Funza Lushaka Bursary 2027: Applications Now Open

Funza Lushaka Bursary 2027

Funza Lushaka Bursary 2027 applications are officially open for South African students interested in pursuing teaching qualifications at eligible public universities.

The Department of Basic Education has announced the opening of the 2027 bursary application cycle, providing an opportunity for qualifying students to receive financial assistance while preparing for careers in education.

The programme supports talented young people who wish to become teachers, particularly in subjects and specialisations where South Africa needs qualified educators.

Applications opened on 1 October 2026, with new applicants given until 31 January 2027 to apply. Existing bursary recipients must submit their reapplications by 30 November 2026.

Students currently completing Grade 12, eligible university students, graduates and individuals interested in changing careers to teaching are encouraged to review the programme requirements.

Funza Lushaka Bursary 2027 Overview

Information	Details
Programme	Funza Lushaka Bursary Scheme
Organisation	Department of Basic Education
Country	South Africa
Academic year	2027
Application status	Open
Opening date	1 October 2026
New applications close	31 January 2027
Returning bursars close	30 November 2026
Study field	Teaching and Education
Application method	Online
Official website	www.funzalushaka.doe.gov.za

What Is the Funza Lushaka Bursary 2027?

The Funza Lushaka Bursary Scheme is a government-supported programme designed to encourage academically capable students to pursue teaching as a profession.

The programme assists qualifying students who wish to complete recognised initial teacher education qualifications.

It also aims to address shortages of qualified educators in priority teaching subjects and phases.

Unlike some bursary schemes that provide funding without an employment obligation, Funza Lushaka requires successful recipients to teach at a public school after completing their qualifications.

Generally, recipients must teach for the same number of years that they received bursary funding.

This makes the programme particularly suitable for students who are genuinely committed to becoming teachers.

What Does Funza Lushaka Bursary 2027 Cover?

The Department of Basic Education identifies several educational expenses that may be supported by the bursary.

These include:

University tuition fees.
Accommodation or qualifying transport costs.
Daily meals.
Prescribed books and learning materials.
Personal care allowance.
Teaching practice support.

The actual funding provided depends on the programme rules, approved university costs and bursary conditions.

Students should not assume that every personal expense will automatically be covered.

The programme seeks to reduce the financial burden of teacher education so that successful recipients can concentrate on their studies.

Who Qualifies for Funza Lushaka Bursary 2027?

Applicants must satisfy the programme’s academic, citizenship, age and qualification requirements.

Potential candidates include:

South African Grade 12 learners who intend to study teaching.
University students pursuing approved teaching qualifications.
Eligible graduates interested in entering the teaching profession.
Young people seeking to change careers to teaching.
Unemployed young people who meet the academic and admission criteria.

Important age requirement: All first-time applicants must be 30 years old or younger, according to the official 2027 Funza Lushaka application portal.

Applicants must also satisfy the entry requirements of their chosen higher education institution and the national bursary selection criteria.

Meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee that an applicant will receive funding.

Teaching Qualifications Supported by Funza Lushaka Bursary 2027

The Funza Lushaka Bursary Scheme focuses on recognised initial teacher education qualifications that prepare students to teach in South African schools.

Depending on the programme’s current rules and approved subject priorities, qualifying study routes can include:

Bachelor of Education (BEd)

A Bachelor of Education is a professional undergraduate teaching qualification.

Teaching specialisations may include:

Foundation Phase Teaching.
Intermediate Phase Teaching.
Senior Phase Teaching.
Further Education and Training Teaching.

Applicants must ensure that their chosen programme meets the current Funza Lushaka priority subject requirements.

Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE)

Some eligible graduates may qualify to pursue a recognised PGCE in an approved teaching specialisation.

Candidates must meet the relevant university admission requirements and confirm whether their intended PGCE route qualifies for Funza Lushaka funding in 2027.

Priority Teaching Subjects for 2027

The Department of Basic Education prioritises teaching fields associated with the country’s educational needs.

Important areas identified by the department include:

Mathematics and Science

Students preparing to teach Mathematics, Physical Sciences and related STEM subjects may be considered according to applicable priority requirements.

Technology and Engineering-Related Subjects

Teaching specialisations supporting technology education and technical skills development are also relevant.

South African Indigenous Languages

The programme recognises the importance of developing educators who can teach South African indigenous languages and support language development.

Inclusive Education

The Department of Basic Education also highlights the need for teachers equipped to support learners with special educational needs.

Priority subjects may differ according to province, teaching phase and annual programme requirements.

Before applying, candidates should confirm that their university qualification and subject combinations appear on the current approved list.

Documents to Prepare for Funza Lushaka Bursary 2027

Applicants should prepare their academic and identification documents before starting the application process.

Documents commonly relevant to bursary applications include:

South African identity document.
Latest Grade 12 academic results, where applicable.
Matric certificate for applicants who have completed Grade 12.
University admission or registration information.
Academic records for existing tertiary students.
Additional documents requested by the university or bursary administrators.

The exact supporting documents and submission arrangements depend on the applicant’s circumstances and the university.

Applicants should follow the current official instructions rather than uploading unnecessary personal information.

How to Apply for Funza Lushaka Bursary 2027

Applications are completed through the South African government’s e-Services platform.

Follow these steps:

Step 1: Visit the official application portal

Open the government e-Services website:

https://www.eservices.gov.za

Step 2: Register an account

New users must register by entering the required personal information.

Make sure that the details provided match your South African identity document.

Step 3: Log in

Use your registered username and password to access the e-Services platform.

Step 4: Select Funza Lushaka Bursary Scheme

From the e-Services menu, choose the Funza Lushaka Bursary Scheme.

Step 5: Complete verification

Enter the one-time PIN received through your selected communication channel.

Step 6: Accept the terms and conditions

Read the programme terms carefully before proceeding.

Step 7: Select the 2027 application

On the bursary dashboard, choose the application option for the 2027 academic year.

Step 8: Complete the application

Provide the requested personal, academic and teaching qualification information.

Check that your selected institution, qualification and teaching subjects are correct.

Step 9: Submit your application

Accept the declaration confirming that the information supplied is accurate.

Complete the submission process before the deadline and retain any application reference or confirmation.

Official Funza Lushaka Bursary 2027 Application Link

APPLY ONLINE HERE:

https://www.eservices.gov.za

For programme information, visit:

https://www.funzalushaka.doe.gov.za/Home

Applications must be completed through the official government application system.

ZA Vacancies does not process or approve bursary applications.

Funza Lushaka Bursary 2027 Closing Dates

Applicants should pay attention to the different deadlines.

Applicant category	Closing date
First-time applicants	31 January 2027
Existing or returning bursars	30 November 2026

Returning bursary recipients should not wait until January to complete their reapplications.

New applicants should also apply early to allow time to resolve registration or documentation problems.

Do Funza Lushaka Bursary 2027 Recipients Have to Work After Graduation?

Yes.

One of the most important conditions of the Funza Lushaka Bursary Scheme is the teaching service obligation.

Successful bursary recipients are generally required to teach at a South African public school for the same number of years that they received bursary funding.

For example, a student who receives four years of bursary funding would normally be expected to fulfil a corresponding four-year teaching service obligation.

Placement arrangements are administered through the relevant education authorities and remain subject to programme conditions.

Applicants should understand this requirement before accepting the bursary.

Tips for a Successful Funza Lushaka Bursary 2027 Application

Choose an eligible teaching qualification. Confirm that your chosen university and programme meet the scheme’s requirements.

Check your priority subjects. Make sure your intended teaching specialisation corresponds with current bursary priorities.

Prepare academic documents early. Have your results and relevant university information available before applying.

Submit accurate information. Incorrect identity details, university information or subject combinations can delay assessment.

Avoid unofficial application services. Never provide your password or one-time PIN to strangers who offer to submit an application on your behalf.

Apply before the deadline. Do not leave your application until the final day.

Frequently Asked Questions about Funza Lushaka Bursary 2027

Is Funza Lushaka Bursary 2027 open?

Yes. Applications opened on 1 October 2026.

Can Grade 12 learners apply for Funza Lushaka Bursary 2027?

Yes. Current Grade 12 learners who intend to pursue approved teaching qualifications may apply, subject to the programme and university entry requirements.

What is the age limit for Funza Lushaka Bursary 2027?

First-time applicants must be 30 years old or younger, according to the official 2027 application instructions.

Can university students apply?

Eligible university students studying approved teaching qualifications may apply or reapply according to their bursary status.

Does Funza Lushaka cover accommodation?

Yes. Accommodation or qualifying transport support forms part of the programme’s advertised funding provisions, subject to conditions.

Does Funza Lushaka guarantee employment?

The bursary carries a public-school teaching service obligation, and qualified recipients are placed through provincial education arrangements. Applicants should not interpret this as a guarantee of a particular school, location or appointment date.

What is the closing date for new applicants?

New applications close on 31 January 2027.

When must returning bursars reapply?

Returning bursars must reapply by 30 November 2026.

Contact Details

For general enquiries about Funza Lushaka, applicants may contact the Department of Basic Education.

Telephone: 012 357 3000

Email: enquiries.funzalushaka@dbe.gov.za

Applicants can also contact the Funza Lushaka coordinator at their chosen university for institution-specific requirements.

Final Reminder

The Funza Lushaka Bursary 2027 offers eligible South African students a valuable opportunity to pursue a teaching career with government-supported educational funding.

With assistance for tuition, accommodation or transport, meals and learning materials, the programme can help qualifying students complete their studies while preparing to contribute to South African public education.

Interested applicants should confirm their teaching qualifications and submit their applications through the official e-Services platform.

New applicant closing date: 31 January 2027

Returning bursar closing date: 30 November 2026

Official application website: https://www.eservices.gov.za/

Disclaimer

ZA Vacancies is an independent educational and employment information website. We are not affiliated with the Department of Basic Education or the Funza Lushaka Bursary Scheme.

This article is published for informational purposes only. Applicants must verify the latest programme requirements directly through the official government websites.

Source: Department of Basic Education and Funza Lushaka Bursary Scheme.

Updated: 29 October 2026.

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Funza Lushaka Bursary 2027: Applications Now Open for Future Teachers