LGSETA Bursary 2026 – Funding Opportunity for Unemployed

ByRainbow Time

The Local Government Sector Education and Training Authority (LGSETA) invites unemployed individuals and students with an interest in the local government sector to apply for bursary funding for the 2026 academic year. The bursary aims to support full-time students enrolled at public universities, universities of technology, and TVET colleges in qualifications relevant to local government. This initiative forms part of the LGSETA Annual Performance Plan for 2025/2026 and seeks to promote skills development, capacity building, and employment readiness within the sector.

Applications must be submitted online between 10 November 2025 and 28 November 2025 through the LGSETA website. Only complete applications submitted before the closing date will be considered. The allocation of bursaries will depend on the availability of funds and compliance with the LGSETA funding criteria. All applicants are advised to review the list of approved qualifications on the official LGSETA website before applying.

Position: Bursary Funding for Unemployed Beneficiaries (2026 Academic Year)
Duration: One academic year (2026)
Location: Nationwide – South Africa
Closing Date: 28 November 2025 at 23:59 (midnight)

BURSARY FUNDING WINDOW FOR UNEMPLOYED BENEFICIARIES FOR THE 2026 ACADEMIC YEAR

Closing Date of Funding Window: 28 November 2025

The Local Government Sector Education and Training Authority (LGSETA) invites unemployed individuals/students interested in the local government sector to apply for the Bursary Funding Window in support of the LGSETA Annual Performance Plan targets for 2025/2026.

Who can apply?
  1. South African students and those with permanent residence status.
  2. University Students, Universities of Technology Students, and TVET College students or Grade 12 learners who have been accepted into the respective institutions for specific qualifications relevant to the local government sector.
  3. Students who have received acceptance or provisional acceptance for a course/qualification in line with the local government sector.
  4. Please refer to the list of qualifications that will be supported for the bursary on the LGSETA website.
  5. Only full-time students will be funded.

  • SETA Target 2025/26: 230
  • Learning Programmes: Bursaries according to the list of qualifications that will be funded only
  • Stakeholders: University Students, University of Technology Students and TVET Colleges students or Grade 12 learners who have been accepted in the institutions for specific qualifications relevant to the local government sector according to the list provided.

How to apply?
  1. Visit the LGSETA website: http://www.lgseta.org.za
    Follow these steps:
    i. Click the Services tab
    ii. Then click DG Bursary under the Learners tab
    iii. Lastly, click the link under 2025-2026 Instructions on how to apply: Use the link http://pulse.lgseta.org.za
  2. Complete all required fields on the online Bursary application.
  3. Upload all required supporting documents within your online application:
    i. Certified ID Copy (not older than 6 months)
    ii. Certified Matric Certificate / Grade 12 Results (not older than 6 months)
    iii. Acceptance / Admission Letter from the Institution
    iv. Proof of Registration (for 1st & 2nd-year students currently registered)
    v. Parent/Guardian’s Proof of Income or Affidavit
  4. Submit your application.
Submissions:
  1. Individual applications only – each student/learner must apply through the LGSETA Online application system (as per “How to Apply”).
    No applications via email or hand delivery will be accepted.
  2. Application window:

Closes: 28 November 2025 at 23:59 (midnight)

  1. No extensions will be granted.
  2. Late or incomplete applications will NOT be considered.
  3. The list of funded qualifications is attached to the advert.
Please Note:
  1. All bursary applications are subject to approval by the LGSETA Accounting Authority.
  2. Allocation depends on availability of funds and applicants meeting all funding criteria, policies, and procedures.
  3. LGSETA reserves the right to cancel the bursary funding window in whole or in part at its discretion.
  4. If you have not heard from us within 3 months of submission, consider your application unsuccessful.
  5. All enquiries:
    Email: [email protected]
    Tel: 011 456 8579