The LGSETA Bursary is a strategic initiative that supports the development of skilled professionals in South Africa’s local government and public service sectors.
By providing financial assistance to academically deserving students, the bursary seeks to cultivate talent in critical areas, including engineering, finance, public administration, and technical disciplines.
Designed to address both financial need and scarce skills requirements, the LGSETA Bursary enables students to pursue full-time studies at accredited South African institutions while contributing to the country’s long-term socio-economic development.
This programme not only helps alleviate the financial burden of higher education but also fosters a pipeline of qualified professionals equipped to meet the evolving demands of local government and public service.
In this article, we will learn in detail about this bursary, its requirements, allowances, online application, and more.
Table of Contents
What is the LGSETA Bursary?
LGSETA – Local Government Sector Education and Training Authority. It is an executive structure of the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) and one of the 21 SETAs in South Africa.
The LGSETA Bursary is a funding organisation categorised under the Discretionary Grants programme. It supports the organisation’s annual performance and strategic plan goals. LGSETA provides financial assistance to unemployed or aspiring students interested in the local government sector.
Fields Covered by the LGSETA Bursary
This bursary is mainly provided for students who are willing to continue their higher education within the fields related to the SPOI, which include:
- Information Technology
- Masters in Disaster Management
- Public Management (N4, N5 & N6)
- Master of Engineering Management
- Financial Management (N4, N5 & N6)
- Advanced Diploma in Public Accountability
- Honours/ Bachelor/ Advanced Diploma in Electrical Engineering (N4, N5 & N6),
- Advanced Diploma/ Postgraduate Diploma in Town and Regional Planning/ Urban and Regional Planning.
- Honours/ Bachelor/ Post Graduate Diploma in Town and Regional Planning/ Urban and Regional Planning.
- Advanced Diploma/ Honours/ Bachelor in Public Administration/ Public Administration and Management/ Adaptive Leadership.
- Honours/ Bachelors in Computer Science/ Computer Science and Information Systems/ Computer Science and Information Technology.
- Masters in City/ Regional Planning/ City Planning and Urban Design/ Urban and Regional Planning/ Town and Regional Planning/ Development Planning.
- Honours/ Advanced Diploma/ Bachelor in Information Technology related/ Information Technology in Support Services/ Information Technology Management.
- Advanced Diploma/ Bachelor in Supply Chain Management/ Logistics and Supply Chain/ Supply Chain and Operations Management/ Public Procurement Management/ Public Procurement Policy and Regulation.
- Diploma/ Bachelor in Civil Engineering (N4, N5 & N6), Civil Engineering Technologist and with other specialisations including Environmental, Construction Management, Water, Transport, and Urban Engineering.
- Honours/ Advanced Diploma/ Bachelor in Environmental Management/ Environmental Science in Disaster Risk Reduction/ Environmental Planning and Development/ Environmental Science/ Environmental Engineering/ Environmental Health.
- Accounting and other branches of Accounting, including Financial Accounting, Management Accounting, Accounting Science and more.
Read about what is student bursary?
What Does the LGSETA Bursary Cover?
With the primary goal, LGSETA provides full-time financial assistance to students enrolled at Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) recognised institutions and are pursuing qualifications aligned with the SPOI- Sector Priority Occupations and Interventions.
The LGSETA Bursary monthly allowance includes tuition fees, study materials, prescribed textbooks, food, accommodation, and other allowances. The financial support provided by this bursary varies with the study level.
- Students enroled in the TVET College will receive a maximum bursary of R100,000 per year.
- Students enroled in the University of Technology will receive a maximum bursary of R 70,000 per year.
*Note: These are the maximum awards or funds this bursary provides. The amount may vary depending on several factors, such as the applicant’s academic records and available funds.
Read about different types of bursaries.
LGSETA Bursary Eligibility Requirements
According to the records, this bursary is available only for the first 350 applications. The application number may vary depending on the available funds and the SETA Target. In 2022-23, more than 500 bursaries were awarded.
Applicants for the LGSETA Bursary 2026 must meet the eligibility requirements. In South Africa, a few standard prerequisites for receiving a bursary are as follows:
- Applicant must be a citizen,
- Applicant must be Unemployed,
- Applicant must have a permanent residence status,
- Applicant must matric / Grade 12 pass and intend to enrol in higher learning institutions, including TVET Colleges (NATED Programmes) or University of Technology students.
- Applicants should be registered for a full-time degree/programme related to the local government sector.
- LGSETA will only provide the bursary for those students whose studies align with the SPOI (sector priority occupations and interventions)
- LGSETA will only provide the bursary to applicants enroled from DHET-recognised institutions.
Explore the top bursaries for undergraduate studies in South Africa.
LGSETA Bursary Online Application Process: Steps-by-Step Guide
Applying for the Eskom Bursary 2026 is a straightforward process, designed to make it accessible for deserving students across South Africa. To ensure your application is successful, it’s important to follow each step carefully and submit all required information accurately:
- Step 1: Visit the official website of the LGSETA Bursary.
- Step 2: Register or log in if you already have a username and password.
- Step 3: Select the bursary window banner on the home page and navigate to the online application.
- Step 4: Read the application form carefully before filling in the required information. For any queries, applicants can check the guidelines available on the website.
- Step 5: Once you submit your application, track its status by checking your mailbox for a confirmation.
After successfully submitting the application form and the required scanned documents before the closing date, applicants can access the list of qualifications that will be funded for the bursary on the LGSETA website.
Documents Required for the LGSETA Bursary Application Process in 2026
Applicants for the Eskom Bursary 2026 are required to submit several essential documents with their applications. These documents allow Eskom to verify your eligibility, assess your academic performance, and evaluate your financial need:
- Applicant’s ID proof,
- A proof of residence,
- A motivational letter,
- Proof of unemployment
- A complete academic record,
- Parents/ guardians ID documents,
- A matric or class 12 pass certificate,
- ID proofs of other household members,
- Proof of income – latest payslips or employment letter.
*Note: All the documents mentioned above should be certified.
LGSETA Bursary’s Closing Date For Applications?
The bursary application closing deadline has not yet been officially announced. However, it is advisable to apply as soon as possible to avoid delays.
Applications received after the stated closing dates will not be considered. Applicants for the 2026 bursary can visit the website to check the application cycle or subscribe to receive notifications about 2026 bursary updates.
Note: The LGSETA bursary closing dates change annually and may differ depending on the specific bursary programme or field of study. Accordingly, the applicant must confirm that they check the official website regularly to confirm the closing date for the 2026 application cycle.
LGSETA Bursary Contact Detail
For any questions or clarifications regarding the Eskom Bursary 2026, applicants are encouraged to contact the LGSETA Bursary Division directly. It handles all bursary-related communications and support.
Whether you need guidance on eligibility criteria, assistance with completing the online application form, or clarification on required documents, the bursary division is the official point of contact.
You can contact them via email at bursaryapp@lgseta.org.za. When reaching out, it is recommended to include your full name, contact information, and a clear description of your query to ensure a prompt and accurate response.
Maintaining professional and concise communication will help the bursary team assist you effectively.
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Conclusion
LGSETA provides an environment that facilitates the training and development of skills for various employees, individuals involved in local government structures, and unemployed South Africans. This Bursary provides complete financial support for aspiring students. It allows students to focus on their higher studies and, upon graduation, make a valuable contribution to the country’s government.
For more information related to bursaries, how to apply and different education opportunities, visit Regenesys Education‘s Reginsights page now!
FAQs
What is the LGSETA bursary monthly allowance?
This bursary provides complete financial assistance covering tuition fees, textbooks, accommodation, transport, food and other living allowances.
Are there any age restrictions for applying for this bursary?
As per the eligibility criteria on the official website, there are no age restrictions for applying for this bursary.
What is the closing date for submitting application forms?
The LGSETA bursary closing date for submitting the application forms is in November 2024, but this date may vary each year.
Will I receive any notification regarding the confirmation of the bursary?
Yes. Shortlisted candidates will be contacted within three months of the application deadline. If you are still waiting to receive feedback by this time, please regard your application as unsuccessful.
When will the application procedure begin for the next academic year?
The date may for the application procedure for LGSETA vary every year. Check the website regularly for new notifications and updates.
