Funza Lushaka Bursary 2027 applications are open! Find out who qualifies, what the bursary covers, important closing dates and how to apply online to study teaching in South Africa.
Are you passionate about teaching but worried about how you will pay for university?
The Funza Lushaka bursary 2027 could be an opportunity worth exploring.
Applications for the 2027 academic year officially opened on 1 October 2026. The bursary supports qualifying South African students who want to become teachers in subjects and school phases where educators are needed.
For learners completing matric, university students and young people considering a career in teaching, understanding the application process is important.
However, the bursary is not available to everyone. Applicants must meet academic and other eligibility requirements, study an approved teaching qualification and understand the conditions attached to the funding.
Here is what South African students need to know about the Funza Lushaka Bursary Programme for 2027.
What Is the Funza Lushaka Bursary?
The Funza Lushaka Bursary Programme is a government-supported funding programme that helps qualifying students study towards becoming teachers.
It is managed through the Department of Basic Education and its education partners.
The programme focuses on preparing teachers for South African public schools, particularly in subjects where qualified educators are needed.
For example, the education system requires teachers who can support learning in areas such as Mathematics, Science, Technology and South African languages.
Rather than providing funding for every possible field of study, Funza Lushaka focuses on specific teaching qualifications and priority subjects.
There is also an important condition: Successful bursary recipients must agree to teach in a public school for a period linked to the number of years they received funding.
This makes the bursary different from many other forms of student financial assistance.
Funza Lushaka Bursary 2027 Opening and Closing Dates
According to the official Funza Lushaka website, applications for the 2027 academic year opened on 1 October 2026 .
The programme has different closing dates for new applicants and returning bursary recipients.
Important dates:
Applications opened: 1 October 2026
New applicants closing date: 31 January 2027
Returning bursary recipients closing date: 30 November 2026
Returning students should pay particular attention to the earlier deadline.
The bursary is awarded for one academic year at a time. Students who already receive Funza Lushaka funding must reapply to be considered for continued support.
Application tip: Do not wait until the closing date. Prepare early so you have enough time to check your university admission and application details.
Visit the official website for updates:
https://www.funzalushaka.doe.gov.za/
Who Qualifies for the Funza Lushaka Bursary 2027?
Not every student who wants to attend university will qualify for Funza Lushaka funding.
The bursary is designed for applicants who want to enter the teaching profession and meet the programme's selection requirements.
1. South African Citizenship
The programme's published selection criteria require applicants to be South African citizens with valid South African identification.
Applicants should ensure that their personal information is accurate when registering online.
2. Age Requirements
The official Funza Lushaka application website says first-time applicants must be 30 years or younger .
However, some of the Department of Basic Education's supporting guidance uses the wording "below the age of 30".
Because these descriptions are not identical, applicants who are close to the age limit should confirm their eligibility directly with the programme before applying.
3. Good Academic Performance
Funza Lushaka looks for applicants with strong academic ability.
Grade 12 learners must meet the admission requirements for the teaching qualification they want to study.
University students must also meet the academic conditions that apply to their stage of study.
A good academic record is important, but it does not automatically guarantee a bursary.
4. Admission to an Appropriate Teaching Programme
Prospective applicants should first apply for admission to a public university offering an eligible teaching qualification.
The programme generally focuses on initial teacher education.
Applicants must ensure that their intended qualification and subject specialisations match the bursary's current funding priorities.
5. Commitment to Becoming a Teacher
Funza Lushaka is intended for people who want to build a career in teaching.
Applicants should have an interest in working with children and young people, helping others learn and contributing to South Africa's education system.
Teaching requires patience, responsibility, communication and a willingness to continue learning.
6. Meeting Selection and Screening Requirements
Teaching involves working with children and young people.
Applicants may therefore be subject to screening and suitability requirements, including checks relevant to criminal records and registers protecting children.
The official application notes explain these requirements in more detail.
Before applying, read the latest information provided by Funza Lushaka and your university's Faculty of Education.
Which Teaching Qualifications Does Funza Lushaka Fund?
The programme mainly supports initial teacher education qualifications in approved priority areas.
One important qualification is the Bachelor of Education (BEd) .
A BEd programme prepares students to teach in a particular school phase, depending on the qualification and specialisation.
These phases include:
Foundation Phase: Grades R–3
Intermediate Phase: Grades 4–6
Senior and Further Education and Training phases: Grades 7–12
The Department of Basic Education has also published information about a Bachelor of Education in Early Childhood Care and Education.
However, applicants must confirm whether their chosen qualification is included in the current funding cycle.
What About the PGCE?
Some older Funza Lushaka information includes the Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE).
However, the Department of Basic Education's 2026 application notes state that PGCE studies were not funded in that cycle.
Applicants should therefore not assume that PGCE funding is available for 2027 without checking the latest programme-specific rules.
This is especially important for graduates who already hold a qualification and want to move into teaching.
Which Teaching Subjects Are Prioritised?
Funza Lushaka is designed to help South Africa prepare teachers in subjects where they are needed.
Priority subjects can change according to national and provincial education needs.
The Department of Basic Education has identified areas such as:
Foundation Phase
South African Indigenous Languages
South African Sign Language
Teaching that supports learners with neurodevelopmental needs
Braille and specialised learning support
Intermediate Phase
Mathematics
South African Indigenous Languages
Natural Science and Technology
South African Sign Language
Specialised learning support
Senior and FET Phases
Mathematics
Physical Sciences
Life Sciences
Information Technology
Computer Applications Technology
Engineering and technical subjects
Agricultural Sciences
South African Indigenous Languages
These examples reflect the Department's identified teacher recruitment priorities.
The exact subjects and combinations eligible for funding may differ depending on the 2027 selection rules and provincial needs.
Important: Choosing a listed subject does not automatically mean your bursary will be approved.
What Does the Funza Lushaka Bursary Cover?
One of the main reasons students are interested in this bursary is that it can provide substantial financial support.
According to the Department of Basic Education, Funza Lushaka bursary funding can cover education-related costs such as:
Tuition fees
Approved accommodation or transport
Meals
Books and learning materials
Personal care allowance
Teaching practice-related support
The exact funding amount depends on the approved allocation and applicable university arrangements.
Applicants should not assume that every expense will be fully covered without checking their award conditions.
Before accepting the bursary, ask your university for details about the funding package and any costs you may need to pay yourself.
How to Apply for the Funza Lushaka Bursary 2027 Online
The application process is completed through the South African Government's e-Services platform.
According to the official Funza Lushaka website, applicants can follow these steps.
Step 1: Visit the Government e-Services Portal
Open the official website:
https://www.eservices.gov.za/
This is the platform used to register and apply for the bursary.
Step 2: Register Your Account
If you are a new user, create an account using your personal information.
Use accurate details and contact information that you can access.
Step 3: Log In
Once your account is created, log in using your username and password.
Keep your login details private.
Step 4: Select the Funza Lushaka Bursary Scheme
From the e-Services menu, select the Funza Lushaka Bursary Scheme.
Step 5: Enter Your One-Time PIN
The system may send a one-time PIN (OTP) through your chosen communication channel.
Enter the OTP to continue.
Do not share your OTP with anyone.
Step 6: Accept the Terms and Conditions
Read the terms and conditions carefully before accepting them.
Remember that the bursary includes responsibilities after qualification.
Step 7: Select the 2027 Application
On the dashboard, select the application for the 2027 academic year.
Make sure you are completing the correct application cycle.
Step 8: Complete Your Information
Follow the online instructions and fill in all the required fields.
Check your personal details, academic information, university information and teaching specialisation.
Provide any supporting information or documents requested by the system.
Step 9: Confirm and Submit
Review the information before accepting the declaration.
Complete the submission process and keep any confirmation or reference details provided.
Application tip: After applying, keep checking the official system and your university communication channels for updates.
What Documents Should Applicants Prepare?
The documents required may depend on whether you are a new applicant or a returning bursary recipient.
You may need:
A valid South African ID
Grade 12 results or an academic record, where applicable
University admission or registration information
Relevant academic transcripts for returning students
Required screening or declaration forms
Other supporting documents requested by the bursary programme or university
Applicants should follow the official application instructions rather than uploading documents from an unofficial checklist.
You may also need to provide further documents to your university if selected for funding.
6 Common Funza Lushaka Application Mistakes to Avoid
1. Applying for the Wrong Qualification
Not every teaching-related qualification is automatically funded.
Confirm your programme's eligibility before applying.
2. Ignoring Priority Subjects
The bursary focuses on areas where South African schools need teachers.
Make sure your subject combination matches the current priorities.
3. Missing the Closing Date
New and returning applicants have different deadlines.
Returning students must not assume they have until January.
4. Entering Incorrect Information
Incorrect identification details, academic information or university information can create problems during assessment.
Review your application before submitting it.
5. Forgetting the Teaching Obligation
The bursary is linked to a commitment to teach in public schools.
Understand this responsibility before accepting an award.
6. Relying on Unofficial Information
Social media posts may contain incorrect closing dates, outdated requirements or misleading application links.
Always use official government and university sources.
What Happens After You Receive the Funza Lushaka Bursary?
Receiving the bursary is not simply about getting funding for your studies.
The programme is designed to develop teachers who will work in South African public schools.
Successful bursary recipients are required to meet academic requirements and follow the terms of their bursary agreement.
You Must Continue Making Academic Progress
Returning bursary recipients must apply for renewed funding each academic year.
Renewal is not automatic.
Academic performance and compliance with the bursary conditions are important.
You Have a Teaching Service Obligation
According to the Department of Basic Education, Funza Lushaka recipients are required to teach at a public school for the same number of years they received bursary funding.
For example, a student funded for four years would normally have a four-year teaching service obligation.
Recipients should read the full agreement to understand placement arrangements and the consequences of not meeting their obligations.
Teaching Placement Is Part of the Programme
Provincial Education Departments play a role in placing bursary graduates into teaching posts.
Students should not assume they will automatically be placed at the school or in the town of their choice.
Placement is linked to education needs and the programme's conditions.
Why Does South Africa Need the Funza Lushaka Bursary?
South Africa needs capable teachers who can support learners in different subjects and communities.
The country also needs to prepare for changes in the teaching workforce, including retirements and changing subject needs.
For this reason, the Department of Basic Education uses teacher recruitment priorities to guide the programme.
These priorities help direct bursary support towards areas where educators are needed.
During a November 2025 meeting, the Department discussed teacher needs, subject priorities for 2027 and the importance of improving the quality of teacher preparation.
This shows that the programme is not only about increasing the number of people studying teaching.
It is also about preparing teachers with the right skills for South African classrooms.
Is Teaching the Right Career for You?
Before applying for a teaching bursary, take time to think about your career interests.
Teaching can be rewarding, but it also involves challenges and responsibilities.
You may enjoy teaching if you:
Like explaining things to other people
Enjoy helping children and young people learn
Are patient and willing to listen
Want to contribute to your community
Enjoy learning new things
Can take responsibility and work with others
Teachers do more than deliver lessons.
They help learners develop knowledge, confidence, discipline and problem-solving abilities.
If you are unsure whether teaching is the right career, speak to educators or university admissions staff and learn more about the profession.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Funza Lushaka Bursary 2027
Are Funza Lushaka bursary 2027 applications open?
Yes. Applications officially opened on 1 October 2026.
When do Funza Lushaka applications close for 2027?
New applications close on 31 January 2027.
Returning bursary recipients must reapply by 30 November 2026.
Can matric learners apply for Funza Lushaka?
Yes. Grade 12 learners who intend to study an eligible teaching qualification can apply if they meet the requirements.
University admission requirements still apply.
Does Funza Lushaka fund all teaching qualifications?
No. The programme focuses on approved initial teacher education qualifications and priority subjects.
Applicants must confirm the current funding rules for their specific qualification.
Does Funza Lushaka fund PGCE students in 2027?
The 2026 application notes stated that PGCE qualifications were not funded in that cycle.
Applicants should seek confirmation of the 2027 position directly from Funza Lushaka or their university before relying on PGCE funding.
Can I choose where to teach after graduating?
Teaching placement is linked to provincial education needs and the terms of the bursary agreement.
Recipients should be prepared to comply with the programme's placement requirements.
Is Funza Lushaka the same as NSFAS?
No. They are different financial assistance programmes.
Funza Lushaka focuses on preparing teachers for public schools and includes a teaching service obligation.
NSFAS provides financial assistance to qualifying students studying eligible qualifications at public universities and TVET colleges.
Where can I apply?
Applications are completed through the official government portal:
https://www.eservices.gov.za/
Final Thoughts: Could Teaching Be Part of Your Future?
The Funza Lushaka bursary 2027 offers an important opportunity for eligible South Africans who are interested in becoming teachers.
With applications already open, now is a good time to explore your options.
Start by checking your academic eligibility, choosing an appropriate teaching qualification and confirming the latest bursary requirements.
If you qualify, complete your application before the relevant deadline.
Remember that the bursary comes with a commitment to teach in a public school after qualifying.
At Custom Group Training Solutions (CGTS) , we believe education and practical skills development are important for building stronger communities.
Whether you want to become a teacher, develop new skills or continue learning, making informed decisions is an important first step.
Interested in becoming a teacher? Visit the official Funza Lushaka website, confirm your eligibility and apply before the closing date.
Your journey towards making a difference in South African classrooms could begin with the steps you take today.
Official Sources and Further Reading
Funza Lushaka – Official 2027 Application Dates and Instructions
Funza Lushaka – Frequently Asked Questions
Department of Basic Education – Funza Lushaka Bursary Scheme
Department of Basic Education – 2026 Application Notes
Department of Basic Education – 2027 Subject Priority Planning