The Local Government Sector Education and Training Authority (LGSETA) has officially opened its Bursary Funding Window for the 2026 academic year, aimed at supporting unemployed individuals and students who aspire to build a career in the local government sector. This initiative directly supports the LGSETA Annual Performance Plan 2025/2026, fostering skills development and capacity building across municipalities and local government institutions in South Africa. The bursary window opens on 10 November 2025 and closes on 28 November 2025, offering a limited opportunity for eligible students to secure financial assistance for their studies. Eligibility Criteria Applicants must meet the following conditions to qualify for the bursary: Be a South African citizen or hold permanent residence status. Be enrolled or accepted into a university, university of technology, or TVET college in a full-time capacity. Be pursuing a qualification relevant to the local government sector, as listed on the LGSETA website. Provide proof of acceptance or provisional acceptance from a recognized institution. Be pursuing studies in a field aligned with LGSETA’s strategic focus areas, such as governance, public administration, engineering, or financial management. It is important to note that only full-time students will be funded under this bursary scheme. Funding Focus Areas and Eligible Qualifications The bursary prioritizes qualifications that enhance governance, service delivery, and sustainability within the local government sector. Key strategic focus areas include: 1. Good Governance, Leadership, and Management Advanced Diploma in Public Accountability (NQF Level 7) Public Administration, Public Management, or Adaptive Leadership qualifications (NQF Levels 7–8) N4–N6 qualifications in Public Management 2. Financial Management and Viability Supply Chain Management, Logistics, and Procurement-related qualifications (NQF Levels 7–8) Accounting, Financial Accounting, or Management Accounting degrees (NQF Levels 7–8) N4–N6 qualifications in Financial Management 3. Infrastructure and Service Delivery Master of Engineering in Engineering Management (NQF Level 9) Civil and Electrical Engineering diplomas, degrees, or advanced diplomas (NQF Levels 6–8) N4–N6 qualifications in Civil and Electrical Engineering Information Technology and Computer Science qualifications (NQF Levels 6–8) NCV certificates in Business, IT, Engineering, or related disciplines (NQF Level 4) 4. Spatial Transformation and Inclusion Advanced Diploma or Postgraduate Diploma in Town and Regional Planning or Urban Development (NQF Levels 7–8) Master’s in City and Regional Planning, Urban Design, or Development Planning (NQF Level 9) 5. Environmental Sustainability and Disaster Management Degrees in Environmental Management, Disaster Risk Reduction, Environmental Engineering, or Health (NQF Levels 7–8) Master’s in Disaster Management (NQF Level 9) These qualifications have been carefully aligned with registered SAQA qualification IDs, ensuring compliance with national education and training standards. Application Process Interested applicants must apply online only via the LGSETA website. Applications submitted via email or hand delivery will not be accepted. Steps to Apply: Visit www.lgseta.org.za. Click on the “Services” tab, then navigate to “DG Bursary” under the Learners section. Click the link provided for 2025–2026 Bursaries. Follow the detailed instructions and submit your application. Upload all required supporting documents, including: Certified ID copy (not older than 6 months) Certified Matric certificate or latest academic results Proof of acceptance or registration from a recognized institution Parent or guardian proof of income or affidavit Applications must be submitted before midnight (23:59) on 28 November 2025. Late or incomplete applications will not be considered. Additional Information All applications are subject to approval by the LGSETA Accounting Authority. Funding decisions are contingent upon the availability of funds and compliance with the programme’s policies and criteria. LGSETA reserves the right to cancel or amend the bursary funding window at its discretion. Applicants who do not receive feedback within three months of submission should consider their application unsuccessful. For all queries, applicants may contact the Bursary Department via email at bursaryapp@lgseta.org.za or by phone at 011 456 8579. Commitment to Skills Development Through this bursary initiative, LGSETA reinforces its commitment to building capable, ethical, and skilled local government professionals. The programme not only provides access to education but also contributes to the broader transformation and resilience of municipalities across South Africa. By investing in future leaders, LGSETA ensures that local governments can deliver quality services, promote accountability, and drive socio-economic growth within communities. DOWNLOAD THE CALL FOR APPLICATION HERE For more opportunities such as these please follow us on Facebook, Instagram , WhatsApp, Twitter, LinkedIn and Telegram Disclaimer: Global South Opportunities (GSO) is not the hiring organization. For any inquiries, please contact the official organization directly. Please do not send your applications to GSO, as we are unable to process them. Due to the high volume of emails, we receive daily, we may not be able to respond to all inquiries. Thank you for your understanding.