The LGSETA bursary 2026 online application is now open for unemployed South African students who want to study in fields related to the local government sector.
Check Your Personalized Bursary Options
Step 1: Choose Study Level
Step 2: Choose Field of Study
Step 3: Describe Your Interest
Tell us if you want bursaries, scholarships, admissions, or student loans?
The bursary supports full-time students studying priority qualifications and is administered by the Local Government Sector Education and Training Authority (LGSETA).
This guide explains who can apply, which courses are funded, what documents you need, and how to submit your online application correctly.
LGSETA Bursary 2026 Opening and Closing Dates
Opening date: 10 November 2025 at 08:00
Closing date: 28 November 2025 at 23:59
Late or incomplete applications will not be considered.
Who Can Apply for the LGSETA Bursary 2026
You can apply if you meet all the following requirements.
- You are a South African citizen or permanent resident.
- You are unemployed.
- You are studying or have been accepted to study full time at a public university, university of technology, or TVET college.
- You are studying toward a qualification that is relevant to the local government sector.
- You have been accepted or provisionally accepted for the 2026 academic year.
Grade 12 learners who have been accepted into qualifying programmes may also apply.
Only full-time students will be funded.
Fields of Study Funded by LGSETA
LGSETA funds qualifications linked to the local government sector and national skills priorities.
Governance, Leadership, and Management
Public Administration
Public Management
Public Accountability
Adaptive Leadership
N4–N6 Public Management
Financial Management and Viability
Accounting
Financial Accounting
Management Accounting
Accounting Science
Supply Chain Management
Logistics and Supply Chain
Public Procurement
N4–N6 Financial Management
Infrastructure and Service Delivery
Civil Engineering
Electrical Engineering
Engineering Management
Environmental Engineering
Urban Engineering
Water and Transport Engineering
Information Technology
Computer Science
Engineering and IT NCV programmes
N4–N6 Civil and Electrical Engineering
Spatial Planning and Transformation
Town and Regional Planning
Urban and Regional Planning
City and Regional Planning
Development Planning
Environmental Management and Disaster Risk
Environmental Management
Environmental Science
Environmental Health
Disaster Risk Reduction
Disaster Management
Only qualifications listed by LGSETA and registered with SAQA are funded.
What the LGSETA Bursary Covers
The bursary generally covers tuition and may include other study-related costs depending on available funding and institutional requirements. Funding is subject to approval and budget availability.
Required Documents
You must upload the following documents with your online application.
- Certified copy of your South African ID (not older than six months)
- Certified copy of your Matric certificate or Grade 12 results
- Proof of acceptance or admission letter from your institution
- Proof of registration for current students
- Parent or guardian proof of income or affidavit
Make sure all documents are clear and legible before uploading.
How to Apply for the LGSETA Bursary 2026 Online
Follow these steps to complete your LGSETA bursary 2026 online application.
- Go to the LGSETA website at www.lgseta.org.za.
- Click on the Services tab.
- Select DG Bursary under the Learners section.
- Click on the 2025–2026 bursary link.
- You will be redirected to the online application system at http://pulse.lgseta.org.za.
- Create an account or log in.
- Complete all required fields in the online application form.
- Upload all supporting documents.
- Submit your application before the closing date.
Do not email or hand-deliver applications. Only online submissions will be accepted.
Important Application Rules
- Applications must be submitted individually by each student.
- The application window will not be extended.
- Late or incomplete applications will be rejected.
- Funding is subject to approval by the LGSETA Accounting Authority.
- LGSETA may cancel the funding window at its discretion.
- If you do not receive feedback within three months, consider your application unsuccessful.
Contact Details
Email: bursaryapp@lgseta.org.za
Phone: 011 456 8579
Use these contact details only for enquiries. Do not submit applications via email.
The LGSETA bursary 2026 online application is a competitive opportunity for unemployed students who want to build careers in public administration, finance, engineering, planning, IT, and environmental management within the local government sector.
Submit your application early, upload the correct documents, and ensure your qualification appears on the LGSETA funded list to improve your chances of success.
🎓 Download Our Bursary Application Checklist
Download our free Application Checklist to make sure you do not miss any required documents. Submitting a complete application is key to being shortlisted.
📥 Download Checklist (PDF)