Breaking into the beauty industry in South Africa is harder than it looks — not because of talent, but because quality training is expensive and hard to access.
The Sorbet Academy Bursary South Africa 2026 exists for young people who are serious about beauty, hair, nails, or barbering and want a realistic way into the profession, not just a certificate on paper.
With applications closing in February 2026, this bursary matters now — especially for Matric graduates looking for hands-on skills that actually lead to work.
ABOUT SORBET ACADEMY (Why this bursary matters)
Sorbet Academy is the training arm of the Sorbet Group, one of South Africa’s most recognisable names in beauty and grooming. Unlike many short courses or private colleges, Sorbet Academy focuses heavily on practical, workplace-ready training.
Students don’t just learn theory. They train in real salon environments, work with real clients, and are assessed against industry standards aligned with recognised bodies such as SETA and ITEC.
What makes this academy different is its direct link to the national Sorbet and Sorbet Man salon network. For many graduates, training doesn’t end with a certificate — it becomes a stepping stone into employment.
This bursary is aimed at people who don’t just “like beauty”, but genuinely want to build a career in the industry (Find more information here).
WHAT THE SORBET ACADEMY BURSARY COVERS (Fields of study)
The Sorbet Academy Bursary for 2026 supports studies in Beauty Services and Spas, with training offered at Sorbet Academy campuses in:
- Woodmead (Gauteng)
- Mount Edgecombe (KwaZulu-Natal)
- Century City (Western Cape)
Approved fields include:
- Beauty Therapy
- Hairdressing
- Nail Technology
- Barbering (Men’s Grooming)
This bursary is best suited for students who prefer hands-on learning, enjoy working with people, and want skills that are immediately usable in salons, spas, or grooming studios.
WHO SHOULD APPLY (And who probably shouldn’t)
The bursary is open to applicants who meet all of the following requirements:
- You must be a South African citizen
- You must be 18 years or older
- You must have completed Matric
- You must want to study beauty, hair, nails, or barbering
- You must be able to attend classes in Gauteng, KZN, or the Western Cape
This opportunity is ideal if:
- You enjoy practical work more than academic theory
- You’re comfortable working with clients
- You see beauty as a long-term profession, not a side hobby
If you’re looking for a purely academic qualification or online study, this bursary may not be the right fit.
HOW TO APPLY FOR THE SORBET ACADEMY BURSARY 2026
There is no application form for this bursary.
Eligible students must apply via email.
Email address:
📧 ac*******@*******co.za
Email subject line:
Sorbet Bursary 2026
Required documents
Attach clear, certified copies of the following:
- South African ID document
- Matric certificate
- A motivational letter explaining:
- Why you want to study in the beauty industry
- Which field you are interested in
- What your career goals are
Incomplete applications may be disqualified, so double-check everything before sending.
CLOSING DATE (Important)
🗓 15 February 2026
Applications submitted after this date will not be considered. If you are interested, it’s best to apply well before the deadline.
SEE ALSO: The Inspiring Minopex Engineering Bursary Programme 2026
SEE ALSO: Power Your STEM Journey: East London IDZ Bursary Programme 2026
CONTACT DETAILS
For bursary-related queries only:
Please do not contact Sorbet Academy if the bursary has already closed.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQs)
Does the Sorbet Academy Bursary cover all study costs?
The bursary supports approved training at Sorbet Academy, but coverage details may vary. Applicants should confirm specifics directly with the academy.
Can I apply if I don’t have beauty experience?
Yes. Passion, commitment, and motivation matter more than prior experience.
Is employment guaranteed after training?
Employment is not guaranteed, but Sorbet Academy graduates often have access to opportunities within the Sorbet salon network.
Can I apply if I live outside Gauteng, KZN, or the Western Cape?
You may apply, but you must be able to attend classes at one of the listed campuses.
FINAL NOTES
The Sorbet Academy Bursary South Africa 2026 is not about shortcuts or quick money. It’s for people who want real skills, real training, and a realistic entry into the beauty industry.
If that sounds like you, this bursary could be a solid first step.
About The Author
