, or orientation sessions before placement.
Why the Insurance Industry Offers Strong Career Opportunities
The insurance sector remains one of South Africa’s most important financial industries.
Career opportunities exist in:
- Insurance Administration
- Claims Management
- Risk Management
- Compliance
- Underwriting
- Financial Planning
- Customer Service
- Wealth Management
As the industry continues to evolve, demand for skilled professionals remains high across many specialised areas.
Conclusion
The INSETA Skills Development Programmes 2026 offer valuable opportunities for South Africans seeking qualifications, workplace experience, and career growth within the insurance industry.
Through learnerships, internships, bursaries, and skills programmes, participants can gain recognised qualifications, financial support, and practical experience that improve long-term employability.
For individuals interested in building careers in insurance, financial services, risk management, or compliance, these programmes provide an excellent pathway into one of South Africa’s key economic sectors.





