Funza Lushaka Bursary 2027: Applications Open for South African Students

Funza Lushaka Bursary 2027: Applications Open for South African Students

South African students who dream of becoming qualified teachers have an opportunity to receive financial support through the Funza Lushaka Bursary Programme for the 2027 academic year.

Applications officially opened on 1 October 2026, giving eligible students an opportunity to apply for funding towards an approved teaching qualification at a South African public university.

The programme, managed by the Department of Basic Education, aims to develop qualified teachers in subjects where South African public schools need more educators.

Successful applicants may receive financial assistance covering tuition fees, accommodation, meals, learning materials and other approved study-related expenses.

Students interested in becoming teachers are encouraged to check the eligibility requirements and submit their applications before the relevant closing date.

Funza Lushaka Bursary 2027 Overview

• Bursary programme: Funza Lushaka Bursary
• Organisation: Department of Basic Education
• Academic year: 2027
• Study location: Public universities across South Africa
• Field of study: Education and Teaching
• Funding: Tuition and approved study-related expenses
• Application opening date: 1 October 2026
• Closing date for returning bursary recipients: 30 November 2026
• Closing date for new applicants: 31 January 2027
• Application method: Online

What Is the Funza Lushaka Bursary Programme?

The Funza Lushaka Bursary Programme is a government-funded initiative established to encourage young South Africans to pursue careers in teaching.

The programme focuses on training teachers in subjects and educational areas identified as priorities by the Department of Basic Education.

One of the biggest advantages of this bursary is that it helps eligible students pay for their university education, reducing the financial challenges associated with studying towards a teaching degree.

However, the funding comes with an important condition.

Students who receive the bursary are required to teach at a South African public school for the same number of years that they received financial support.

For example, a student who receives the bursary for four years will be required to complete four years of teaching service.

Which Teaching Qualifications Are Funded?

The Funza Lushaka Bursary provides funding for approved undergraduate teaching qualifications aligned with the country’s educational priorities.

Bachelor of Education (B.Ed.)

Students pursuing a four-year Bachelor of Education degree may qualify if their studies meet the programme’s subject requirements.

The supported teaching phases include:

• Foundation Phase: Teaching learners from Grade R to Grade 3.
• Intermediate Phase: Teaching learners from Grade 4 to Grade 6.
• Senior and Further Education and Training Phase: Teaching learners from Grade 7 to Grade 12.

Early Childhood Care and Education

The programme also identifies a Bachelor of Education in Early Childhood Care and Education (B.Ed. ECCE) pathway for eligible students participating in the specified University of Pretoria project.

This is a limited programme-specific opportunity, rather than funding for every early childhood qualification.

Priority Teaching Subjects

Funza Lushaka focuses on subjects where qualified teachers are needed.

Priority areas identified by the Department of Basic Education include:

• Mathematics and Mathematical Literacy-related teaching specialisations
• Physical Sciences and Natural Sciences
• South African Indigenous Languages
• South African Sign Language
• Agricultural Sciences and Agricultural Technology
• Information Technology and Computer Applications Technology
• Technical subjects, including Civil, Electrical and Mechanical Technology
• Inclusive education areas such as Braille and neurodevelopmental needs

The subjects supported depend on the teaching phase and the programme’s approved priority list.

Important: Not every teaching qualification or subject combination qualifies for funding. Applicants should verify that their university programme meets the latest Funza Lushaka priority-subject requirements.

Qualifications and Subjects Not Funded

According to the published programme guidance, the bursary does not currently fund Postgraduate Certificates in Education (PGCE), previously completed teaching qualifications or extended postgraduate qualifications.

Subjects identified as oversupplied or outside the approved priority areas include History, Geography, Accounting, Economics, Business Studies, Economic and Management Sciences, Life Orientation, Physical Education, Religious Studies, Music, Dance and Art.

Applicants should check the current programme rules before choosing their teaching specialisations.

What Does the Funza Lushaka Bursary Cover?

The programme provides eligible students with financial support for approved university study expenses.

Depending on the allocation and approved costs, funding can include:

1. Tuition fees: Assistance towards the cost of an approved teaching qualification.
2. Accommodation or transport: Support for approved accommodation expenses or qualifying transport arrangements.
3. Meals: Financial assistance towards daily food expenses.
4. Books and learning materials: Support for prescribed textbooks and other educational resources.
5. Teaching practice: Assistance with qualifying practical teaching expenses.
6. Personal expenses: A limited allowance for eligible living or personal care costs, depending on the available funding.

The exact amount awarded may differ between students and institutions. Applicants should not assume that every expense will be covered without checking their award conditions.

Funza Lushaka Bursary 2027 Requirements

Students interested in applying must meet the programme’s eligibility criteria.

General Requirements

Applicants must:

• Be South African citizens.
• Be 30 years old or younger if applying for the first time.
• Have been accepted or provisionally accepted into an approved teaching qualification at a South African public university.
• Meet the academic admission requirements for their chosen qualification.
• Have the required priority teaching subjects for their selected phase.
• Demonstrate an interest in teaching and working with young people.
• Meet the relevant criminal-record and child-protection screening requirements.
• Be prepared to work at a public school assigned through a Provincial Education Department after graduating.

Applicants who already hold a teaching qualification are generally not eligible for another qualification through this programme.

Requirements for First-Year University Students

Applicants entering university for the first time must generally have:

• A National Senior Certificate with admission to bachelor’s degree studies.
• At least 50% (Level 4) in the relevant matric subjects they intend to specialise in, where required.
• Admission to an approved Bachelor of Education degree.

Additional requirements apply to specific teaching phases.

Foundation Phase

Students interested in Foundation Phase teaching must generally have achieved:

• At least 40% in Mathematics, or 50% in Mathematical Literacy.
• At least 50% in their Home Language.

Intermediate Phase

Students applying for Intermediate Phase teaching must generally have achieved:

• At least 40% in Mathematics, or 60% in Mathematical Literacy.
• At least 50% in their Home Language.
• An approved combination of priority teaching subjects.

Senior and FET Phase

Applicants must generally have:

• A bachelor’s admission pass in Grade 12.
• At least 50% in two approved priority teaching subjects.

Students interested in certain technical teaching specialisations, including Computer Applications Technology, must meet the applicable Mathematics or Technical Mathematics requirements.

Where a university sets higher admission standards than the bursary programme, applicants must meet those higher standards.

Requirements for Returning University Students

Students already receiving Funza Lushaka funding must reapply for the following academic year.

The published academic requirements include:

• Passing the required modules from the previous academic year.
• Achieving an average of at least 55% across all modules studied during the previous year.
• Achieving at least 66.5% in modules directly related to the priority teaching specialisation.

Meeting these minimum requirements does not automatically guarantee that the bursary will be renewed.

How to Apply for the Funza Lushaka Bursary 2027

Applications must be submitted online through the official government e-Services portal.

Applicants can follow these steps:

1. Visit the official application portal.
2. Register for an account using your personal information.
3. Log in using your registered username and password.
4. Select Funza Lushaka Bursary Scheme from the e-Services menu.
5. Enter the one-time PIN (OTP) sent to your selected contact method.
6. Read and accept the terms and conditions.
7. Select the 2027 application option on the dashboard.
8. Complete the application form with the required personal, academic and university information.
9. Review your details and accept the declaration to confirm your application information.

Applicants should ensure that their personal details, university information and teaching specialisations are correct before submitting the form.

Important Application Information

Students should have a valid university student number following acceptance or provisional acceptance.

Supporting documents requested by the programme must be submitted through the appropriate university Funza Lushaka office.

First-time applicants participating in district-based recruitment may also need to complete a teacher screening form. This screening process does not replace the official bursary application.

Only online bursary applications will be accepted. Paper applications will not be considered.

Funza Lushaka Bursary 2027 Closing Dates

There are two different closing dates, depending on whether the applicant is applying for the first time or returning for continued funding.

30 November 2026: Returning bursary recipients

This deadline applies to students who already receive the Funza Lushaka Bursary and wish to continue receiving funding in 2027.

31 January 2027: New applicants

This deadline applies to students submitting a new bursary application for the 2027 academic year.

Late applications will not be accepted, so students are encouraged to complete their applications as early as possible.

Important Conditions After Graduation

Students should understand that Funza Lushaka is not simply a bursary that pays for their studies.

Successful recipients have a teaching-service obligation.

For every academic year funded, the bursary recipient must complete one year of teaching service at a public school.

Placement is managed through the Provincial Education Departments, meaning graduates must be prepared to work at a school where their teaching specialisation is needed.

Students cannot assume that they will be placed at a school or province of their choice.

Failure to meet the bursary’s contractual conditions may result in repayment obligations.

Enquiries and Contact Details

Students requiring assistance with applications, supporting documents or selection outcomes should contact the Funza Lushaka academic or administrative coordinator at their university.

General programme contact information:

Department: Department of Basic Education

Telephone: 012 357 3000

Email: inquiries.funzalushaka@dbe.gov.za

Applicants should consult their university’s Funza Lushaka office first for institution-specific assistance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I apply for the Funza Lushaka Bursary with Grade 12?

Yes. Applicants who have completed Grade 12 and meet the admission requirements for an approved Bachelor of Education programme may qualify for the bursary.

Can first-year university students apply?

Yes. First-year students who meet the age, academic and teaching-subject requirements can apply.

Is the Funza Lushaka Bursary available at private colleges?

No. The programme supports approved teaching qualifications at participating South African public universities.

Does Funza Lushaka pay a monthly allowance?

The bursary can include a limited allowance for approved personal and living expenses. The amount depends on the funding allocation and applicable conditions.

Must I pay back the Funza Lushaka Bursary?

Recipients who fulfil their bursary conditions, including the required public-school teaching service, generally do not have to repay their funding. Repayment obligations may apply if contractual conditions are not met.

Can I apply if I am already studying teaching?

Yes. Eligible students already enrolled in an approved teaching qualification may apply, subject to the programme’s rules and available funding.

Final Thoughts

The Funza Lushaka Bursary 2027 offers an important opportunity for South Africans who are passionate about education but need financial assistance to pursue a teaching qualification.

For qualifying students, the programme can help cover significant university expenses while preparing them for a career in South Africa’s public education system.

Interested applicants should make sure they meet the academic requirements, choose an approved priority teaching specialisation and complete the official online application before the relevant deadline.

Applications for the 2027 academic year are open, with closing dates of 30 November 2026 for returning bursary recipients and 31 January 2027 for new applicants.