About the Funza Lushaka Bursary The Funza Lushaka Bursary Programme is a multi year bursary programme designed to promote teaching as a profession and support the development of qualified teachers for South African public schools. The programme provides financial support to selected students who are studying towards approved teaching qualifications in identified priority subject areas. Successful bursary recipients are required to teach at a public school for the same number of years that they received the bursary. What Does the Funza Lushaka Bursary Cover? The bursary is intended to cover essential study related expenses. Depending on the costs at the student's institution and the allocated funding, support may include: Tuition fees Accommodation Meals Books and learning materials A possible monthly living allowance Teaching practice related support The total bursary value may differ between institutions because universities have different cost structures. Who Can Apply? The programme is aimed at academically capable individuals who want to pursue a career in teaching. Eligible applicants can include: Learners currently in Grade 12. Graduates under the age of 30 who want to complete a teaching qualification or pursue a PGCE where eligible. People under the age of 30 who want to change careers and become teachers. Unemployed people under the age of 30 who want to become teachers. First time applicants must be 30 years old or younger. Qualifications Funded The Funza Lushaka Bursary supports approved initial teacher education programmes, including: Bachelor of Education (BEd) The programme supports approved BEd teaching qualifications in areas such as Foundation Phase, Intermediate Phase and Senior/Further Education and Training teaching. Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) The programme information identifies PGCE for Senior Phase and FET teaching as a funded qualification, subject to the applicable priority areas and current programme requirements. Applicants should check the current priority subject requirements before applying because the priority areas can change according to the needs of the education sector. Priority Subject Areas The Funza Lushaka programme prioritises teaching subjects where there is a need for teachers. Priority areas include subjects such as Mathematics, Languages, Natural Science and Technology, Accounting, Agricultural Sciences, Computer Applications Technology, Electrical Technology, Engineering Graphics and Design, Geography, Information Technology, Life Sciences, Mechanical Technology, Physical Sciences, Coding and Robotics, Technical Mathematics and Technical Science, depending on the teaching phase and applicable programme requirements. Important Eligibility Requirements Applicants must be South African citizens with a valid South African ID. Applicants must first gain admission to an eligible teaching qualification at an accredited public higher education institution. The teaching qualification must include the required priority subject areas. Applicants should demonstrate good academic ability and a genuine commitment to pursuing teaching as a career. Applicants must also be prepared to teach at a public school where they are placed by a Provincial Education Department after qualifying. Teaching Service Obligation The Funza Lushaka Bursary comes with a service obligation. Recipients are required to teach for one year for every year that they receive the bursary. Qualified recipients are placed by Provincial Education Departments to teach in public schools. Applicants should therefore understand the teaching service obligation before accepting the bursary. 2027 Application Dates New applicants: Applications opened on 1 October 2026 and close on 31 January 2027. Returning bursars: Reapplications close on 30 November 2026. Late applications will not be considered, according to the programme's official FAQ. How to Apply Applications are completed online. First time applicants must register through the South African e-Government services portal, log in, select the Funza Lushaka Bursary Scheme and complete the 2027 application. The official application instructions list nine steps, including accepting the terms and conditions, completing the required information and submitting the declaration. Official Funza Lushaka website: Funza Lushaka Bursary Portal e-Government application portal: South African e-Government Services Important Note Being eligible to apply does not guarantee that a bursary will be awarded. Applications are subject to the programme's selection criteria, available funding and the priorities identified for the relevant academic year.