LGSETA Invites suitably qualified applicants to apply for the 2026 Bursary Funding Window.
The closing date for applications is 28 November 2025.
Why LGSETA is Offering a Bursary
LGSETA – the Local Government Sector Education and Training Authority – is a South African government body that helps people gain skills that local governments need. They want to make cities, towns and villages run better and give young people a chance to study useful subjects that will help them find good jobs in the public sector.
A bursary is a free or heavily subsidised place in a course. LGSETA is opening a special bursary for the 2026 academic year to help unemployed students who want to study subjects that are approved by LGSETA.
Quick Snapshot
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Funding body | LGSETA |
| Program | Bursary Funding Window 2026 |
| Who can apply | Unemployed South African citizens or permanent residents who plan to study full‑time in 2026 |
| Study levels | University, University of Technology, TVET college, or Grade‑12 students who have been accepted |
| Open | 10 November 2025 at 08:00 |
| Close | 28 November 2025 at 23:59 |
| Apply | Only online – no emails or paper forms |
| Supported courses | Only the list of LGSETA‑approved qualifications |
About LGSETA
LGSETA’s job is to build skills inside local governments. Their main tasks are:
- Help cities and municipalities hire the right people.
- Fund training that improves how services are delivered.
- Create a pipeline of young people who can become the next generation of municipal workers.
- Boost skills in key areas like finance, engineering, planning, IT and environmental care.
The bursaries are aimed at subjects that improve governance and public service, such as:
- Public Administration / Management
- Accounting & Finance
- Civil & Electrical Engineering
- Information Technology
- Urban and Regional Planning
- Environmental and Disaster Management
- Business, Tourism, Hospitality, Agriculture and other NCV programmes
Who Is Eligible?
Basic Rules
- You must be a South African citizen or have permanent residency.
- You must not be working – you must be unemployed.
- You must be enrolled full‑time in a qualifying course for the 2026 academic year.
Where You Study
You can study at:
- A university or university of technology
- A TVET college
- Or you must have a Grade‑12 acceptance letter for one of these institutions
What You Study
Only courses that are on the LGSETA‑approved list will be funded. If your course isn’t on that list, you can’t use the bursary.
How to Apply – Step‑by‑Step
Visit the LGSETA website
Go to www.lgseta.org.za.
• Click Services → DG Bursary under the Learners tab.
• Find the 2025–2026 bursary link.
• Follow the online application instructions on http://pulse.lgseta.org.za.Fill Out the Online Form
Provide your personal details, academic background and the course you will study.Upload Supporting Documents
- A recent certified ID copy (no older than 6 months).
- Your most recent Grade‑12 results or matric certificate (again, no older than 6 months).
- Your acceptance or admission letter.
- If you’re already in 1st or 2nd year, a proof of registration.
- Proof of your parent or guardian’s income (or an affidavit if you have no parent).
Submit
All submissions must be made online. Email and hand‑delivered applications will not be accepted.
Important Notes
- The bursaries are only available if enough money is set aside and you meet all criteria.
- LGSETA can cancel the funding window if needed.
- If you don’t hear back from LGSETA within 3 months, your application was not successful.
- Questions? Email bursaryapp@lgseta.org.za or call 011 456 8579.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does LGSETA fund part‑time or distance learning?
No – only full‑time students are eligible.Can I work while applying?
No – only unemployed individuals can use this bursary.Can a Grade‑12 student apply?
Yes, but you must already have an acceptance letter.Will I know if my application fails?
If you receive no update after 3 months, it means you were not accepted.Will any course be funded?
No – only LGSETA‑approved qualifications are covered.Can I email my documents?
No – everything must be uploaded through the online portal.
More Bursaries to Explore
If you’re curious about other funded programs that are still open this year, check out SETA Bursaries you can still apply for this year.
Final Reminder
The closing date is 28 November 2025. Don’t wait until the last minute – start your application now and secure a free or low‑cost place in a course that can lead to a rewarding career in local government. Good luck!
