Do you dream of standing in front of a classroom and changing young lives? The Funza Lushaka Bursary could be the door that opens that future. It is a government programme that pays for your teaching degree, and in return, you teach in a public school after you graduate. This guide walks you through what it covers, who can apply, how to apply, and the mistakes to avoid.
Direct Application Links
- Apply online (official portal):
- Official Funza Lushaka page (Department of Basic Education): https://www.education.gov.za/Programmes/FunzaLushaka.aspx
- Funza Lushaka portal: https://www.funzalushaka.doe.gov.za/Home
The Department of Basic Education lists eservices.gov.za as the place to apply. No physical or emailed applications are accepted.
Is It a Bursary or a Scholarship?
Funza Lushaka is a bursary. It is not a scholarship, and it is not a loan. A scholarship rewards you for achievement and asks nothing back. A loan must be repaid in money. Funza Lushaka sits in between: it is a conditional bursary, so you do not repay the money in cash as long as you meet the conditions. The main condition is that you teach after you qualify.
Key Dates for the 2027 Academic Year
Several education websites report the following timeline:
- Applications for 2027 opened on 1 October 2026.
- New applicants must submit by 31 January 2027, and re-applications by 30 November 2026.i
- Late applications will not be considered.
Important: When I checked, the official Department page still showed last year’s dates. For the 2026 cycle, the department listed an opening of 7 October 2025 and a new-applicant deadline of 24 January 2026. Because the official page had not caught up, confirm the exact 2027 closing date on the department’s site before you plan around it. Either way, do not wait until the final week.
What Does the Bursary Pay For?
The department says the bursary covers tuition fees, accommodation (or transport if you stay at home or with relatives), daily meals, learning materials, a personal care allowance, and teaching practice support. Exact amounts can differ between universities, so ask your institution’s Funza Lushaka coordinator how your allowances will be paid.
The bursary is awarded one academic year at a time. That means you must keep passing to keep funding.
Who Can Apply?
The programme is aimed at Grade 12 learners and unemployed youth under 30 who want to study teaching in priority subject areas. In practice, you should meet these basics:
- You are a South African citizen.
- You are under 30.
- You have applied to, or been accepted at, a public university for an approved teaching qualification, usually a Bachelor of Education (BEd).
- You plan to specialise in a subject the country needs teachers for.
- You commit to teaching in a public school after you graduate.
Which institutions qualify? TVET colleges and private colleges such as Rosebank College or Eduvos do not qualify. You must study at a public university.
What about the PGCE? The PGCE was not funded under Funza Lushaka for 2026, and this can change from year to year. If you are a graduate planning a PGCE, check the official page for 2027 before assuming it is covered.
Priority Subjects: Choose Wisely
Funza Lushaka does not fund every teaching subject. It targets areas where schools struggle to find teachers. The department mentions Maths, Science, Technology, Engineering, and South African Indigenous languages. Computer Applications Technology also appears on the 2027 list.
Download the official Subject Priority Areas document from the department’s page before you pick your degree. Choosing a subject outside the list is one of the quickest ways to lose your chance.
Step-by-Step: How to Apply
- Apply to a public university first. Do this before the bursary closes, and choose a BEd with priority subjects.
- Complete the screening form. The notice encourages applicants to complete the Funza Lushaka Application Screening Form. You will find it on the department’s page. setacareers
- Gather your documents. Prepare your ID, your latest school or university results, proof of university application or acceptance, and your student number if you have one. You will need your university student number to complete the form. Keep clear digital copies saved on your phone or email.
- Open the portal. Go to and register or log in.
- Choose the bursary. Select the Funza Lushaka Bursary Scheme, then select the 2027 application option.
- Verify your phone. You will enter a one-time PIN sent to your phone and accept the Terms and Conditions.
- Fill in every section and submit. Check your details twice, then keep your confirmation.
The Service Obligation: The Part Many People Overlook
This is the most important thing to understand before you sign. Recipients must teach at a public school for the same number of years they receive the bursary. A four-year BEd means four years of teaching service.
Placement works like this: you may request a province, but the provincial education department decides whether a suitable post exists, and you cannot choose the specific school. You might be placed somewhere you did not expect, so be honest with yourself about whether you are willing to go where the need is.
Can You Also Get NSFAS?
Not on top of Funza Lushaka. NSFAS handles the payments if you are awarded Funza Lushaka, and you cannot receive a separate NSFAS loan on top of it. If you are not accepted, apply to NSFAS and other bursaries as a backup so you are never left without a plan.
Common Reasons Applications Fail
- Missing the deadline, especially the new-applicant cut-off.
- Applying for a subject that is not on the priority list.
- Studying at a college that is not a public university.
- Uploading blurry or incomplete documents.
- Entering a wrong ID number, phone number, or email address.
- Leaving everything until the last week, when the portal is busiest.
Tips to Strengthen Your Chances
- Start early. Open the portal in October, not January.
- Protect your marks. Strong results help your university application and your yearly renewal.
- Talk to your coordinator. Speak to your university’s Funza Lushaka coordinator early each year to confirm deadlines, and as soon as possible if you struggle academically.
- Keep your details current. Check your email and SMS regularly after applying.
- Apply for backups. You may only accept one bursary, but you can apply for several.
Need Help?
The department lists these support channels: email [email protected] or call 012 357 3000. Use only official sites and contacts. Applying for Funza Lushaka is free, so be careful with anyone who asks you to pay.
Final Thoughts
The Funza Lushaka Bursary 2027 offers a fully supported route into one of the most meaningful careers there is. The cost is a promise: to teach where you are needed. If that excites you, start your university application, complete the screening form, and apply through the official portal as soon as you can.
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