The Sorbet Academy Bursary Programme for the 2026 academic year is now accepting applications from South African students seeking training in beauty and grooming disciplines. The bursary supports vocational study at Sorbet Academy campuses in Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal, and the Western Cape.
The funding is aimed at young people who want to enter practical, skills-based careers in areas such as beauty therapy, hairdressing, nail technology, and barbering. Training takes place in salon-style learning environments designed to reflect real workplace conditions.
Applications close on 15 February 2026, with selection and funding decisions managed directly by Sorbet Academy.
What the Sorbet Academy Bursary Supports
The Sorbet Academy bursary is focused on vocational training rather than traditional academic study. It supports students who want to build careers in beauty and grooming through structured, practical learning that leads directly into the workplace.
Bursary recipients train at Sorbet Academy campuses and follow programmes designed around real salon environments. Training combines technical skills, professional conduct, and customer service, reflecting the expectations of the beauty industry.
The bursary is linked to Sorbet’s wider skills development pipeline, which aims to prepare students for employment within the national Sorbet salon network once training is completed.
Where Studies Take Place
Students supported by the bursary will study at one of the following Sorbet Academy campuses, depending on availability and placement:
- Woodmead in Gauteng
- Mount Edgecombe in KwaZulu-Natal
- Century City in the Western Cape
Each campus offers practical training facilities that simulate working salon conditions. This allows students to develop confidence and competence before entering employment.
Applicants must be willing and able to attend classes at one of these campuses for the duration of their studies.
Fields of Study Covered by the Bursary
The bursary supports training in key beauty and grooming disciplines offered by Sorbet Academy. These fields are aligned with current demand in the salon and personal care industry.
Areas of study include:
- Beauty therapy
- Hairdressing
- Nail technology
- Barbering and men’s grooming
Programmes are designed to equip students with both technical ability and industry knowledge, including hygiene standards, client care, and professional ethics.
Who the Bursary Is Intended For
The Sorbet Academy bursary is aimed at young South Africans who have completed Matric and are serious about building a career in the beauty industry. It is suitable for students who prefer practical, skills-based learning over purely academic study.
Applicants must be at least 18 years old and must be South African citizens. The bursary is intended for individuals who are motivated, committed, and willing to pursue a long-term career in nails, beauty, hair, or barbering.
Because training takes place at specific campuses, applicants must be able to study in Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal, or the Western Cape.
Why This Bursary Matters
Skills-based careers play an important role in reducing youth unemployment in South Africa. The beauty and grooming industry continues to create work opportunities across salons, retail spaces, and self-employment.
Bursaries that support vocational training help remove financial barriers for students who may not be able to afford private academy fees. By linking training directly to employment pathways, programmes like this one offer a realistic route into the world of work.
For many students, the Sorbet Academy bursary represents a chance to turn personal interest into a recognised professional skill set.
About the Training Provider
Sorbet Academy is the training and development division of the Sorbet Group. The academy delivers accredited beauty and grooming programmes across South Africa, with a strong focus on practical, hands-on learning.
Training is aligned with recognised industry bodies such as SETA and ITEC. This ensures that qualifications meet national and international standards and that graduates are prepared for real working environments.
Sorbet Academy programmes are closely linked to the operational needs of the Sorbet salon network, which helps create smoother transitions from training into employment.
How Applications Are Submitted
There is no formal online application form for the Sorbet Academy bursary. Applications are submitted by email.
Students who meet the eligibility criteria must send their application to the Sorbet Academy email address. The subject line of the email must clearly state that the application is for the 2026 bursary.
Email your application to: academies@sorbet.co.za
Use the email subject line: “Sorbet Bursary 2026”
Applicants are required to attach clear copies of all compulsory supporting documents. Applications that do not include all required documents may not be considered.
Documents Required
Applicants must submit the following with their email application:
- A certified copy of a South African ID document
- A certified copy of a Matric certificate
- A motivational letter explaining why the applicant wants to study in the chosen field and why they are applying for the Sorbet Academy bursary
The motivational letter is an important part of the application and should clearly explain the applicant’s interest in the beauty industry and long-term career goals.
Closing Date and Next Steps
Applications for the Sorbet Academy Bursary Programme close on 15 February 2026. Applications submitted after this date are not considered.
Students who apply should ensure that all documents are clear, complete, and submitted before the closing date. Communication regarding selection is managed directly by Sorbet Academy.
Samantha Sibiya is part of the editorial team at internshipplaza.co.za, contributing career guidance and opportunity-based content for South African youth. She works closely with verified employer data, government publications, and institutional sources to ensure readers receive accurate and trustworthy information. Contact: samantha@internshipplaza.co.za