Funza Lushaka Bursary Programme
Department of Basic Education
Funza Lushaka funds selected students completing an initial teaching qualification in priority subjects at an accredited public university. Applications for 2027 opened on 1 October 2026 and close on 31 January 2027 for new applicants (30 November 2026 for returning bursars). Recipients must teach at a public school for one year for every year funded.
- Amount
- Varies by university; essential study costs up to an annual cap
- Deadline
- 31 January 2027
- Duration
- Awarded one academic year at a time; reapplication is required
- Renewable
- Yes
Eligible Fields of Study
Department of Basic Education supports students in the following disciplines
Eligibility Requirements
- ✓ South African citizen with a valid South African ID number
- ✓ First-time applicant aged 30 or younger
- ✓ Accepted into an eligible BEd or PGCE programme at an accredited public university
- ✓ Teaching specialisation must meet the current priority-subject rules
- ✓ Meet the programme and university academic requirements
- ✓ Demonstrate commitment to a teaching career and public-school service
- ✓ May not hold another bursary at the same time if selected for both
- ✓ First-time applicants must be 30 years or younger
What's Included
- ✓ Tuition fees may be covered within the annual cap
- ✓ Accommodation, including meals, may be covered
- ✓ Books and learning materials may be covered
- ✓ A small monthly living allowance may be included where the allocation permits
- ✓ Funding is administered through the participating university
Work Commitment
Recipients must be available for placement at a public school and teach for one year for every year of Funza Lushaka funding received. Failure to meet the bursary agreement can trigger repayment with interest.
How to Apply
Steps to complete your Department of Basic Education bursary application
- 1
First apply for and gain admission to an eligible teaching programme at an accredited public university
- 2
Apply between 1 October 2026 and 31 January 2027; existing bursars must submit their re-application by 30 November 2026
- 3
Open the South African government e-Services portal at www.eservices.gov.za
- 4
Register or sign in, then choose the Funza Lushaka Bursary Scheme
- 5
Click the 2027 application button on the dashboard
- 6
Complete all required fields, accept the declaration and submit before 31 January 2027
- 7
Follow any selection or document instructions from your university
Required Documents
- 📄 Valid South African identity details
- 📄 Proof of admission to an eligible public-university teaching programme
- 📄 Academic results required by the university and bursary
- 📄 Any supporting information requested in the 2027 application
Frequently Asked Questions
- When do Funza Lushaka applications open for 2027?
- They are open now. The official Funza Lushaka site states that 2027 applications opened on 1 October 2026. New applications close on 31 January 2027, and existing bursars must submit re-applications by 30 November 2026. Apply on the e-Gov portal (www.eservices.gov.za) using the 2027 application button.
- Is there an age limit for Funza Lushaka?
- Yes. The official site states that all first-time applicants must be 30 years or younger.
- Can Funza Lushaka fund a PGCE?
- Yes, the current official FAQ includes a PGCE in Senior Phase and FET teaching, provided the applicant, qualification and teaching subjects meet the selection and priority-area rules.
- How much is the Funza Lushaka bursary worth?
- There is no single guaranteed cash amount for every student. Universities have different cost structures, and each award is capped. Essential expenses may include tuition, accommodation and meals, books and learning materials, and possibly a small living allowance.
- Does Funza Lushaka guarantee funding for a full degree?
- No. The bursary is awarded one academic year at a time. Existing bursars must reapply and show the required academic progress, and re-awards remain subject to the programme rules and available funding.
- What is the Funza Lushaka work-back requirement?
- A recipient must teach at a public school for one year for each year funded and must follow the provincial placement process after qualifying.
Ready to apply?
Applications close on 31 January 2027
Apply on Department of Basic Education's official siteNeed help? Contact Department of Basic Education:
Email: inquiries.funzalushaka@dbe.gov.za
Phone: 012 357 3000
Information verified 2026-10-12. Always confirm details on the funder's official website before applying.
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