The Local Government Sector Education and Training Authority (LGSETA) has officially opened applications for its 2026 LGSETA Bursary Funding Window, inviting unemployed learners and students to apply for financial support towards studies that align with the needs of South Africa’s local government sector. The application period opens on 10 November 2025 and closes on 28 November 2025, giving applicants just under three weeks to submit their applications online.
The LGSETA Bursary aims to build a skilled and capable local government workforce by funding students in fields critical to municipal development, service delivery, and good governance. Through this funding, LGSETA seeks to empower young South Africans to gain the qualifications and experience required to strengthen public institutions and improve local service delivery. For the 2025/2026 funding cycle, LGSETA plans to support 230 bursary recipients across various study fields.
Purpose of the LGSETA Bursary
The LGSETA Bursary is an important part of South Africa’s national skills development strategy. It focuses on growing the pool of qualified professionals in local government structures such as municipalities, district councils, and other public service entities. By funding studies in areas such as public administration, finance, engineering, environmental management, and information technology, the LGSETA Bursary helps ensure that local government institutions can operate more effectively and efficiently.
This bursary covers tuition fees and other academic-related expenses, reducing the financial burden for students who wish to pursue full-time studies in priority fields. It is open to both new and returning students, including those who have already enrolled at universities, universities of technology, and TVET colleges, as well as Grade 12 learners with provisional acceptance for 2026.
Who Can Apply for the LGSETA Bursary?
To qualify for the LGSETA Bursary 2026, applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Be a South African citizen or permanent resident.
- Be unemployed at the time of application.
- Be registered or accepted for full-time studies at a recognised University, University of Technology, or TVET College in South Africa.
- Be studying towards a qualification relevant to the local government sector, as outlined in the official bursary advert.
- Provide all supporting documentation as part of the online application process.
Applicants are advised to review the full bursary advert on the LGSETA website to ensure they meet all academic and eligibility criteria before applying.
Fields of Study Supported by the LGSETA Bursary
The LGSETA Bursary covers a wide range of qualifications across key areas that support local government operations and service delivery. Below are some of the primary study areas funded for the 2026 academic year:
1. Governance, Leadership and Management
- Advanced Diploma in Public Accountability (NQF 7)
- Public Administration and Management (Advanced Diploma, Bachelor, Honours)
- N4–N6 Public Management
2. Financial Management and Viability
- Supply Chain and Logistics (Advanced Diploma, Bachelor, NQF 7/8)
- Accounting, Financial Accounting, Management Accounting (Bachelor or Honours)
- N4–N6 Financial Management
3. Infrastructure and Service Delivery
- Master of Engineering in Engineering Management (NQF 9)
- Civil and Electrical Engineering Diplomas and Degrees (including Water, Transport, Urban Engineering)
- N4–N6 Civil or Electrical Engineering
4. Information Technology
- Diplomas and Degrees in IT, Computer Science, or Information Systems
- NCV programmes in IT, Engineering, Business Studies, and related fields
5. Town and Regional Planning
- Advanced Diploma, Bachelor, Honours, and Master’s in Town, Urban or Regional Planning (NQF 7–9)
6. Environmental and Disaster Management
- Environmental Management, Science, Health, or Planning (Advanced Diploma, Bachelor, Honours)
- Master’s in Disaster Management (NQF 9)
These fields align with the strategic priorities of South Africa’s local government sector, ensuring that bursary recipients gain skills that directly contribute to the country’s socio-economic development.
Related: Komatsu Bursary 2026
How to Apply for the LGSETA Bursary 2026
Applications for the LGSETA Bursary must be completed online only. No emailed or hand-delivered applications will be accepted.
Application Process:
- Visit the official LGSETA website: www.lgseta.org.za.
- Click on the “Services” section.
- Go to “DG Bursary” under the Learners tab.
- Select the 2025–2026 bursary application link.
- Follow the instructions provided on the Pulse portal: http://pulse.lgseta.org.za.
- Complete all required fields and upload the necessary documents.
- Submit your application before 28 November 2025 at 23:59.
Required Supporting Documents
Applicants must upload clear, certified copies (certified within six months) of the following:
- South African ID document
- Matric certificate or latest academic results
- Proof of acceptance or registration at a higher education institution
- Parent or guardian proof of income, or an affidavit for unemployed guardians
Late or incomplete applications will not be considered, and only online submissions will be accepted.
Important Dates and Contact Details
- Opening Date: 10 November 2025
- Closing Date: 28 November 2025
- Notification: Applicants who do not receive feedback within three months after the closing date should consider their applications unsuccessful.
For enquiries:
Email: bursaryapp@lgseta.org.za
Phone: 011 456 8579
The LGSETA Bursary represents an invaluable opportunity for South African students who want to contribute to the growth and efficiency of the local government sector. By offering full financial support, LGSETA ensures that deserving learners can focus on their studies and build careers that make a tangible impact in their communities.
If you are passionate about serving the public and helping municipalities operate better, apply for the LGSETA Bursary 2026 before the closing date of 28 November 2025. Visit www.lgseta.org.za for full details and to start your application today.