The Department of Basic Education (DBE) has opened applications for the Funza Lushaka Bursary Programme 2027, giving eligible South African students an opportunity to receive financial support while studying towards an approved teaching qualification.
Applications for the 2027 academic year opened on 1 October 2026.
The bursary is aimed at students who want to pursue teaching as a career and study at eligible public higher education institutions across South Africa.
New applicants have until 31 January 2027 to submit their applications, while returning Funza Lushaka bursars must reapply by 30 November 2026.
The programme is particularly important for students who want to become teachers in priority subject areas where there is a need for qualified educators.
Funza Lushaka Bursary 2027
The Funza Lushaka Bursary Programme promotes teaching as a profession by providing financial assistance to selected students studying approved initial teacher education qualifications.
The programme is managed by the Department of Basic Education, while NSFAS administers the financial aspects of the bursary on behalf of the department.
Students who receive the bursary are required to fulfil a teaching service obligation after completing their studies.
This means applicants should understand the conditions attached to the bursary before accepting funding.
Funza Lushaka Bursary 2027 Important Dates
| Application Category | Closing Date |
|---|---|
| Applications Open | 1 October 2026 |
| New Applicants | 31 January 2027 |
| Returning Bursars | 30 November 2026 |
New applicants should not wait until the final deadline to apply. Returning bursars have an earlier deadline and should submit their reapplications before 30 November 2026.
What Does the Funza Lushaka Bursary Cover?
The bursary may provide financial support towards eligible study-related expenses.
Depending on the applicable programme limits and institutional costs, funding may cover:
- Tuition fees
- Accommodation
- Meals
- Books and learning materials
- Teaching practice expenses, where applicable
- Living allowance
The actual funding available may differ between institutions because universities have different fee structures and costs.
Applicants should also be aware that the bursary may be subject to an applicable funding cap.
Where costs exceed the approved funding limit, the student may be responsible for the difference.
Who Can Apply for Funza Lushaka?
The bursary is aimed at South African applicants who want to qualify as teachers.
Potential applicants include:
- Current Grade 12 learners.
- Students planning to study teaching.
- Graduates who want to enter the teaching profession.
- People changing careers and wishing to become teachers.
- Unemployed applicants who meet the programme requirements.
First-time applicants must generally be 30 years old or younger.
Applicants must also meet the admission requirements for their chosen teaching qualification and obtain admission at an eligible public higher education institution.
Meeting the basic requirements does not guarantee that an applicant will receive funding because bursary funding is limited.
Which Qualifications Does Funza Lushaka Fund?
The Funza Lushaka Bursary supports approved initial teacher education qualifications.
These include:
Bachelor of Education
Students can apply for funding towards an approved Bachelor of Education (BEd) qualification.
The specific degree and subject specialisation must fall within the approved Funza Lushaka funding areas.
Postgraduate Certificate in Education
The programme may also fund an approved Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) for Senior Phase and Further Education and Training teaching.
Applicants should confirm that their specific PGCE programme is eligible before applying.
Qualifications Not Funded
The source indicates that Advanced Certificate in Education (ACE) qualifications are not funded under the programme.
Students should therefore carefully check the eligibility of their chosen qualification before submitting a bursary application.
Priority Teaching Areas
Funza Lushaka prioritises teaching areas where there is a need for qualified educators.
The priority areas can differ according to the phase of education and current teacher-demand requirements.
Foundation Phase
Priority areas include:
- Foundation Phase teaching
- South African Indigenous Languages
- Neurodevelopment needs
- Braille
- South African Sign Language
Intermediate and Senior Phase
Applicants are encouraged to consider priority areas such as:
- Languages
- Mathematics
- Natural Science
- Technology
Further Education and Training Phase
Priority subjects may include:
- 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
Priority areas can change according to teacher-demand requirements.
Applicants should therefore check the current approved subject list when applying.
Important University Admission Requirement
Applicants should first apply for admission to an eligible teaching qualification at a public higher education institution.
Being accepted by a university does not automatically mean that you will receive Funza Lushaka funding.
Likewise, receiving a bursary application reference number does not mean that your application has been approved.
Students should complete both processes:
- Apply for admission to an eligible teaching programme.
- Submit the Funza Lushaka bursary application.
Applicants should make sure that the information provided in both applications is accurate.
How to Apply for Funza Lushaka Bursary 2027
Applications are completed online.
Step 1: Visit the Official Application Portal
Go to the official Funza Lushaka application website.
Official website: Funza Lushaka Bursary Application Portal
Step 2: Register
Register using your personal details and create your login credentials.
Step 3: Log In
Use your username and password to access the application system.
Step 4: Select Funza Lushaka
Select the Funza Lushaka Bursary Scheme from the available options.
Step 5: Enter the OTP
Enter the OTP sent through your selected communication channel.
Step 6: Accept the Terms and Conditions
Read and accept the applicable terms and conditions before continuing.
Step 7: Select the 2027 Application
Choose the 2027 application option.
Step 8: Complete the Application
Fill in all required sections carefully.
Check your personal, academic and institutional information before continuing.
Step 9: Review Your Details
Make sure all information is correct before submitting.
Incorrect information can affect the processing of your application.
Step 10: Submit
Accept the declaration and submit your completed application.
Keep your login details and application information safe after submission.
Funza Lushaka Bursary Application Closing Dates
There are two important deadlines for the 2027 academic year.
New Applicants
New applicants must submit their applications by:
31 January 2027
Returning Bursars
Students who are already Funza Lushaka bursars and need to reapply must submit their applications by:
30 November 2026
Applicants should not wait until the final day to complete the application.
What Happens After You Receive the Bursary?
Receiving Funza Lushaka funding comes with ongoing responsibilities.
Successful students must continue meeting the academic and contractual requirements of the programme.
After completing their teaching qualification, bursary recipients are required to fulfil a public-school teaching service obligation.
The service obligation is generally linked to the number of years for which the student received Funza Lushaka funding.
Applicants should therefore understand that the bursary is not simply a study grant without further obligations.
Is Funza Lushaka the Same as NSFAS?
No.
Funza Lushaka is a teaching bursary programme managed by the Department of Basic Education.
NSFAS administers the financial aspects of the Funza Lushaka programme on behalf of the Department of Basic Education.
Funza Lushaka is specifically focused on supporting students who are preparing for careers in teaching.
Frequently Asked Questions
When did Funza Lushaka applications for 2027 open?
Applications opened on 1 October 2026.
When do new Funza Lushaka applications close?
New applications close on 31 January 2027.
When must returning bursars reapply?
Returning bursars must submit their applications by 30 November 2026.
Can Grade 12 learners apply?
Yes. Current Grade 12 learners who intend to study an approved teaching qualification can apply, provided they meet the applicable requirements.
Can graduates apply?
Yes. Graduates who want to enter the teaching profession may apply, subject to the programme’s eligibility requirements and age conditions.
Does Funza Lushaka fund PGCE?
The programme may fund an approved PGCE for Senior Phase and Further Education and Training teaching, subject to the applicable requirements and priority areas.
Does Funza Lushaka cover accommodation?
Accommodation may be covered, depending on applicable programme limits and institutional costs.
Does Funza Lushaka cover tuition?
Yes, the bursary may cover tuition fees within the applicable funding limits.
Do Funza Lushaka bursars have to teach after graduating?
Yes. Successful recipients have a public-school teaching service obligation linked to the period for which they received funding.
Can I study at a private institution?
The programme is intended for approved initial teacher education qualifications at eligible public higher education institutions.
Is the bursary guaranteed if I meet the requirements?
No. Meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee funding because available bursary funding is limited.
Conclusion
The Funza Lushaka Bursary 2027 is an important opportunity for South African students who want to build careers in teaching.
The programme can provide financial support towards eligible study costs while students complete approved teacher education qualifications at public higher education institutions.
Applicants can pursue qualifications such as BEd and eligible PGCE programmes, with priority given to teaching areas where qualified educators are needed.
Applications for the 2027 academic year opened on 1 October 2026. New applicants have until 31 January 2027, while returning bursars must reapply by 30 November 2026.
If you want to become a teacher and meet the eligibility requirements, complete your university admission process and submit your Funza Lushaka application before the relevant deadline.
