Funza Lushaka Teaching Bursary Application 2026 is Now Open

The Department of Education has announced that applications for the 2026 Funza Lushaka Bursary are now open. This program is designed to support aspiring teachers, including matriculants aged 30 and older, in pursuing teaching studies at South African universities. The bursary provides comprehensive financial assistance, covering registration, tuition fees, accommodation, meals, and allowances for practical work. Eligible applicants include first-time students enrolling in a Bachelor of Education program.

Funza Lushaka Bursary Application Date For 2026

Applications opened: 07 October 2025
Deadline for new applicants: 24 January 2026
Deadline for returning bursars: 30 November 2026

What Funza Lushaka Bursary Covers

The bursary covers the full cost of the recipient’s required education. The following are all covered: tuition, full living costs (accommodation, meals, books, and study materials), and a living expense stipend paid once a month. Every bursar will get R48000 for the entire year. This amount may increase in 2026 to account for growing expenses.

Programmes to be funded by the Funza Lushaka Bursary

Three different programmes that include at least one priority area specialization subject as a teaching subject in your qualifications can be funded by the bursary. Below is the list of programmes to be funded by Funza Lushaka

Undergraduate studies

4 Year Bachelor of Education, specializing in

Foundation phase Grade R-3
Intermediate Phase Grade 4-6
Senior phase Grade 7-9
FET Phase Grade 10-12

3/4 year Bachelor’s degree.

Application for funding for a bachelor’s degree implies that the applicant commits to enroll in the PGCE upon completion of the undergraduate degree

Graduate studies

One-year postgraduate certificate in Education for graduates whose degrees include majors in priority areas

Subjects Funded By Funza Lushaka Bursary

Priority subject areas that are currently funded by the bursary are as follows

Foundation phase (Grade R-3)

Foundation phase specialization

Intermediate Phase (Grade 4-6)

African languages
English language
Mathematics
Natural Science
Technology

Senior Phase (Grade 7-9)

African languages
English language
Mathematics
Natural Science
Technology

FET Phase Grade 10-12

African languages
Agricultural sciences
Agricultural Technology
Civil Technology
Computer applications technology
Electrical Technology
Engineering Graphics and design
English language
Information technology
Life Sciences
Mathematics
Mathematics Literacy
Mathematics Technology
physical sciences

Funza Lushaka Bursary Admission Criteria

The bursary is available to South African citizens only, and applications submitted without a valid South African ID number will not be considered. In addition to meeting the national selection requirements listed below by the Funza Lushaka Bursary, qualified applicants must also meet the requirements of the institution.

You’re in Grade 12 currently.
Under-30-year-old graduates who wish to enroll in a PGCE or finish their teaching certification
Applicants under thirty who prefer teaching
South African nationals under thirty who are unemployed and wish to become teachers

How to apply for Funza Lushaka Bursary

You must first apply to your preferred university for admission to a bachelor’s degree with at least one major course in the priority subjects or a teaching qualification (B.Ed or PGCE) to be eligible for the bursary. As soon as a university accepts you, you have to apply for a bursary.

The bursary is awarded for a single academic year at a time, with the potential for renewal each year provided the recipient maintains academic standing and satisfies the prerequisites for teaching. Annual reapplications must be submitted by the bursar (bursary holder) by the end of November.

Because this is a service-linked bursary, please be aware that you must teach for one year for each year the recipient receives funding

Which Documents Are Required by Funza Lushaka??

Assemble your application by confirming that you have the necessary documents. Typical requirements include the following documents:

Evidence of identity
Academic transcripts,
proof of enrollment or acceptance at a recognized institution

Funza Lushaka Bursary Step-by-Step Application Guidelines

To apply successfully, follow these steps.

Go to www.eservices.gov.za, the e-Gov portal.
Make sure you meet all the eligibility requirements by reading the guidelines.
Register by supplying your data.
Use the username and password you created during registration to access the system.
Choose the Funza Lushaka Bursary Scheme from the e-Services Menu.
On the preferred channel, enter the OTP that you received.
Assent to the Conditions and Terms
Please select the 2024 application button from the dashboard menu.
To enter your information in the required field, follow the steps.
Accept the declaration to attest to the data collected.
Submit your application by the deadline.
For future correspondence, don’t forget to double-check all of the information you submitted and save a copy of your application reference number.

Funza Lushaka Bursary Contact

Students may phone and email at

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

For more details, visit the official website HERE

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