Are you currently receiving funding from the Funza Lushaka Bursary Programme? Applications for the 2027 Funza Lushaka Bursary are now open for existing bursars who wish to reapply for continued funding.
The Department of Basic Education (DBE) has announced that returning bursars must submit their reapplications before 30 November 2026. This is a separate deadline from the one for first-time applicants.
The Funza Lushaka Bursary Programme supports students pursuing teaching qualifications in priority subject areas to help address teacher shortages in South African public schools.
This opportunity is strictly for existing or returning Funza Lushaka bursars. Students who have never received the bursary should follow the separate new-applicant process.
Funza Lushaka Bursary 2027 – Overview
| Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Bursary provider | Department of Basic Education |
| Programme | Funza Lushaka Bursary |
| Academic year | 2027 |
| Application type | Reapplication / renewal |
| Who should apply? | Existing and returning bursars |
| Funding purpose | Teaching qualifications |
| Application method | Online |
| Opening date | 1 October 2026 |
| Closing date | 30 November 2026 |
Who Should Apply?
This reapplication opportunity is intended for students who are already receiving Funza Lushaka funding and wish to be considered for continued bursary support in the 2027 academic year.
Returning bursars should:
Have an existing Funza Lushaka bursary award.
Complete the annual reapplication process.
Provide accurate and updated information on the online application system.
Follow the requirements communicated by their university’s Student Financial Aid or Funza Lushaka office.
Complete any required placement information where applicable.
Please note: Reapplying does not automatically guarantee funding for 2027. Bursary continuation is subject to the programme’s requirements, academic progress, selection processes and available funding.
What Does the Funza Lushaka Bursary Cover?
According to the Department of Basic Education, the programme covers essential study-related expenses, which may include:
Tuition fees.
Accommodation or transport, depending on the student’s living arrangements.
Daily meals.
Books and learning materials.
Personal care allowance.
Teaching practice support.
The exact funding allocation may differ according to the student’s university costs and the bursary arrangements.
Important: Annual Reapplication
Funza Lushaka is a multi-year bursary programme, but recipients are required to apply for funding every year.
Returning bursars should not assume that their previous bursary award automatically carries over to 2027. They must complete the 2027 reapplication process before the closing date and follow any additional instructions from their university.
How to Reapply for the Funza Lushaka Bursary 2027
Returning bursars must use the official online application system.
Follow these steps:
Visit the South African e-Government Services portal.
Log in using the account details previously created.
Select Funza Lushaka Bursary Scheme from the e-Services menu.
Enter the OTP sent to your preferred contact channel.
Read and accept the terms and conditions.
Select the 2027 application option on the dashboard.
Complete the required fields and update your information.
Accept the declaration to confirm that the information provided is correct.
Submit your reapplication and keep a record of the confirmation.
Returning bursars should also contact their university’s Student Financial Aid office or Funza Lushaka coordinator to confirm whether additional academic records or supporting documents must be submitted directly to the institution.
Closing Date for Returning Bursars
<escape>30 November 2026</escape>
This is the official closing date for existing and returning Funza Lushaka bursars applying for continued funding in 2027.
Late reapplications may not be accepted. Submit your application early to avoid last-minute technical problems.
Teaching Service Obligation
The Funza Lushaka Bursary is linked to a teaching service obligation.
Successful bursars are required to teach at a public school for the same number of years for which they received bursary funding. For example, a student who receives funding for four years is expected to complete four years of teaching service.
The programme’s official FAQ explains that provincial education departments are responsible for placing qualified bursary recipients in suitable public-school teaching posts.
Failure to meet the bursary agreement’s requirements may result in the recipient being required to repay the bursary.
Contact Details
For general enquiries about the Funza Lushaka Bursary Programme:
Department of Basic Education telephone: 012 357 3000
Official website: https://www.funzalushaka.doe.gov.za/
Online application portal: https://www.eservices.gov.za/
Returning bursars are also encouraged to contact the Student Financial Aid office or Funza Lushaka coordinator at their university for institution-specific guidance.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Who can apply for the Funza Lushaka Bursary 2027 returning bursary?
Only students who are already Funza Lushaka bursary recipients and are reapplying for continued funding should use this returning-bursar application process.
2. When is the closing date for returning bursars?
The closing date for 2027 reapplications by existing bursars is 30 November 2026.
3. Must returning bursars apply every year?
Yes. Existing bursary recipients must submit a reapplication each year. Previous funding does not automatically guarantee continued funding.
4. Where do returning bursars reapply?
Reapplications are submitted online through the e-Government Services portal at https://www.eservices.gov.za/.
5. Does the bursary cover accommodation and meals?
The programme’s published coverage includes accommodation or transport, daily meals, tuition, learning materials and other essential expenses. The actual allocation depends on the bursary arrangements.
6. Is the 2027 application open to new applicants?
Yes, but new applicants have a separate application process and closing date of 31 January 2027. This article is specifically for returning bursars.
Final Reminder
If you are currently funded by Funza Lushaka, make sure you complete your 2027 reapplication before 30 November 2026.
Log in to the official portal, update your details, submit your reapplication and check with your university’s Funza Lushaka office for any additional requirements.
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