Funza Lushaka Bursary Application for 2026/2027

Detailed guide on Funza Lushaka Bursary Application 2026/2027. Are you passionate about teaching and shaping the future of South Africa’s youth? The Funza Lushaka Bursary Programme 2026/2027 offers a golden opportunity for aspiring educators to pursue a teaching qualification at a recognized public university in South Africa. This is completely funded by the government. This prestigious bursary is aimed at students who wish to make a difference in the education sector, particularly in priority teaching subjects such as Mathematics, Science, Technology, Languages, and Foundation Phase Education.

Funded by the Department of Basic Education (DBE), the Funza Lushaka Bursary covers full tuition fees, accommodation, meals, textbooks, and a living allowance, ensuring that recipients can focus entirely on their studies. In return, graduates are required to teach in a South African public school for the same number of years they received funding, making this a study-and-serve initiative that benefits both the student and the nation.

Whether you’re a new matriculant or a university student pursuing a Bachelor of Education (BEd) or Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE), this bursary can help you achieve your dream of becoming a qualified teacher.

In addition, satrends.co.za offers a wide range of other bursary categories to suit your preference. Click on the links below to access other kinds of bursaries.

Universities in South Africa Bursaries Available for 2026

Government Departments Bursaries Available for 2026

Field of Studies Specified Bursaries Available for 2026

Keep reading to learn more about the Funza Lushaka Bursary Application for 2026/2027, including eligibility criteria, study fields, online application process, and closing dates.

About Department of Basic Education (DBE)

The Department of Basic Education (DBE) oversees all schooling in South Africa from Grade R to Grade 12, including adult literacy programmes. Previously part of the Department of Education, the DBE became a separate entity after the split into two departments:

DBE (Department of Basic Education)
DHE (Department of Higher Education)

The DBE’s mission is to ensure that all South Africans have access to quality education and training opportunities. Its vision is to build a sustainable and inclusive education system that enhances the quality of life for all citizens while fostering peace, democracy, and prosperity.

About the Funza Lushaka Bursary Programme 2026/2027

Fields Covered

The Funza Lushaka Bursary funds students pursuing teaching qualifications that enable them to specialise in at least two priority subject areas, identified as scarce by provincial education departments.

The bursary supports Undergraduate degrees in education, including:

Bachelor of Education (B.Ed.) in Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) – for ECD Grade RR–R.
Bachelor of Education (B.Ed.) specialising in one of the following:
- Foundation Phase (Grade R–3)
- Intermediate Phase (Grade 4–6)
- Senior and Further Education and Training Phase (Grade 7–12)

Important Notes:

PGCE (Postgraduate Certificate in Education) will not be funded in 2026.
Subjects like History, Geography, Accounting, Economics, Business Studies, and Physical Education are excluded as they are in oversupply.
Indigenous South African Languages (excluding English and Afrikaans) are encouraged.
Subjects with low school demand, such as Music, Dance, Art, and Religious Studies, will not be funded.
Language-only combinations are discouraged as they limit school flexibility.

Bursary Coverage, Renewal & Service Contract

The Funza Lushaka Bursary provides comprehensive financial assistance, covering:

Tuition fees
Textbooks and study materials
Accommodation and meals
Teaching practice costs
A small monthly living allowance (depending on university costs)

The bursary is renewable each year, depending on academic performance. After graduation, recipients must teach in a public school for the same number of years that they received the bursary.

Eligibility Criteria for Funza Lushaka Bursary Application 2026/2027

Applicants must meet the following minimum requirements:

General Criteria:

Be a South African citizen with a valid ID number.
Be 30 years or younger (first-time applicants).
Be accepted into a recognised B.Ed. programme at a South African public university.
Have a strong academic record and a passion for teaching.
Be willing to teach at any public school as assigned by the Provincial Education Department.
Have no existing teaching qualification or criminal record.

First-Time University Entrants:

Must have a Matric Bachelor’s admission or equivalent.
Must have achieved a minimum of 50% (Level 4) in two priority subjects.
For Foundation Phase, a minimum of 30% (Level 2) in Mathematics or 50% (Level 4) in Mathematical Literacy, plus 50% (Level 4) in Home Language.
For Intermediate Phase, at least 50% (Level 4) in Mathematics and Home Language.
For Senior/FET Phase, a minimum of 50% (Level 4) in two priority teaching subjects.

Current University Students:

Must have passed all priority subject modules in the previous year.
Must have achieved at least 55% average overall and 66.5% in teaching specialisation modules.

How to Apply for Funza Lushaka Bursary 2026/2027

Applications must be completed online only via the e-Government Portal: Click here to access the Funza Lushaka Bursary Application portal for 2026

Application Steps:

Visit the e-Gov Portal.
Register and create your account.
Log in using your credentials.
Select “Funza Lushaka Bursary Scheme” from the e-Services menu.
Enter the OTP sent to you.
Accept the Terms and Conditions.
Click “2026 Application” and complete the required information.
Review and submit your application.

Note: Only online submissions will be accepted. No hard copy applications are allowed.

Application Tips

Read the Funza Lushaka Information Guide before applying.
Use your valid student number from your university.
Double-check that your priority subjects match your chosen specialisation.
Once submitted, applications cannot be changed after the deadline.
Submit supporting documents to your university’s Funza Lushaka office.

Application Closing Dates for Funza Lushaka Bursary 2026/2027

New Applications: 30 November 2024
Returning Students: 26 January 2026

Late or incomplete applications will not be considered.

Contact Details of Department of Basic Education (DBE)

For queries, please contact your university’s Funza Lushaka coordinator (academic or administrative).

Do not contact DBE, DHET, or NSFAS directly.

Email: inquiries.funzalushaka@dbe.gov.za

Tel: 012 357 3000