Funza Lushaka Bursary Programme
Department of Basic Education
Funza Lushaka funds selected students completing an initial teaching qualification in priority subjects at an accredited public university. The 2027 cycle is expected to open in early October 2026, in line with previous years, but the official portal has not yet confirmed the 2027 opening or closing dates. Recipients must teach at a public school for one year for every year funded.
- Amount
- Varies by university; essential study costs up to an annual cap
- Deadline
- To be announced
- Duration
- Awarded one academic year at a time; reapplication is required
- Renewable
- Yes
Eligible Fields of Study
Department of Basic Education supports students in the following disciplines
Eligibility Requirements
- ✓ South African citizen with a valid South African ID number
- ✓ First-time applicant aged 30 or younger
- ✓ Accepted into an eligible BEd or PGCE programme at an accredited public university
- ✓ Teaching specialisation must meet the current priority-subject rules
- ✓ Meet the programme and university academic requirements
- ✓ Demonstrate commitment to a teaching career and public-school service
- ✓ May not hold another bursary at the same time if selected for both
What's Included
- ✓ Tuition fees may be covered within the annual cap
- ✓ Accommodation, including meals, may be covered
- ✓ Books and learning materials may be covered
- ✓ A small monthly living allowance may be included where the allocation permits
- ✓ Funding is administered through the participating university
Work Commitment
Recipients must be available for placement at a public school and teach for one year for every year of Funza Lushaka funding received. Failure to meet the bursary agreement can trigger repayment with interest.
How to Apply
Steps to complete your Department of Basic Education bursary application
- 1
First apply for and gain admission to an eligible teaching programme at an accredited public university
- 2
Watch the official Funza Lushaka portal from 1 October 2026: previous cycles opened in the first week of October, but the 2027 dates are not yet confirmed
- 3
Open the South African government e-Services portal at www.eservices.gov.za
- 4
Register or sign in, then choose the Funza Lushaka Bursary Scheme
- 5
Select the 2027 application only after it appears on the dashboard
- 6
Complete all required fields, accept the declaration and submit before the official deadline
- 7
Follow any selection or document instructions from your university
Required Documents
- 📄 Valid South African identity details
- 📄 Proof of admission to an eligible public-university teaching programme
- 📄 Academic results required by the university and bursary
- 📄 Any supporting information requested in the 2027 application
Frequently Asked Questions
- When do Funza Lushaka applications open for 2027?
- As checked on 18 September 2026, the official Funza Lushaka portal still displays the completed 2026 cycle and has not announced a 2027 opening date. Previous cycles opened in the first week of October (7 October 2025 for the 2026 intake), so an early October 2026 opening is likely but not confirmed. Check the portal and this page from 1 October.
- Can Funza Lushaka fund a PGCE?
- Yes, the current official FAQ includes a PGCE in Senior Phase and FET teaching, provided the applicant, qualification and teaching subjects meet the selection and priority-area rules.
- How much is the Funza Lushaka bursary worth?
- There is no single guaranteed cash amount for every student. Universities have different cost structures, and each award is capped. Essential expenses may include tuition, accommodation and meals, books and learning materials, and possibly a small living allowance.
- Does Funza Lushaka guarantee funding for a full degree?
- No. The bursary is awarded one academic year at a time. Existing bursars must reapply and show the required academic progress, and re-awards remain subject to the programme rules and available funding.
- What is the Funza Lushaka work-back requirement?
- A recipient must teach at a public school for one year for each year funded and must follow the provincial placement process after qualifying.
When do 2027 applications open?
Department of Basic Education has not yet announced dates for the 2027 intake.
Funza Lushaka normally opens in the first week of October and closes new applications at the start of February. The 2026 cycle opened on 7 October 2025 and closed on 1 February 2026 (re-applications closed 30 November 2025). Several education news sites expect the 2027 cycle to open in the first week of October 2026, but as of 18 September 2026 the official portal still shows the 2026 cycle and has not confirmed a 2027 date.
Check Department of Basic Education's official siteInformation verified 2026-09-18. Always confirm details on the funder's official website before applying.
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