If you want to become a teacher in South Africa, the Funza Lushaka Bursary 2027 could help you fund your teaching qualification.

The Funza Lushaka Bursary Programme is a multi-year government programme designed to promote teaching as a profession and recruit students into teaching fields where qualified teachers are needed. Successful bursars are required to teach at a public school for the same number of years for which they received the bursary.

Funza Lushaka Bursary 2027 – Quick Details

The official Funza Lushaka portal confirms the 2027 opening and closing dates.

What Is the Funza Lushaka Bursary?

The Funza Lushaka Bursary Programme provides financial support to selected students studying towards qualifying teaching qualifications in identified priority areas.

The programme is funded by National Treasury, managed by the Department of Basic Education and financially administered through NSFAS and participating higher education institutions. 

This is an important difference from an ordinary bursary: Funza Lushaka comes with a teaching service obligation.

For every year that you receive the bursary, you are required to teach for one year at a public school after qualifying.

How Much Does the Funza Lushaka Bursary Pay?

Funza Lushaka does not have one universal rand amount that every student receives.

The official programme explains that institutions have different cost structures, meaning the total value of an individual bursary can differ between institutions.

Funding may cover essential study-related expenses such as:

• Tuition fees
• Accommodation
• Meals
• Books and learning materials
• A possible living allowance
• Other approved essential costs

The amount allocated to an individual student is subject to a programme cap and institutional costs. Where approved costs exceed the applicable allocation, the student may have to cover the difference.

The Department of Basic Education’s current programme page also describes support for tuition, accommodation or transport arrangements, meals, learning materials, personal care and teaching-practice-related support.

Important

Do not assume that Funza Lushaka pays every university expense in full.

The amount and components of funding can depend on the institution and the applicable funding allocation.

Who Can Apply for Funza Lushaka 2027?

The programme is aimed at young South Africans who want to pursue teaching.

The official FAQ identifies potential applicants including:

• Grade 12 learners
• Graduates under 30 who want to study teaching
• People under 30 changing careers to become teachers
• Unemployed people under 30 who want to become teachers

First-time applicants must be 30 years or younger.

Applicants must also meet the academic and programme-specific requirements.

Funza Lushaka Bursary Requirements 2027

Applicants should generally be prepared to meet requirements including:

• Be a South African citizen
• Have a valid South African ID
• Be 30 years or younger as a first-time applicant
• Be accepted into an eligible teaching qualification
• Meet the admission requirements of the university
• Demonstrate good academic ability
• Study in an identified priority area
• Demonstrate commitment to becoming a teacher
• Meet the applicable Funza Lushaka selection criteria

The official selection criteria state that applicants must already have been accepted into an approved BEd or qualifying PGCE programme at an accredited public university and that the teaching qualification must include the required priority subject areas. 

Which Qualifications Does Funza Lushaka Fund?

The official Funza Lushaka FAQ identifies:

Bachelor of Education (BEd)

Eligible BEd programmes can be funded where the student’s programme meets the applicable priority-area requirements.

Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE)

The programme can fund qualifying PGCE study in Senior Phase and Further Education and Training (FET) teaching, subject to the current requirements.

Students should carefully check whether their particular teaching specialisation qualifies before applying.

Funza Lushaka Priority Subjects

Funza Lushaka is not designed to fund every possible teaching specialisation.

The programme targets areas where teachers are required.

The current official FAQ lists priority areas across different school phases.

Foundation Phase

Priority areas include:

• Foundation Phase
• South African Indigenous Languages
• Neurodevelopment Needs
• Braille
• South African Sign Language (SASL)

Intermediate and Senior Phase

Preference is given to combinations involving areas such as:

• Languages
• Mathematics
• Natural Science
• Technology

FET Phase

Priority areas include fields such as:

• 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

The programme states that priority areas can be determined according to education-sector needs and may be adjusted annually.

NextStepZA warning: Don’t choose a teaching qualification simply because it says “Education” and assume it will qualify for Funza Lushaka. Your subjects and specialisation matter.

Do I Need to Be Accepted at University Before Applying?

Yes.

The Funza Lushaka selection criteria require applicants to first gain admission to an eligible higher education programme.

This means students should:

1. Apply to suitable public universities.
2. Apply for an eligible teaching qualification.
3. Obtain admission.
4. Check that the qualification meets Funza Lushaka requirements.
5. Apply for the bursary.

Getting university admission does not automatically mean you will receive the Funza Lushaka Bursary.

How to Apply for the Funza Lushaka Bursary 2027

The official 2027 portal provides the following application process.

Step 1: Open the e-Gov portal

Go to the South African government e-services portal.

Step 2: Register

Create an account and provide your personal information.

Step 3: Log in

Use the username and password you created.

Step 4: Select Funza Lushaka

From the e-Services menu, select the Funza Lushaka Bursary Scheme.

Step 5: Enter your OTP

Enter the OTP sent through your selected contact channel.

Step 6: Accept the terms

Read and accept the terms and conditions.

Step 7: Select the 2027 application

The official portal instructs applicants to select the 2027 application from the dashboard.

Step 8: Complete the application

Enter the requested personal, academic and other information.

Step 9: Accept the declaration

Check your information carefully and accept the declaration to submit your application. 

Funza Lushaka Bursary 2027 Closing Date

New Applicants

31 January 2027

This is the official closing date currently published for new Funza Lushaka 2027 applications. 

Returning Bursars

30 November 2026

Existing/returning Funza Lushaka bursars must reapply by this date. 

Important

Late applications are not considered. 

Don’t wait until the final day to apply.

What Does the Funza Lushaka Bursary Cover?

Depending on the applicable allocation and institution, funding can include:

• Tuition
• Accommodation
• Meals
• Learning materials
• Books
• Possible living allowance
• Other approved essential study expenses

The official programme notes that institutions have different cost structures and that bursary allocations are subject to a cap.

Does Funza Lushaka Pay for Accommodation?

Accommodation can be covered, subject to the applicable bursary allocation and institutional arrangements.

The official programme states that accommodation, including meals, may form part of the bursary, while the Department of Basic Education’s current page also describes accommodation or transport support for students staying at home or with relatives. 

Students should therefore confirm the actual allowance and arrangements with their institution.

Does Funza Lushaka Have to Be Repaid?

Normally, the bursary is not a conventional loan.

However, the official programme states that a recipient may be required to repay the bursary if they fail to meet important conditions of the bursary agreement.

Examples include failing to make satisfactory academic progress, failing to comply with the required processes, failing to apply for a teaching post, failing to take up the required teaching placement, or leaving a placement before completing the contractual service period. In such cases, the programme states that the full bursary amount received may become repayable, with interest.

This makes it extremely important to understand the service obligation before accepting the bursary.

What Is the Funza Lushaka Service Obligation?

This is one of the most important things applicants need to understand.

If you receive Funza Lushaka funding for one year, you generally have a one-year teaching service obligation.

Receive funding for four years?

You generally have a four-year service obligation.

The official programme states that bursars are required to teach at a public school for the same number of years for which they received the bursary.

Qualified bursars are placed through Provincial Education Departments.

Can I Choose Which School I Will Teach At?

No.

The official e-Services information states that Provincial Education Departments place graduate bursars in suitable teaching posts.

Bursars cannot choose the school where they want to be placed, and placement cannot simply be deferred.

This is another reason to understand the programme’s conditions before accepting funding.

Can I Take a Gap Year After Graduating?

The official Funza Lushaka FAQ states that recipients are expected to take up a teaching post immediately after qualifying and cannot simply take a gap year to pursue further studies before fulfilling their obligation.

Can I Receive Funza Lushaka and Another Bursary?

Students should be very careful here.

The official FAQ states that a student who is offered both Funza Lushaka and another bursary must choose between them rather than receive both simultaneously.

Funza Lushaka Application Checklist

Before submitting your application, make sure you have:

☐ South African ID
☐ University admission/application information
☐ Proof of acceptance where required
☐ Matric results/certificate
☐ Latest academic results, if already studying
☐ Correct teaching qualification
☐ Eligible priority subjects
☐ Active cellphone number
☐ Working email address
☐ e-Gov account
☐ Correct personal information
☐ Correct academic information
☐ Read the bursary terms and conditions
☐ Checked the 2027 closing date

Common Funza Lushaka Mistakes to Avoid

1. Applying without university admission

Admission to an eligible programme is an important requirement.

2. Choosing the wrong subjects

Not every teaching subject combination qualifies.

3. Assuming every BEd is automatically funded

Your programme must meet the relevant Funza Lushaka requirements.

4. Ignoring the service obligation

The bursary comes with a teaching commitment.

5. Waiting until the deadline

Late applications are not considered.

6. Assuming funding is unlimited

The programme has funding allocations and institutional cost structures.

7. Giving false information

Make sure every piece of information in your application is accurate.

Funza Lushaka Bursary 2027 FAQs

Is the Funza Lushaka Bursary 2027 open?

Yes. The official portal states that 2027 applications opened on 1 October 2026.

When does the Funza Lushaka Bursary 2027 close?

New applications close on 31 January 2027. Returning bursars must reapply by 30 November 2026.

Who can apply?

South African citizens who meet the programme’s academic, age, qualification and priority-area requirements can apply. First-time applicants must be 30 years or younger.

Does Funza Lushaka fund teaching degrees?

Yes. Eligible BEd programmes are among the qualifications supported by the programme. 

Does Funza Lushaka fund PGCE?

The current official FAQ states that qualifying PGCE programmes in Senior Phase and FET teaching can be funded. Applicants should check the current priority-area requirements for their specific programme.

How much does Funza Lushaka pay?

There is no single guaranteed rand amount for every student. The value varies according to institutional costs and the applicable funding allocation. 

Does Funza Lushaka cover accommodation?

Accommodation can form part of the bursary, subject to the applicable allocation and institutional arrangements.

Do I have to work after receiving Funza Lushaka?

Yes. Recipients have a teaching service obligation of one year for every year of bursary funding received.

Can I choose my school after graduating?

No. Placement is handled through Provincial Education Departments, and bursars cannot choose their school.

Where do I apply?

Applications are made through the official government e-Services/Funza Lushaka application system.

NextStepZA Tip

If you want to become a teacher, don’t wait until January to start preparing.

First make sure you qualify for an eligible teaching programme, apply for admission to a suitable public university, check that your subjects fall within the current Funza Lushaka priority areas, and then complete your bursary application before the 31 January 2027 deadline.

NextStepZA — Build. Grow. Succeed.