The Local Government Sector Education and Training Authority (LGSETA) has officially opened its Bursary Funding Window for the 2026 academic year. This bursary opportunity is designed to support unemployed South African youth and students pursuing full-time qualifications that align directly with skills needs in the local government sector.
LGSETA bursaries are part of the authority’s broader commitment to skills development, improved service delivery, financial sustainability, and strengthening governance across municipalities in South Africa. Only students studying LGSETA-approved qualifications will be considered.
Quick Overview
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Funding Body | Local Government Sector Education and Training Authority (LGSETA) |
| Opportunity | Bursary Funding Window for 2026 Academic Year |
| Who May Apply | Unemployed South African students & permanent residents interested in local government studies |
| Study Levels | University, University of Technology, TVET College, Grade 12 learners with acceptance |
| Opening Date | 10 November 2025 (08:00) |
| Closing Date | 28 November 2025 (23:59) |
| Submission Method | Online only – no email or hand-delivered applications |
| Funded Qualifications | LGSETA-approved qualifications only |
About LGSETA
LGSETA is a statutory body tasked with building skills within the local government sphere. Its mandate includes:
- Supporting municipalities and training institutions
- Funding programmes that enhance governance, service delivery, and infrastructure
- Empowering youth to enter critical local government occupations
- Driving transformation and building skills pipelines into the sector
LGSETA bursaries specifically target academic fields that strengthen governance, financial management, engineering capacity, spatial planning, environmental management, disaster management, IT systems, and administrative excellence within municipalities.
Find Useful Links Below:
Who Can Apply?
Applicants must meet the following conditions:
Basic Eligibility
- Must be a South African citizen or permanent resident
- Must be unemployed
- Must be studying full-time in 2026
Where You Study
- University, University of Technology, or TVET College
- Grade 12 learners with an acceptance letter into one of the above institutions
What You Study
- Must be accepted (or provisionally accepted) into a qualification relevant to local government
- Only LGSETA-approved qualifications are funded
Supported Fields
- Public Administration / Management
- Public Accountability
- Supply Chain & Logistics
- Accounting & Financial Management
- Civil Engineering (water, transport, construction, urban engineering)
- Electrical Engineering
- Information Technology & Computer Science
- Town and Regional Planning / Urban Design
- Environmental Management / Disaster Management
- NCV Programmes in Business, Engineering, IT, Hospitality, Tourism, Agriculture
Also Check PPS Foundation Bursary Programme 2026
How to Apply (Step-by-Step Guide)
All applications must be completed online.
Step 1: Visit the LGSETA website
- Go to www.lgseta.org.za
- Click Services → DG Bursary under the Learners tab
- Find the 2025–2026 bursary link and follow instructions via http://pulse.lgseta.org.za
Step 2: Complete the Online Bursary Application Form
- Fill in all required personal and academic details
Step 3: Upload Supporting Documents
- Certified ID copy (not older than 6 months)
- Certified Matric Certificate / Grade 12 results (not older than 6 months)
- Acceptance or Admission letter
- Proof of registration (if in 1st or 2nd year)
- Parent/Guardian proof of income or affidavit
Step 4: Submit Your Application Online
- No email or hand-delivered submissions will be accepted
Important Notes
- Bursaries depend on fund availability and meeting all criteria
- LGSETA may cancel the funding window at its discretion
- If you do not hear from LGSETA within 3 months, consider your application unsuccessful
- Enquiries: bursaryapp@lgseta.org.za or call 011 456 8579
Edupstairs Online Tools for Your Application
Prepare your application with the following:
- CV Builder Tool
- AI Cover Letter Generator
- Learnership & Internship Application Checklists
- Interview Q&A Coach Tool
- Learnership Stipend Calculator Tool
- NSFAS Funding Eligibility Checker Tool
- Qualification-to-Career Pathways Tool
- South African Salary Explorer Tool
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Does LGSETA fund part-time or distance learning?
No. Only full-time students are funded.
Can employed people apply?
No. This bursary is strictly for unemployed individuals.
Can Grade 12 learners apply?
Yes, but only with an acceptance letter into a tertiary institution.
Will LGSETA notify unsuccessful applicants?
No. If you receive no update within 3 months, your application was unsuccessful.
Does LGSETA fund any qualification?
No. Only qualifications listed in the official LGSETA-approved list will be funded.
Can I email my documents?
No. Applications must be submitted strictly online.
Closing Date: 28 November 2025
Conclusion:
The LGSETA Bursary Programme 2026 is a highly targeted funding opportunity for students and unemployed youth seeking to study in fields critical to local government development. If you are committed to building a career in public administration, engineering, IT, or environmental management within municipalities, this bursary could provide the financial support you need to succeed academically and professionally.
