Key Facts
- Status
- Applications Closed
- Provider
- Field of Study
- Study Level
- Academic Year
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2026
- Application Closes
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Eligibility Requirements
- South African citizen or permanent resident
- Currently unemployed
- Studying, or accepted to study, full-time in 2026
- Registered or provisionally accepted at a university, university of technology, or TVET college
- Studying towards a qualification in Engineering, Environmental Science, Finance, IT, Supply Chain, or Town and Regional Planning
- Grade 12 learners with provisional 2026 acceptance may also apply
About Lgseta Bursary
The LGSETA Bursary is one of the flagship funding programmes run by the Local Government Sector Education and Training Authority (LGSETA), a body that operates under the Department of Higher Education and Training. LGSETA is one of 21 SETAs in South Africa, and its mandate covers skills development across the local government sector.
Through this bursary, LGSETA funds unemployed students who want to study towards qualifications that feed skills shortages inside municipalities and related structures. The programme therefore prioritises fields such as engineering, environmental studies, finance, information technology, supply chain management, and town and regional planning. LGSETA runs the scheme because local government in South Africa needs a steady pipeline of qualified young people, and funding study now is cheaper than recruiting scarce skills later. For the 2025/2026 funding cycle, LGSETA planned to support 230 bursary recipients across these study fields.
Funding Details
LGSETA confirms funding for registration, tuition, and related study costs tied to approved qualifications. For the 2025/2026 cycle, the authority planned to support 230 students across the eligible fields of study. Because LGSETA reviews its approved qualifications and support levels each year, applicants should confirm exact benefit details directly with the bursary department before accepting an offer.
Where You Can Study
LGSETA funds study at accredited public universities, universities of technology, and TVET colleges across South Africa. There is no single closed list of institutions; instead, the qualification itself must appear on LGSETA's approved bursary qualifications list for the relevant academic year, so applicants should check this list before applying.
About LGSETA
The Local Government Sector Education and Training Authority (LGSETA) is one of the 21 Sector Education and Training Authorities established under the Skills Development Act, operating within the ambit of the Department …
View full provider profile →- Phone
- 011 456 8579
- bursaryapp@lgseta.org.za
Fields of Study & Who Can Apply
This bursary is open to unemployed South African citizens and permanent residents who plan to study full-time in 2026. It welcomes Grade 12 learners who already hold provisional acceptance for 2026, as well as students who are already registered at a university, university of technology, or TVET college. Both new and returning students may apply. Selection favours applicants studying towards qualifications on LGSETA's approved list, with particular emphasis on engineering, environmental science, finance, information technology, supply chain management, and town and regional planning.
Application Procedure
Apply directly with the provider using the official application link below, before the closing date.
Applications for this cycle have closed. Check the provider's site for the next intake.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Who administers the LGSETA Bursary?
The Local Government Sector Education and Training Authority (LGSETA) administers the bursary directly, through its own learner support structures.
Can current university students apply, or is it only for new students?
Both new and returning students may apply, as long as they are unemployed and registered for full-time study in 2026.
When does the application window open and close?
For the 2026 academic year, applications opened on 10 November 2025 and closed on 28 November 2025. LGSETA typically opens a new window each year around the same time.
How will I know if my application was successful?
LGSETA contacts shortlisted applicants directly. If you have not heard back within a few months of the closing date, you should treat the application as unsuccessful and look at the next funding window.
Who can I contact with questions?
Applicants can email the bursary department at bursaryapp@lgseta.org.za or call 011 456 8579.
