Funza Lushaka Teaching Bursary 2027

Key Dates & Deadlines

• Applications Open: 1 October 2026

• Closing Date (New Applicants): 31 January 2027

• Closing Date (Returning Bursars Re-applications): 30 November 2026

What the Bursary Covers

Depending on institutional costs and caps, the bursary can cover:

• Tuition fees

• Accommodation and meals

• Books and learning materials

• A living allowance

Core Eligibility Requirements

To qualify for the Funza Lushaka Bursary, applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Citizenship: Must be a South African citizen with a valid ID number.

• Age Limit: First-time applicants must be 30 years old or younger.

• University Admission: Must have applied and been accepted (or provisionally accepted) to a public higher education institution for an eligible teaching qualification.

• Approved Qualifications: Covers a Bachelor of Education (BEd) degree or a Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) (typically for Senior Phase and FET).

• Priority Subject Focus: Applicants must choose teaching specialisations in designated national priority areas (such as Foundation Phase, Mathematics, Technology, Natural Sciences, and official South African Indigenous Languages).

Service Obligation

Recipients incur a teaching service obligation equal to the number of years they received the bursary funding. Upon graduation, bursars are placed by the Provincial Education Department (PED) to teach at a public school.

The Funza Lushaka Bursary Scheme for the 2027 academic year is officially open. Managed by the Department of Basic Education, this multi-year, full-cost bursary is designed to enable eligible students to complete a full initial teaching qualification in national priority areas.

Key Deadlines

• New Applicants Closing Date: 31 January 2027 (Note: Some portal guidelines note January 29, 2027, so it is best to apply well ahead of time).

• Returning/Existing Bursars Re-applications Closing Date: 30 November 2026.

What the Bursary Covers

Depending on institutional costs and caps, the bursary typically covers:

• Tuition fees

• Accommodation and meals

• Books and learning materials

• A living allowance

(Successful applicants are required to take up a teaching post in a public school matching the duration of their bursary funding upon graduation).

Core Eligibility Criteria

• Citizenship: Must be a South African citizen with a valid South African ID.

• Age Limit: First-time applicants must be 30 years old or younger (turning 30 or younger on or before 31 March 2027).

• Academic Requirements: Must have passed Matric with a Bachelor’s degree admission/endorsement, meeting specific mark thresholds for your chosen specialisation (such as Mathematics, Mathematical Literacy, or Home Languages).

• University Admission: You must apply for and have been accepted (or provisionally accepted) into an approved Bachelor of Education (BEd) degree or an eligible PGCE at a public higher education institution.

How to Apply

1. Secure University Admission: Apply for and secure provisional admission to a public university for an approved teaching qualification first.

2. Access the e-Government Portal: Visit the official portal at www.eservices.gov.za or the Funza Lushaka Portal.

3. Register / Log In: Create an account using your personal details or log in.

4. Complete the Application: Navigate to the Funza Lushaka Bursary Scheme menu, select the 2027 Application, fill out all required fields accurately, accept the declaration, and submit.