Funza Lushaka Bursary 2026-2027: How to Apply & Check your Status

The Funza Lushaka Bursary is a prestigious government-funded program managed by the Department of Basic Education (DBE).

Launched to address the shortage of qualified teachers in South Africa’s public schools, this initiative supports students studying toward a Bachelor of Education degree.

The program focuses specifically on priority subject areas where teacher demand exceeds supply.

Unlike loan programs, recipients fulfill their obligation through teaching service rather than cash repayment—making it an attractive option for students committed to education careers.

The bursary covers substantially more than tuition fees. Recipients receive support for accommodation, meals, books, learning materials, teaching practice costs, and a living allowance.

Who Qualifies for the Funza Lushaka Bursary 2026-2027?

The program has specific criteria designed to identify candidates most likely to succeed as teachers.

Basic Eligibility Requirements

To qualify for funding, applicants must meet these fundamental conditions:

Age Requirement: First-time applicants must be under 30 years old. Specifically, you must be 29 years old or younger when applications open on Monday, October 7, 2025, or turn 30 before Wednesday, October 1, 2025.

Citizenship: Only South African citizens with valid South African ID cards are eligible.

Academic Program: You must be accepted or provisionally accepted into an approved Bachelor of Education program at a South African public university.

Subject Specialization: Your degree program must include specialization in at least two priority subject areas.

Criminal Record Check: All applicants must verify their records through:

• South African Police Services (SAPS) for police clearance records
• Department of Justice and Correctional Services (DOJCS) to confirm absence from the National Register for Sexual Offenders
• Department of Social Development (DSD) to verify absence from the National Register for Child Offenders

If you have a criminal record less than ten years old, you are not eligible to study teaching or apply for this bursary. Records older than ten years may be expunged through the DOJCS.

What the Bursary Does NOT Fund

Equally important is understanding what falls outside the program’s scope:

• Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) programs are not funded in 2026
• Extended programs including Higher Certificate in Education, Honours, Master’s, or Doctoral programs
• Additional degrees or qualifications if you already hold a teaching qualification
• Subjects identified as oversupplied: History, Geography, Accounting, Economics, Business Studies, EMS, Life Orientation, and Physical Education
• Low-uptake subjects: Religious Studies, Music, Dance, and Art
• Combinations of two languages (discouraged due to timetabling challenges)

Priority Subject Areas for 2026-2027

The program concentrates funding on subjects experiencing teacher shortages:

Languages: South African Indigenous Languages and Afrikaans receive predominant funding in Western Cape, Northern Cape, Free State, and Eastern Cape provinces. English teachers receive limited funding.

High-Demand Subjects:

• Mathematics
• Physical Science
• Life Science
• Technology
• Computer Applications Technology (CAT)

For students pursuing language specializations, the program encourages one language subject paired with a content subject rather than two languages.

Funza Lushaka Bursary Requirements Academic Requirements

The Funza Lushaka Bursary maintains rigorous academic standards to ensure recipients can succeed as teachers.

Requirements for First-Time University Entrants

If you’re applying directly from matric or Grade 12, you need:

General Requirement: A matric pass with exemption, endorsement, or ‘admission to bachelor’s degree studies’ with at least a level 4 (50% and above) pass in the two subjects you plan to teach.

Foundation Phase Specialization (Grade R-3):

• Mathematics: Minimum level 2 (30% and above) OR Mathematical Literacy level 4 (50% and above)
• Home Language: Level 4 (50% and above)

Intermediate Phase Specialization (Grade 4-6):

• Mathematics: Level 3 (40% and above) OR Mathematical Literacy level 5 (60% and above)
• Home Language: Level 4 (50% and above)

Subject Combinations for Intermediate Phase:

• Students with Mathematics can combine it with Indigenous South African Languages, Natural Science, and Technology
• Students with Language, Physical Science, and Life Science at level 4 can specialize in Indigenous Languages, Natural Science, and Technology if they passed Mathematical Literacy at level 5 (60%)

Senior/FET Phase Specialization (Grade 7-12):

• Level 4 (50%) pass in two priority subject areas
• For technical subjects including CAT (if not studied at matric level): Level 4 pass in Mathematics or Technical Mathematics

Important Note: When institutional admission requirements exceed bursary requirements or vice versa, the higher standard applies.

Requirements for Current University Students

Students already enrolled in education programs face different criteria:

Academic Performance Standards:

• Pass ALL modules studied in the previous year that relate to priority subject areas
• Achieve at least 55% average across all modules studied
• Attain at least 66.5% average in modules directly related to your teaching specialization
• Progress to the next academic level (eligible to register for full course load)

The bursary awards funding one academic year at a time. Re-award depends entirely on previous year’s academic performance—there are no automatic renewals.

Special Requirements for Early Childhood Care and Education

Students applying for the Bachelor of Education in Early Childhood Care and Education (offered at University of Pretoria and North-West University) must meet:

• Bachelor’s pass in matric/Grade 12 OR Level 4 National Certificate (Vocational) with bachelor studies endorsement
• 28 APS or 55% aggregate across all subjects
• Level 4 (50% and above) pass in home language, specifically South African Indigenous languages
• Level 3 (40% and above) pass in Mathematics OR Level 4 (50% and above) pass in Mathematical Literacy

Candidates with an NQF 6 Advanced Certificate or Diploma in Early Childhood Care and Education from a public institution are encouraged to apply if they meet other criteria.

What Does the Funza Lushaka Bursary Cover?

Understanding the comprehensive nature of this funding helps you plan your finances effectively.

Financial Coverage Breakdown

The bursary covers most essential education expenses:

Tuition Fees: Full coverage of university tuition costs

Accommodation: Funding for residence fees including meals, or allowances for students living at home

Learning Materials: Books, study guides, and required educational resources

Teaching Practice: Costs associated with mandatory practical teaching components

Living Allowance: Monthly stipend for personal expenses (amount varies by university)

How Bursary Amounts Are Determined

The program uses a capped value system.

Here’s how it works:

Table 1: Bursary Payment Structure

Scenario	Payment Method
University fees exceed capped value	Recipient tops up from personal funds
University fees below capped value	Full actual cost paid (not capped amount)

This structure means bursary values differ across institutions based on their individual cost structures.

You cannot automatically receive the maximum bursary amount—actual payment depends on your university’s fee schedule.

How to Apply for the Funza Lushaka Bursary 2026-2027

The application process operates entirely online through a secure government portal. No hard-copy applications are accepted.

Important Dates for 2026-2027

Mark these critical deadlines in your calendar:

Application Opening: Monday, October 7, 2025

New Application Closing: Friday, January 24, 2026

Re-application Closing for Current Recipients: Sunday, November 30, 2025

Missing these deadlines disqualifies your application—no exceptions.

Step-by-Step Application Process

Follow these nine steps to complete your application:

Step 1: Obtain University Acceptance Apply and secure acceptance or provisional acceptance at your chosen public university. You need a valid student number before applying for the bursary.

Step 2: Access the e-Gov Portal Visit eservices.gov.za to begin your application.

Step 3: Register Your Account Provide accurate personal information to create your profile.

Step 4: Login to the System Use the username and password created during registration.

Step 5: Select Funza Lushaka From the e-Services menu, choose the Funza Lushaka Bursary Scheme option.

Step 6: Verify Your Identity Enter the OTP (one-time password) received on your preferred communication channel.

Step 7: Accept Terms and Conditions Read thoroughly before accepting the program terms.

Step 8: Complete the Application Click the 2026 application button on your dashboard and accurately complete all required fields.

Step 9: Submit Declaration Accept the declaration confirming all captured information is accurate.

District-Based Recruitment for First-Time Applicants

First-time applicants from district-based recruitment must complete an additional screening step before applying online.

Use this link for screening purposes: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/MHYXCFQ

This link is exclusively for district-based applicants—university students should not use it.

After completing screening and confirming you meet criteria, apply online before the closing date. Remember: no online application means no bursary.

Required Supporting Documents

Submit these documents to your university’s Funza Lushaka office:

• Valid South African ID card
• Matric certificate or Grade 12 results
• University acceptance letter
• Proof of registration with valid student number
• Police clearance certificate
• Academic transcripts (for re-applicants)

Application Tips for Success

Apply Early: Don’t wait until the closing date. Early applications have better chances of processing smoothly.

Verify Information Accuracy: Double-check all captured data before submission. Errors can delay processing or cause rejection.

Choose Priority Subjects Carefully: The subjects you select must align with your actual specialization. Changes later may result in bursary revocation.

Update While System is Open: You can modify personal details or change institutions while the application window remains open. After closing, changes are not possible.

Maintain Consistent Contact Details: Provide an email address and cell phone number you’ll keep throughout your studies. Communication occurs exclusively through these channels.

Funza Lushaka Bursary 2026-2027: Key Statistics and Insights

The Funza Lushaka Bursary has been a cornerstone of South Africa’s efforts to address teacher shortages and enhance the quality of education since its inception in 2007.

Over the years, it has provided critical financial support to thousands of aspiring educators, helping them become qualified teachers and serve in underserved areas.

Key Stats and Figures:

The Funza Lushaka Bursary has grown significantly since 2007, providing essential support to thousands of South African students.

Below is a breakdown of key statistics and figures that illustrate the scale and impact of the bursary program.

Year / Period	Number of Applications	Number of Bursaries Awarded / Funded Students	Notes / Comments
2007–2012 (first 6 years)	—	Supported ~15% of new teacher‑education enrolments	—
By 2017 (cumulative)	—	~91,267 total bursary awards since inception	Covers all years up to 2017.
2015–2016 (FY 2015/16)	51,220 (by Jan 2016)	13,980 bursaries awarded	Mix of new and continuing students. ~2,576 first‑year, 4,616 fourth‑year recipients.
2017 (academic year)	92,928 total applications	15,147 bursaries funded/funded students	B.Ed and PGCE students under funding. Graduation & placement data also reported.
2018	74,748 applications	13,700 bursaries awarded across 9 provinces	Gender breakdown: 8,633 female, 5,066 male recipients.
2023 / 2024/25 cycle	—	~9,872 bursaries awarded (2024/25)	Despite budget cuts, the program reportedly met its allocation target.
2017 cohort — graduates & outcomes	—	~5,012 expected graduates	~91.8% employed as teachers; placement rate ~89%.

Funding Scope and Coverage

The Funza Lushaka Bursary covers a broad range of expenses for students enrolled in teacher‑training programs. This includes:

• Tuition fees
• Accommodation costs or living allowances if staying with family
• Books and study materials
• Meals and sometimes, personal living expenses

For 2026-2027, the bursary is expected to continue offering comprehensive coverage for students pursuing their Bachelor of Education (B.Ed) or Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE), with an emphasis on addressing teacher shortages in critical subjects like Mathematics, Science, and Languages.

Impact on Teacher Supply

Since its launch, Funza Lushaka has played a vital role in enhancing the availability of qualified teachers in South Africa.

In response to persistent shortages in certain subject areas, particularly in rural or underfunded regions, the bursary continues to target priority subjects.

By investing in future educators, the Funza Lushaka Bursary helps mitigate the teacher deficit and ensures that schools have the right resources to educate students effectively.

Application Process and Competition

The Funza Lushaka program receives thousands of applications each year. For the 2026-2027 cycle, prospective students must submit their applications through the official online portal.

However, the competitive nature of the bursary program, with fewer bursaries available than applications, means that only the most eligible candidates will secure funding.

The bursary is awarded based on a variety of factors, including academic merit, financial need, and the choice of priority subjects.

Given its broad impact and competitive nature, Funza Lushaka remains an essential part of the South African education system, offering support to future teachers and ultimately strengthening the quality of education across the country.

Your Teaching Commitment: Understanding Service Obligations

The Funza Lushaka Bursary isn’t a free grant—it’s an investment in South Africa’s education future. Recipients must fulfill teaching obligations rather than repaying cash.

How the Service Commitment Works

Teaching Duration: Teach at a public school for one year for every year you received the bursary. A four-year degree means four years of teaching service.

Application Requirement: Within six months of graduating, you must purposefully apply for teaching posts in public schools and provide evidence of applications made.

No Preferential Placement: The Department of Basic Education does not provide guaranteed job placement. All graduates compete equally for positions through Provincial Education Departments.

When Repayment Becomes Necessary

Certain situations trigger bursary repayment:

Unilateral Subject Changes: Changing your priority subject areas without authorization results in immediate bursary revocation. You must repay the full amount received.

Failure to Complete Teaching Obligation: Not fulfilling your teaching commitment requires full bursary repayment plus interest at the rate determined by NSFAS.

Breaking Continuity: If you discontinue the bursary for one year then attempt to return, you will not be considered for future funding. The program funds students continuously throughout their four-year degree.

Financial Implications

Repayment Amount: The full bursary amount received throughout the program, not partial amounts.

Interest Charges: Applied at NSFAS-determined rates, significantly increasing total repayment.

This structure emphasizes the importance of genuine commitment to teaching careers before accepting the bursary.

Common Application Mistakes to Avoid

Understanding frequent errors helps you submit a stronger application.

Missing Critical Deadlines

The most common mistake is submitting applications after closing dates. Set calendar reminders well before:

• Friday, January 24, 2026 (new applications)
• Sunday, November 30, 2025 (re-applications)

No late applications receive consideration, regardless of circumstances.

Incomplete Documentation

Applications lacking required supporting documents face immediate disqualification. Create a checklist and verify you’ve submitted everything before the deadline.

Choosing Oversupplied Subjects

Many applicants select subjects like History, Geography, or Accounting without realizing these areas receive no funding due to teacher oversupply. Carefully review priority subject areas before making selections.

Changing Institutions After Application

Students who change universities after submitting bursary applications are not considered for selection. However, you can update admission status or change institutions while the application system remains open.

Providing Incorrect Information

Inaccurate personal details, incorrect student numbers, or wrong subject selections create processing delays. The system allows updates while open—use this feature to verify accuracy.

Assuming Automatic Re-Award

Current recipients sometimes believe renewal is automatic. The bursary awards funding annually based on previous year performance. Maintain required academic standards consistently.

Strategies to Strengthen Your Funza Lushaka Bursary Application

While meeting minimum requirements is essential, competitive candidates often exceed basic standards.

Academic Excellence

Maintain Strong Performance: Aim for marks well above minimum thresholds. Higher academic achievement demonstrates capability for teaching excellence.

Focus on Teaching Subjects: Pay particular attention to courses directly related to your specialization. These modules receive weighted consideration.

Subject Selection Strategy

Choose High-Demand Areas: Mathematics and Science specializations receive priority due to severe shortages.

Avoid Oversupplied Combinations: Subject pairings in oversaturated areas reduce funding chances.

Consider Geographic Demand: Research which provinces need teachers in your chosen subjects. Indigenous Languages and Afrikaans receive predominant funding in Western Cape, Northern Cape, Free State, and Eastern Cape.

Demonstrating Teaching Aptitude

While academic performance is crucial, the program also values teaching potential:

• Interest in working with young people
• Enthusiasm for professional teaching careers
• Readiness to face educational challenges with integrity

Ensure your application reflects genuine passion for education.

How to Check Your Funza Lushaka Bursary Status

After submitting your application, monitoring its progress is important.

Funza Lushaka Bursary Status Check Process

Login to your account on the Funza Lushaka portal using your credentials. Your dashboard displays current application status and any updates.

Communication Channels

University Coordinators: Direct all bursary inquiries to Funza Lushaka academic and administrative coordinators at your university. They’re best positioned to address specific issues.

Department Contact: For escalation of unresolved matters:

• Phone: 012 357 3000
• Email: inquiries.funzalushaka@dbe.gov.za

Important: Do not visit the DBE offices in person. All communication occurs via phone or email.

Not Appropriate for Contact: Do not communicate directly with NSFAS or the Department of Higher Education and Training about bursary matters.

Notification Timeline

Selected candidates receive notification after the final selection process completes. Award notifications typically occur several weeks after closing dates.

Remember: applying does not guarantee selection. Limited bursaries are available, and the selection committee awards funding to the strongest candidates.

Understanding Funza Lushaka Bursary Monthly Allowances and Payment Structure

Beyond tuition coverage, the bursary provides financial support for living expenses.

Monthly Allowance Details

Living allowance amounts vary based on:

• University fee structure
• Accommodation costs at your institution
• Total available funding after covering tuition and required expenses

The program calculates allowances individually rather than using a flat rate across all universities.

Payment Schedule

Accommodation Payments: Detailed guidelines for accommodation payment processing are available in the official Funza Lushaka Bursary guidelines document.

Living Allowance Disbursement: Monthly payments typically process through university financial systems. Contact your institution’s Funza Lushaka office for specific payment dates.

Budgeting Tips

The allowance covers basic living expenses, but careful budgeting ensures financial stability:

• Track essential expenses (food, transport, supplies)
• Reserve funds for unexpected costs
• Avoid unnecessary purchases that strain your budget
• Utilize university resources (libraries, computer labs) to reduce expenses

Frequently Asked Questions About Funza Lushaka Bursary 2026-2027

Important Reminders for Successful Applications

As you prepare your application for the Funza Lushaka Bursary 2026-2027, keep these critical points in mind:

Meeting Minimum Criteria Does Not Guarantee Selection: The program receives more applications than available funding. Selection committees award bursaries to the strongest candidates demonstrating both academic excellence and teaching potential.

Maintain Clear Communication Channels: Provide contact details you’ll maintain throughout your studies. The Department of Basic Education communicates exclusively through provided email and phone numbers.

Understand the Commitment: This bursary comes with serious obligations. Only apply if you’re genuinely committed to teaching in South African public schools for the required service period.

Keep Your Bursary Contract: Upon selection, you’ll sign a legally binding contract. Keep a copy for reference throughout your studies and teaching career.

Academic Performance Matters Every Year: Your bursary is not automatically renewed. Maintain required academic standards consistently to continue receiving funding.

Your Path to Becoming a Funded Teacher

The Funza Lushaka Bursary 2026-2027 represents more than financial assistance—it’s an opportunity to shape South Africa’s educational future while achieving your teaching career aspirations.

By understanding requirements, preparing thorough applications, and committing to excellence, you position yourself for selection.

Start preparing now by:

• Verifying your criminal records through required channels
• Ensuring your matric results or university performance meets standards
• Securing university acceptance in priority subject areas
• Gathering required supporting documents
• Setting calendar reminders for application opening and closing dates

Remember, the selection committee seeks candidates who combine academic capability with genuine passion for teaching. Your application should reflect both qualities clearly.

The application window opens on Monday, October 7, 2025, with new applications closing Friday, January 24, 2026. Don’t delay—early applications have better chances of smooth processing and timely decisions.

For additional support, connect with your chosen university’s Funza Lushaka coordinator before applying. They provide institution-specific guidance that complements this general information.

Your teaching career begins with this crucial first step. Take it confidently, knowing you’re joining a program dedicated to educational excellence and student success across South Africa.

For official updates and additional resources, visit funzalushaka.doe.gov.za or contact the Department of Basic Education at 012 357 3000.