Funza Lushaka Bursary 2026 – Teaching Funding Opportunity

The Funza Lushaka Bursary is a South African government-funded programme designed to encourage talented young people to become teachers. It supports students studying teaching qualifications at public universities, especially in subjects and phases where there is a shortage of teachers. The goal is to strengthen the education system by producing qualified and committed teachers.

Who Can Apply

To qualify for the bursary, applicants generally must meet these requirements:

• Must be a South African citizen with a valid ID
• Must be 30 years old or younger if applying for the first time
• Must have been accepted (or provisionally accepted) into a recognised Bachelor of Education (B.Ed.) degree or Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) at a public university
• Must specialise in one or more priority subject areas or teaching phases identified as in demand
• Must have a solid academic record from Matric and meet the minimum entrance requirements for the teaching programme

What Courses Are Supported

The bursary supports the following teaching qualifications:

• 4-year Bachelor of Education (B.Ed.), for teaching at Foundation Phase (Grade R–3), Intermediate Phase (Grade 4–6), or Senior/FET Phase (Grade 7–12)
• For students with a prior degree: a one-year PGCE, normally for Senior/FET Phase teaching

Not all subjects are funded — preference is given to priority areas such as Mathematics, Natural Science & Technology, Indigenous languages, Agricultural Science and other subjects in demand.

What the Bursary Covers

Students awarded the bursary may receive full support including:

• Tuition fees
• Registration and examination fees
• Accommodation or transport allowance (if staying away from home)
• Meals or meal allowance
• Study materials and books
• A living allowance (depending on costs and funding availability)
• Support during teaching practice

Because the bursary is renewed annually, students must meet academic and institutional requirements to retain funding each year.

Obligations & Conditions

• Recipients must commit to teaching in a public school for the same number of years they received the bursary funding.
• They cannot be enrolled in extended or non-standard teaching programmes.
• Applicants must be ready to teach anywhere assigned by the relevant Provincial Education Department (placement cannot be deferred or selected by the student).
• They must re-apply each year to renew the bursary if they wish to continue receiving support.

How to Apply

• Applications are submitted online through the official portal (e-Gov / Funza Lushaka website).
• First-time applicants must be 30 or younger.
• Required supporting documents typically include valid ID, proof of admission or provisional acceptance at a university, Matric results, and proof of academic eligibility.
• Applicants must select priority teaching subjects and ensure those subjects match the bursary’s eligible areas.
• Application deadlines are strict. For 2026: new applications close on 24 January 2026, and re-applications for returning bursars close on 30 November 2025.

Why the Funza Lushaka Bursary is Important

This bursary helps bridge the gap between outstanding students and access to higher-education teaching programmes. By removing financial barriers, it encourages young people to choose teaching — especially in high-need subjects — and supports the development of skilled, committed teachers. For many students with limited resources, Funza Lushaka offers a vital chance to study and contribute meaningfully to their communities.

Final Thoughts

If you are a young South African interested in teaching and qualify under the guidelines, the Funza Lushaka Bursary is a superb opportunity. Make sure to apply early, choose an eligible course, and prepare your documents carefully to increase your chances of getting funded.