Local Government SETA (LGSETA) Bursaries 2026 🎓 — The Local Government Sector Education and Training Authority (LGSETA) invites South African students and permanent residents to apply for fully funded bursaries in support of qualifications relevant to the local government sector. This opportunity is aimed at unemployed individuals, students, and Grade 12 learners interested in building careers in local government.
About LGSETA
LGSETA facilitates skills development and training for employees within local government, unemployed South Africans, and other individuals such as ward councillors and traditional leaders. As one of 21 SETAs, LGSETA aligns with the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) to provide quality training programs that meet the needs of the sector.
Stakeholders include the Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA), the South African Local Government Association (SALGA), Independent Municipal and Allied Trade Union (IMATU), and the South African Municipal Workers Union (SAMWU).
Related Bursaries
Who Can Apply?
- South African students and permanent residents
- University, University of Technology, and TVET College students, or Grade 12 learners accepted for relevant qualifications
- Applicants must be accepted or provisionally accepted for qualifications aligned to the local government sector
- Only full-time students will be funded
- Refer to the list of funded qualifications on the LGSETA website
Bursary Details
Closing Date: 28 November 2025 at 23:59
Applications must be submitted online. Late or incomplete applications will not be considered.
SETA Target 2025/26: 230 bursaries for students registered for qualifications relevant to the local government sector.
How to Apply 🧾
- Visit www.lgseta.org.za
- Click Services → DG Bursary under Learners → 2025–2026
- Complete all online application fields
- Upload required documents:
- Certified ID (not older than 6 months)
- Certified Matric Certificate / Grade 12 Results
- Acceptance / Admission Letter
- Proof of Registration (current 1st & 2nd year students)
- Parent/Guardian proof of income or affidavit
- Submit application online
LGSETA may cancel the funding window at any time. If no feedback is received within 3 months, consider the application unsuccessful.
Funded Qualifications & NQF Levels
| Qualification Name | NQF Level |
|---|---|
| Advanced Diploma in Public Accountability | 7 |
| Advanced Diploma/Honours/Bachelor: Public Administration / Public Administration & Management / Adaptive Leadership | 7/8 |
| N4, N5 & N6 Public Management | N4/N5/N6 |
| Advanced Diploma/Bachelor: Supply Chain Management / Logistics / Supply Chain & Operations Management / Public Procurement Management / Public Procurement Policy & Regulation | 7/8 |
| Honours/Bachelor: Accounting / Financial Accounting / Management Accounting / Accounting Science | 7/8 |
| N4, N5 & N6 in Financial Management | N4/N5/N6 |
| Master of Engineering: Engineering Management | 9 |
| Bachelor/Diploma Engineering: Civil Engineering (Environmental, Construction Management, Water, Transport, Urban Engineering) | 6/7/8 |
| Bachelor/Diploma Civil Engineering Technologist | — |
| N4, N5 & N6 in Civil Engineering | N4/N5/N6 |
| Honours/Bachelor/Advanced Diploma: Electrical Engineering | 7/8 |
| N4, N5 & N6 in Electrical Engineering | N4/N5/N6 |
| Honours/Bachelor/Advanced Diploma: Information Technology / IT Support Services / IT Management | 6/7/8 |
| Honours/Bachelor: Computer Science / Computer Science & Information Systems / Computer Science & IT | 7/8 |
| NCV: Business Studies; IT & Computer Science; Engineering Studies; General Studies; Transport & Logistics; Hospitality; Tourism; Safety in Society; Primary Agriculture | 4 |
| Advanced Diploma/Postgraduate Diploma: Town & Regional Planning / Urban & Regional Planning | 7/8 |
| Honours/Bachelor/Postgraduate Diploma: Town & Regional Planning / Urban & Regional Planning | — |
| Master: City/Regional Planning / City Planning & Urban Design / Urban & Regional Planning / Development Planning | 9 |
| Honours/Advanced Diploma/Bachelor: Environmental Management / Environmental Science / Environmental Planning & Development / Environmental Engineering / Environmental Health | 7/8 |
| Masters: Disaster Management | 9 |
Tips for a Strong Application 💡
- Ensure all documents are certified and valid.
- Upload acceptance letters and proof of registration promptly.
- Provide accurate income information for parent/guardian.
- Complete all online fields before submission.
- Apply before the closing date to avoid disqualification.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Who can apply for the Local Government (LGSETA) Bursary 2026? — South African students, permanent residents, or Grade 12 learners accepted for qualifications relevant to local government.
- Are part-time students eligible? — No, only full-time students are funded.
- Can I submit documents by email? — No, applications must be submitted online via the LGSETA portal.
- Is funding guaranteed? — All bursaries depend on funding availability and meeting eligibility criteria.
- When is the closing date? — 28 November 2025 at 23:59.