Department of Basic Education invites suitably qualified applicants to apply for the 2026 Funza Lushaka Bursary. The closing date for applications is 24 January 2026.
What is the Funza Lushaka Bursary?
The Funza Lushaka Bursary is South Africa’s most respected teaching scholarship. It is designed to encourage young people to become teachers by offering full financial support for higher‑level education in teaching. By sending more qualified teachers into schools, the program aims to solve the country’s teacher shortage and give students a better learning experience.
Where Can You Study?
You can enroll in any of the 26 public universities across South Africa. All major universities – from Cape Town to Durban and beyond – participate in the bursary programme.
Types of Teaching Degrees Covered
1. Bachelor of Education (B.Ed.) – 4 years
You’ll specialize in one of the following phases:
- Foundation Phase (Grades R to 3)
- Intermediate Phase (Grades 4 to 6)
- Senior and Further Education & Training (FET) Phase (Grades 7 to 12)
2. Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) – 1 year
The PGCE is for students who already hold a bachelor’s degree and who want to become qualified teachers for Grades 7 to 12. You must have completed a degree that included at least two of the priority subjects listed below.
What the Bursary Pays For
The bursary is fully funded, meaning you do not have to pay any school fees or living costs. The scholarship covers:
- Tuition fees for the full duration of your course
- Accommodation and meals while you study
- Books and other learning materials
- Registration and exam fees
- A monthly allowance to cover living expenses
Who Can Apply?
To qualify, you must:
- Be a South African citizen
- Be 30 years old or younger at the time of application
- Show strong academic results in high school
- Have been accepted into a B.Ed. or PGCE program that focuses on at least two of the priority subject areas
- Meet the minimum entry requirements set by the university you plan to attend
Priority Subject Areas
The bursary focuses on subjects that schools need most. These include:
- Mathematics
- Languages (including African languages)
- Life Sciences (biology, health, etc.)
- Physical Sciences (physics, chemistry, etc.)
- Accounting
- Agricultural Sciences
- Economics
- Technology (ICT, engineering, etc.)
- Geography
If you are interested in one or more of these subjects, the bursary could be a perfect fit for you.
How to Apply – Step‑by‑Step Guide
- Open the e‑Gov portal: Visit www.eservices.gov.za.
- Create an account: Provide your personal details to register.
- Log in: Use the username and password you just created.
- Navigate the menu: From the main menu, choose “Education.”
- Select the bursary: Click on “Funza Lushaka Bursary Scheme.”
- Enter your OTP: Check your phone or email for a confirmation code.
- Agree to the terms: Read and accept the Terms and Conditions.
- Start the 2026 application: Click the “2026 Application” button.
- Fill in the form: Provide all the required information accurately.
- Confirm your details: Sign the declaration that everything you’ve supplied is correct.
Once you submit, the reviewers will verify your documents and assess your eligibility.
Important Things to Remember
- Annual renewal: If you keep good grades, the bursary can be renewed each year.
- Teaching commitment: You must teach in a public school for as many years as you received funding.
- Deadline is firm: Applications received after 24 January 2026 will not be considered.
Ready to change your future and help shape South Africa’s classrooms? Apply before the closing date and step into a rewarding career as a teacher!