Funza Lushaka Bursary 2027 – Fully Funded Teaching Studies
Applications Open: 1 October 2026
Closing Date (New Applicants): 31 January 2027
Closing Date (Returning Bursars): 30 November 2026
Programme: Funza Lushaka Bursary Programme
Study Area: Teaching Qualifications at Public Higher Education Institutions
Location: South Africa
Opportunity Overview
The Funza Lushaka Bursary Programme supports students who want to pursue a teaching career in South Africa. The bursary is administered through public higher education institutions and is managed by the Department of Basic Education.
Successful recipients are required to commit to teaching at a public school after completing their studies. The service obligation generally matches the number of years for which funding was received.
What the Bursary Covers
Funding may include:
- Tuition fees
- Accommodation and meals
- Books and learning materials
- Teaching practice expenses (where applicable)
- Living allowance (depending on the institution and available funding)
Funding remains subject to programme limits and institutional costs.
Who Can Apply?
Eligible applicants include:
- Current Grade 12 learners
- Graduates under 30 who wish to study teaching
- Individuals under 30 changing careers to teaching
- Unemployed individuals under 30 interested in becoming teachers
Applicants must:
- Be 30 years old or younger (first-time applicants)
- Meet admission requirements for their chosen teaching qualification
- Gain admission to a public higher education institution
Meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee funding.
Qualifications Funded
The bursary supports:
- Bachelor of Education (BEd)
- Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) for Senior Phase and FET teaching
The bursary does not fund Advanced Certificate in Education programmes.
Priority Teaching Subjects
Priority areas include:
Foundation Phase
- Foundation Phase Teaching
- South African Indigenous Languages
- Neurodevelopment Needs
- Braille
- South African Sign Language (SASL)
Intermediate and Senior Phase
- Languages
- Mathematics
- Natural Science and Technology
Further Education and Training (FET) Phase
- Accounting
- Agricultural Sciences
- Agricultural Technology
- Civil Technology
- Computer Applications Technology
- Electrical Technology
- Engineering Graphics and Design
- Geography
- Information Technology
- Life Sciences
- Mathematics
- Mechanical Technology
- Physical Sciences
- Languages
- Maritime Studies
- Coding and Robotics
- Technical Mathematics
- Technical Science
How to Apply
- Apply for admission to a public university offering an approved teaching qualification.
- Access the Funza Lushaka online application platform.
- Complete the online application form.
- Upload the required supporting documents.
- Submit your application before the closing date.
Important Notes
- The number of bursaries available is limited.
- Selection is based on programme criteria and national teacher demand.
- Priority is given to subjects experiencing teacher shortages.
- Successful recipients will be required to teach at a public school after graduation.
Source: Funza Lushaka Bursary 2027: Fully Funded Teaching Studies, Closes 31 January.
