LGSETA Discretionary Grants Bursary 2025 – A Path to a Future in Local Government
If you’re passionate about making a difference in your community and pursuing a career in local government, the LGSETA Discretionary Grants Bursary 2025 could be your ticket to a brighter future. Funded by the Local Government Sector Education and Training Authority (LGSETA), this bursary helps young South Africans access tertiary education in key municipal and public service fields.
The bursary is part of LGSETA’s ongoing effort to build skills, create employment opportunities, and support government transformation. Whether you’re a recent matriculant or currently studying at a university, university of technology, or TVET college, this bursary offers a golden opportunity to get financial assistance while studying full-time.
What is the LGSETA Discretionary Grants Bursary?
The LGSETA Discretionary Grants (DG) Bursary is a government-funded initiative aimed at equipping South African youth with qualifications aligned to the needs of local municipalities and government departments.
It covers full-time studies only and prioritizes students in fields critical to service delivery and administration, such as:
- Public Administration and Management
- Financial Management and Accounting
- Civil, Electrical, and Environmental Engineering
- Town Planning and Urban Design
- Disaster Risk Management
- Environmental Health and Waste Management
- Information Technology and Computer Science
- Community Development and Social Work
- Local Economic Development
- Supply Chain and Project Management
These areas are vital for improving service delivery, especially in rural and under-resourced municipalities.
Who Can Apply?
To qualify for the LGSETA bursary in 2025, you must meet the following criteria:
✅ Be a South African citizen or permanent resident
✅ Be unemployed at the time of applying
✅ Intend to or currently be studying full-time at a public university, university of technology, or TVET college (NATED programmes only)
✅ Have a strong academic record and be pursuing studies in an LGSETA priority field
✅ Provide proof of financial need (e.g. family income, SASSA grant, or NSFAS status)
Matriculants who have already received provisional acceptance into a tertiary institution can also apply. The bursary is available to both new and returning students.
What the LGSETA Discretionary Grants Bursary Covers
The LGSETA DG Bursary may cover the following costs:
- Tuition fees (paid directly to the institution)
- Prescribed textbooks and study materials
- Accommodation (if studying away from home)
- Meals or meal allowance
- A small stipend for personal expenses
Note: The exact value of the bursary may differ depending on the programme, institution, and available funding.
Application Process and Deadline
The application window for the 2025 academic year opens in November 2024 and closes on 30 November 2024. Submit your application before the deadline—late applications are not accepted.
🔗 Apply here:
👉 LGSETA Discretionary Grants Bursary 2025 Application Form
Steps to apply:
- Visit the application link above
- Fill in your personal, academic, and financial details
- Upload all required documents in PDF format
- Submit your application before 30 November 2024
⚠️ You can only apply once. Email or hand-delivered applications are not accepted.
Required Documents
Before starting your application, prepare the following certified documents (certified within the last 6 months):
- South African ID or proof of permanent residency
- Matric results or National Senior Certificate
- Most recent academic transcript (if already in tertiary)
- Proof of 2025 registration or admission
- Proof of unemployment (e.g., affidavit)
- Parent/guardian proof of income (salary slip, SASSA grant letter, etc.)
What Happens After You Apply?
After the application closes:
- LGSETA will shortlist applicants based on academic merit, need, and relevance to priority fields
- Successful candidates will be notified by February 2025
- If you don’t hear back within 3 months, your application may have been unsuccessful
Why Choose the LGSETA Bursary?
💡 Career-aligned – Funded fields are highly employable in local government
📘 Academic support – Helps with tuition, books, and accommodation
🎯 Skills development – Equips you for public service careers
🌍 Nation-building – Your education helps strengthen South African municipalities
Pro Tips for Success
✔️ Apply as early as possible
✔️ Upload certified and legible documents
✔️ Ensure all fields on the form are correctly filled in
✔️ Use a reliable email address—this is how you’ll be contacted
✔️ Only apply if your field matches LGSETA’s list
Final Words: LGSETA Discretionary Grants Bursary
The LGSETA Discretionary Grants Bursary 2025 gives South African youth the opportunity to pursue education that directly contributes to building better municipalities and service delivery. If you want to be part of the change in your community, this bursary could be your first big step.
✅ Apply online before 30 November 2024:
👉 https://forms.office.com/r/LT3idZME9p
Need Help?
Comment below or email [email protected] for support.
