Funza Lushaka Bursary 2027: Fully Funded Teaching Studies, Closes 31 January

The Funza Lushaka Bursary supports students who want to pursue teaching careers in South Africa. Applications for the 2027 academic year opened on 1 October 2026. New applicants must submit their applications by 31 January 2027.

The bursary supports approved teaching qualifications at public higher education institutions. It focuses on subject areas where South Africa needs more teachers.

Returning bursars have an earlier deadline. Their re-applications must be submitted by 30 November 2026.

What Is the Funza Lushaka Bursary?

The Funza Lushaka Bursary Programme promotes teaching as a profession. It funds selected students who complete approved initial teacher education programmes.

The programme is administered nationally through public higher education institutions. The Department of Basic Education manages the programme. NSFAS handles its financial administration on behalf of the department.

Successful applicants must commit to teaching at a public school. The service obligation generally matches the number of years funded.

Therefore, applicants should understand this obligation before accepting the bursary.

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What Does the Funza Lushaka Bursary Cover?

The bursary covers most essential study expenses for successful recipients. However, funding remains subject to the programme’s limits and institutional costs.

Covered expenses can include:

• Tuition fees
• Accommodation and meals
• Books and learning materials
• Teaching practice expenses, where possible
• A living allowance, depending on the institution and available funding

The official application notes state that universities have different cost structures. Therefore, the total bursary value can differ between institutions.

Students should also note that the bursary can have a funding cap. Applicants may need to cover costs above the applicable cap.

For this reason, describing the bursary as “fully funded” does not mean every possible personal expense is guaranteed.

Who Can Apply for the Funza Lushaka Bursary?

The programme targets young South Africans who want to become teachers.

Eligible groups include:

• Current Grade 12 learners
• Graduates under 30 who want to study teaching
• People under 30 changing careers to teaching
• Unemployed people under 30 who want to become teachers

First-time applicants must be 30 years old or younger.

Applicants must also meet the admission requirements for their chosen teaching programme.

Importantly, applicants must first gain admission to a public higher education institution.

Meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee funding. The programme has limited bursaries and selects candidates based on its criteria.

Which Teaching Qualifications Are Funded?

The programme funds approved initial teacher education qualifications.

These include:

• Bachelor of Education (BEd)
• Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) for Senior Phase and FET teaching

The bursary does not fund Advanced Certificate in Education programmes.

Applicants should therefore check their qualification carefully before applying.

Which Subjects Are Prioritised?

Funza Lushaka prioritises subjects linked to national teacher shortages.

Priority areas include teaching specialisations across different school phases.

Foundation Phase

Priority areas include:

• Foundation Phase teaching
• South African Indigenous Languages
• Neurodevelopment needs
• Braille
• South African Sign Language (SASL)

Intermediate and Senior Phase

Applicants are encouraged to specialise in two priority areas. These include:

• Languages
• Mathematics
• Natural Science and Technology

Further Education and Training Phase

Priority subjects include:

• Accounting
• Agricultural Sciences
• Agricultural Technology
• Civil Technology
• Computer Applications Technology
• Electrical Technology
• Engineering Graphics and Design
• Geography
• Information Technology
• Life Sciences
• Mathematics
• Mechanical Technology
• Physical Sciences
• Languages
• Maritime Studies
• Coding and Robotics
• Technical Mathematics
• Technical Science

The programme’s priority areas can change according to education sector needs.

How to Apply for the Funza Lushaka Bursary 2027

Applicants must complete the application online.

Follow these steps:

1. Open the e-Gov portal.
2. Register using your personal information.
3. Log in using your new username and password.
4. Select the Funza Lushaka Bursary Scheme.
5. Enter the OTP sent through your selected channel.
6. Accept the terms and conditions.
7. Select the 2027 application option.
8. Complete all required application fields.
9. Accept the declaration and submit your information.

The official Funza Lushaka portal confirms these steps for 2027 applications.

Apply here: Funza Lushaka Bursary application portal

Applicants should provide accurate information throughout the application. They should also keep their application details and supporting documents safe.

Funza Lushaka Bursary 2027 Closing Date

There are two important deadlines for the 2027 academic year:

Late applications will not be considered.

New applicants should therefore avoid waiting until the final day. They should first secure admission to an eligible public institution.

What Happens After Receiving the Bursary?

Successful bursars must meet the programme’s academic and contractual requirements.

They must also complete their teaching service obligation after qualifying. Recipients are required to teach at a public school for the period linked to their bursary funding.

Applicants should understand this commitment before accepting the bursary.

The programme is designed to support students while also addressing teacher shortages in South Africa.

Frequently Asked Questions