Funza Lushaka Bursary 2027 Applications Now Open: Requirements, Closing Dates and How to Apply

South African students who dream of becoming teachers can now apply for the Funza Lushaka Bursary Programme for the 2027 academic year.

The bursary is aimed at helping eligible students complete recognised teacher education qualifications, particularly in areas where South Africa needs more qualified teachers.

Applications for the 2027 academic year officially opened on 1 October 2026. New applicants have until 31 January 2027 to submit their applications, while returning Funza Lushaka bursars must reapply by 30 November 2026.

Funza Lushaka Bursary 2027 Overview

The Funza Lushaka Bursary Programme is managed by the Department of Basic Education and is designed to encourage more young South Africans to enter the teaching profession.

The programme provides financial assistance to selected students studying towards approved teaching qualifications at public higher education institutions.

An important condition of the bursary is that successful beneficiaries are expected to teach at a public school after completing their studies. The service period is generally linked to the number of years for which the student received Funza Lushaka funding.

Important Dates

Applications opened: 01 October 2026

Closing date for new applicants: 31 January 2027

Closing date for returning bursars: 30 November 2026

Study location: Public higher education institutions across South Africa

Applicants are encouraged not to wait until the closing date to submit their applications.

What Does the Funza Lushaka Bursary Cover?

The Funza Lushaka Bursary is intended to help students with the major costs associated with completing their teaching qualification.

Funding may include:

• Tuition fees
• Accommodation or transport assistance
• Meals
• Learning materials
• Personal care allowance
• Teaching practice support

The exact amount provided may depend on the student’s institution, programme and applicable bursary funding limits.

Who Can Apply for the Funza Lushaka Bursary?

The programme is intended for South African students who want to become qualified teachers.

Potential applicants may include:

• Current Grade 12 learners planning to study teaching
• First-year university students
• Graduates who want to enter the teaching profession
• Unemployed young people interested in becoming teachers
• People who want to change careers and enter teaching

First-time applicants must meet the applicable age requirements, with the official Funza Lushaka portal stating that first-time applicants must be 30 years old or younger. Applicants must also meet the admission requirements of the higher education institution and teaching programme they intend to study.

Meeting the minimum requirements does not automatically guarantee that an applicant will receive funding because bursaries are awarded according to available funding and priority teaching needs.

Priority Teaching Areas

Funza Lushaka places particular emphasis on subjects and teaching areas where South Africa requires more qualified educators.

Priority areas can include subjects such as:

• Mathematics
• Natural Sciences
• Physical Sciences
• Technology
• Information Technology
• Coding and Robotics
• Engineering-related subjects
• South African Indigenous Languages
• Agricultural Sciences
• Technical Mathematics
• Technical Sciences
• Foundation Phase teaching

Priority areas may change from year to year depending on national and provincial teacher requirements.

Applicants should therefore confirm that their intended teaching specialisation qualifies under the priorities applicable to the 2027 bursary cycle.

University Admission Is Important

Students should apply for admission to an eligible public higher education institution before completing their Funza Lushaka bursary application.

Being accepted at a university does not automatically mean that a student will receive the bursary.

Likewise, successfully submitting a bursary application does not mean funding has been approved. Applications still need to be assessed according to the programme’s selection requirements and available funding.

How to Apply for the Funza Lushaka Bursary 2027

Applications are completed online.

Applicants can follow these steps:

1. Visit the official South African Government e-Services portal.
2. Register by entering your personal information.
3. Create your username and password.
4. Log in to your e-Services account.
5. Select Funza Lushaka Bursary Scheme from the available services.
6. Enter the OTP sent to your preferred communication channel.
7. Accept the terms and conditions.
8. Select the 2027 application from the dashboard.
9. Complete all required information carefully.
10. Review your details before submitting the application.
11. Accept the declaration and submit your application.

Applicants should ensure that their contact information, academic details and personal information are correct before submitting the form.

Important Advice for Applicants

Do not assume that submitting an application guarantees funding.

Students should also make sure that:

• They have applied to an eligible public higher education institution.
• Their selected teaching qualification meets Funza Lushaka requirements.
• Their personal information matches their official documents.
• They provide accurate academic information.
• They complete the online application before the deadline.
• They regularly check their application status and communication channels.

Late or incomplete applications may result in applicants missing the opportunity to be considered.

What Happens After Receiving the Bursary?

Students who are awarded the Funza Lushaka Bursary must continue to meet the academic and contractual requirements of the programme.

After completing their teaching qualification, bursary recipients are expected to teach at a public school for a period linked to the number of years they received bursary funding.

For example, a student who receives Funza Lushaka funding for several years should expect a corresponding public-school teaching service commitment.

Funza Lushaka Bursary 2027 Closing Dates

Applicants should take note of the two different deadlines.

Returning bursars: 30 November 2026

New applicants: 31 January 2027

Students are strongly encouraged to apply as early as possible rather than waiting until the final day.

Funza Lushaka Contact Details

Applicants who need assistance can contact the Department of Basic Education.

Telephone: 012 357 3000

Email: [email protected]

Final Thoughts

The Funza Lushaka Bursary 2027 provides an important opportunity for South Africans who want to build careers in education while receiving financial assistance towards their studies.

Students who are passionate about teaching, particularly in priority subject areas, should apply early, secure admission to an eligible institution and make sure their online application is completed correctly.

With new applications closing on 31 January 2027, prospective teachers still have time to prepare their information and submit their applications for consideration.