Funza Lushaka Bursary 2027 Applications Now Open: Requirements, Closing Dates and Procedure to Apply
Funza Lushaka Bursary 2027 Applications Now Open: Who Qualifies, What It Covers, Closing Dates and How to Apply
Are you passionate about teaching and looking for financial support to further your studies in 2027? The Funza Lushaka Bursary Programme could be the opportunity you have been waiting for.
South African students who wish to pursue a career in education are invited to apply for funding through this government-supported bursary programme. The initiative helps aspiring teachers obtain recognised teaching qualifications while addressing the shortage of qualified educators in important subject areas.
Applications for the 2027 academic year opened on 1 October 2026, giving eligible students an opportunity to apply for financial assistance towards their teaching studies.
New applicants have until 31 January 2027 to submit their applications, while students who previously received Funza Lushaka funding must submit their renewal applications by 30 November 2026.
Below is everything prospective applicants need to know about the bursary, including its benefits, eligibility criteria, priority subjects and online application process.
What Is the Funza Lushaka Bursary Programme?
The Funza Lushaka Bursary Programme is a government initiative administered by the Department of Basic Education in South Africa.
Its main purpose is to support students who want to become teachers, particularly those interested in teaching subjects where qualified educators are needed.
Through this programme, successful applicants receive financial assistance to study towards approved teaching qualifications at recognised public universities and other eligible higher education institutions.
Unlike some bursaries, Funza Lushaka comes with an important responsibility. Students who benefit from the programme are required to teach at a public school after completing their qualifications.
Generally, the number of years a graduate must teach corresponds to the number of years they received bursary funding.
This arrangement helps ensure that government investment in teacher education contributes to improving teaching and learning in South African public schools.
Funza Lushaka Bursary 2027: Important Information
Here are the key details applicants should know before starting their applications.
| Information | Details |
| Bursary name | Funza Lushaka Bursary Programme |
| Academic year | 2027 |
| Country | South Africa |
| Applications opened | 1 October 2026 |
| New applicants’ deadline | 31 January 2027 |
| Returning bursars’ deadline | 30 November 2026 |
| Study field | Education and Teaching |
| Study institutions | Eligible public higher education institutions |
| Application method | Online |
| Programme administrator | Department of Basic Education |
Applicants should prepare their information early to avoid last-minute problems with the online application system.
What Does the Funza Lushaka Bursary Cover?
One of the biggest challenges facing students who want to attend university is the cost of education.
Apart from tuition fees, students often need money for accommodation, transport, meals, textbooks and other everyday expenses.
The Funza Lushaka Bursary is designed to reduce this financial burden so that successful beneficiaries can concentrate on their studies.
Depending on the applicable funding arrangements, the bursary may contribute towards the following expenses:
- Tuition fees: Financial support towards the cost of an approved teaching qualification.
- Accommodation: Assistance with eligible student housing expenses.
- Transport: Support for qualifying transport costs where applicable.
- Meals: Funding towards students’ daily food expenses.
- Learning materials: Assistance with textbooks and other required academic resources.
- Personal allowance: A contribution towards certain personal expenses.
- Teaching practice: Support for qualifying expenses associated with practical teaching activities.
The amount awarded may differ depending on the university, the student’s circumstances, the approved programme and available funding.
Applicants should understand that not every expense is necessarily covered in full.
Who Qualifies for the Funza Lushaka Bursary 2027?
The programme is aimed at South African citizens who are committed to becoming qualified teachers.
Students from different educational backgrounds may be considered, provided they meet the official requirements.
Potential applicants include:
- Grade 12 learners who intend to enrol for a teaching qualification in 2027.
- Students entering their first year of university.
- Eligible students who are already studying towards teaching qualifications.
- Graduates interested in pursuing an approved postgraduate teaching qualification.
- Unemployed young South Africans who meet university admission requirements.
- Individuals considering a career change into the teaching profession.
General Eligibility Requirements
Before applying, candidates should ensure that they meet the following conditions:
- Applicants must be South African citizens.
- First-time applicants must generally be 30 years old or younger.
- Candidates must meet the admission requirements of their chosen higher education institution.
- Applicants must intend to study an approved teaching qualification.
- Their selected teaching specialisation must meet the programme’s priority requirements.
- Applicants must be willing to teach at a public school after completing their studies.
- Candidates must provide accurate personal and academic information during the application process.
It is important to remember that meeting these requirements does not guarantee a bursary.
Applications are assessed according to the programme’s selection criteria, available funding and the country’s teaching priorities.
Which Teaching Subjects Are Prioritised?
Funza Lushaka focuses on developing teachers in subjects and educational areas where South Africa has a particular need for qualified professionals.
Students planning to specialise in priority teaching subjects may be considered in line with the programme’s current selection requirements.
Potential priority areas include:
- Mathematics
- Physical Sciences
- Natural Sciences
- Agricultural Sciences
- Technology
- Information Technology
- Coding and Robotics
- Technical Mathematics
- Technical Sciences
- Engineering-related teaching subjects
- South African Indigenous Languages
- Foundation Phase teaching in approved specialisations
These subjects are important for developing skills, improving literacy and numeracy, and preparing learners for further education and employment.
However, priority subjects and eligible specialisations may change from one academic year to another.
Applicants should confirm the approved 2027 teaching priorities before selecting a qualification or submitting their applications.
Do You Need University Admission Before Applying?
Students interested in the Funza Lushaka Bursary should also apply for admission to an eligible public university offering their preferred teaching qualification.
This is an important part of preparing for the bursary application.
For example, a Grade 12 learner who wants to become a Mathematics teacher should first identify universities offering an approved Bachelor of Education qualification with the appropriate teaching specialisation.
The learner should then check the admission requirements and submit a university application.
However, there are two important things to understand:
University admission does not guarantee bursary funding. A student may be accepted to study teaching but still be unsuccessful in obtaining Funza Lushaka funding.
Submitting a bursary application does not guarantee university admission. Applicants must meet the admission requirements of their chosen institution independently.
Students should therefore pay attention to both university admission deadlines and bursary application deadlines.
How to Apply for the Funza Lushaka Bursary 2027 Online
Applications for the Funza Lushaka Bursary are submitted electronically through the official government application system.
Applicants can follow the steps below to complete their applications.
Step 1: Visit the Official Government e-Services Portal
Open the South African Government e-Services website using your phone, tablet or computer.
Make sure you are using the official government platform rather than an unfamiliar third-party website.
Step 2: Register an Account
If you are using the platform for the first time, create an account by providing the required personal information.
You will need to create login credentials that allow you to access the system.
Step 3: Log In to Your Account
Once registration is complete, enter your username and password to access the e-Services dashboard.
Step 4: Select the Funza Lushaka Bursary Scheme
Find the Funza Lushaka Bursary Scheme among the available government services.
Select the programme to continue with your application.
Step 5: Complete the Verification Process
The system may send a one-time password (OTP) to your registered contact details.
Enter the verification code and follow the instructions displayed on the screen.
Step 6: Choose the 2027 Application
Once you have accessed the bursary application section, select the application for the 2027 academic year.
Step 7: Complete Your Personal and Academic Details
Provide the information requested in the application form.
This may include your personal details, contact information, academic history, chosen university, and intended teaching qualification.
Take your time when completing this section because incorrect information could affect your application.
Step 8: Review Your Application
Before submitting, carefully check all the information you have entered.
Make sure your identification details, academic information, and contact details are accurate.
Step 9: Submit Your Application
Read and accept the required declaration and submit your completed application.
Where the system provides a reference number or confirmation, keep it for future use.
Applicants should also regularly check their application status and communication channels for updates.
Funza Lushaka Bursary 2027 Closing Dates
Students interested in applying should pay particular attention to the different deadlines for new and returning applicants.
New applicants: 31 January 2027
This deadline applies to students submitting a new application for Funza Lushaka funding
Returning bursars: 30 November 2026
Students who previously received the bursary and wish to continue receiving support must submit their renewal applications before this date.
Returning students should not assume that funding will automatically continue without completing the required renewal process.
Applying early is strongly recommended because technical problems, missing information or delays could prevent applicants from completing their applications on time.
Important Tips to Improve Your Application Readiness
Applying for a bursary requires careful preparation. Small mistakes can create unnecessary difficulties, especially when deadlines are approaching.
Here are a few practical steps that prospective applicants should take.
- Apply to university early Do not wait until the bursary deadline to start looking for a university. Research teaching programmes and submit your university applications within the institution’s admission period.
- Choose an eligible teaching specialisation
- Before selecting a programme, confirm that your intended teaching subjects align with Funza Lushaka’s approved priorities.
- Check your personal information
- Make sure your name, identification details and other personal information match your official documents.
- Provide accurate academic results
- Use the correct school or university results when completing your application. Avoid submitting misleading or incorrect information.
- Use reliable contact details
- Provide a working cellphone number and email address so that important communication can reach you.
- Submit before the deadline
- Do not leave your application until the last day. Early submission gives you more time to resolve possible problems.
- Monitor your application status
After submitting, continue checking the official portal and your communication channels for updates or further instructions.
What Happens After You Receive the Funza Lushaka Bursary?
Being awarded the Funza Lushaka Bursary is an important achievement, but it also comes with responsibilities.
Beneficiaries must comply with the academic and contractual conditions of the programme throughout their studies.
Students are expected to work towards completing their approved teaching qualifications and maintain the academic progress required for continued funding.
After graduation, bursary recipients must fulfil their teaching service obligations in public schools, subject to the programme’s placement and contractual arrangements.
For example, a student who receives funding for four years would generally be expected to complete four years of teaching service.
This requirement is one of the key differences between Funza Lushaka and bursaries that do not carry a post-study employment obligation.
Prospective applicants should therefore carefully consider whether they are genuinely interested in teaching before accepting the bursary.
Funza Lushaka Bursary Contact Details
Applicants who need clarification about eligibility, applications or programme requirements can contact the Department of Basic Education.
Department of Basic Education
- Telephone: 012 357 3000
- Email: inquiries.funzalushaka@dbe.gov.za
- Official programme website: https://www.funzalushaka.doe.gov.za/
- Government e-Services portal: https://www.eservices.gov.za/
Applicants should use official government communication channels when requesting assistance or sharing personal information.
Final Thoughts: Take the First Step Towards Your Teaching Career
For South Africans who have always wanted to become teachers, the Funza Lushaka Bursary Programme offers an opportunity to pursue that ambition with financial assistance
Teaching is more than just a profession. It is an opportunity to inspire young people, help learners discover their potential and contribute to the development of communities across the country
Through Funza Lushaka, eligible students can work towards recognised teaching qualifications while preparing to serve in South Africa’s public education system.
If you are planning to study teaching in 2027, now is a good time to research eligible universities, check the bursary requirements and prepare your application.
Remember these important deadlines:
- 30 November 2026: Returning Funza Lushaka bursars.
- 31 January 2027: New bursary applicants.
Start preparing early, follow the official application instructions and make sure you submit all the required information before the applicable deadline.
Apply through the official Funza Lushaka website: https://www.funzalushaka.doe.gov.za/