The Funza Lushaka Bursary Programme is accepting applications for the 2027 academic year. The programme supports eligible South African students who want to study teaching in priority subject areas at public universities.
Closing date for new applicants: 31 January 2027
Closing date for returning bursars: 30 November 2026
Who can apply?
Applicants should meet the following requirements:
- Be a South African citizen with a valid South African ID number.
- First-time applicants must be 30 years old or younger.
- Meet the admission requirements for a teaching qualification at a public university. Applicants must gain university admission to be eligible for the bursary.
- Meet the bursary’s academic and selection requirements.
- Choose a teaching qualification and subject specialisations that meet the programme’s priority requirements.
- Be committed to a career in teaching.
Meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee a bursary.
Priority teaching areas
The Department of Basic Education identifies priority subjects and phases according to the need for teachers. Areas discussed for 2027 include Mathematics, Sciences, Technology, South African Indigenous Languages, South African Sign Language and certain special education needs. Requirements differ by teaching phase and subject combination.
Applicants should check the 2027 application notes and priority subject requirements with the programme or their university’s education faculty before choosing their subjects.
What does the bursary cover?
The Department of Basic Education lists support for:
- Tuition fees
- Accommodation or transport, where applicable
- Meals
- Learning materials
- A personal care allowance
- Teaching practice support
Funding is subject to programme rules. The department’s 2026 application notes state that the bursary is capped and that students may need to cover costs above the cap. Applicants should check the terms applicable to 2027.
Teaching commitment
Bursary recipients are required to teach at a public school for the same number of years that they received the bursary.
How to apply
- Visit e-Services portal
- Register using your personal details, or log in if you already have an account.
- Select Funza Lushaka Bursary Scheme from the e-Services menu.
- Enter the one-time PIN sent to your preferred contact method.
- Accept the terms and conditions.
- Select the 2027 application button on the dashboard.
- Complete the required fields and accept the declaration to submit your application.
Apply here: Government e-Services portal
Enquiries
Email: inquiries.funzalushaka@dbe.gov.za
Telephone: 012 357 3000
For further information, visit the official Funza Lushaka website.
