Looking to become a teacher in South Africa? The Funza Lushaka Bursary 2026 offers full funding for education students, including tuition, accommodation, and more. Learn how to qualify and apply before the deadline.
🎓 Funza Lushaka Bursary 2026: Everything You Need to Know
Are you passionate about teaching but worried about the cost of university? The Funza Lushaka Bursary Programme 2026 offers a golden opportunity to pursue a teaching qualification in South Africa—completely free of charge. This government-funded bursary supports students who want to make a difference in schools that need qualified educators the most.
Let’s dive into everything you need to know about the 2026 Funza Lushaka Bursary—from eligibility and requirements to the application process and deadlines.
✅ What Is the Funza Lushaka Bursary?
The Funza Lushaka Bursary Programme is an initiative by South Africa’s Department of Basic Education aimed at attracting bright, committed individuals into the teaching profession. In exchange for financial support, recipients must teach at a public school after graduation for the same number of years they received funding.
This bursary covers:
- Full tuition fees
- Accommodation and meals
- Books and essential learning materials
- Teaching practice costs
- A modest monthly allowance
📅 Important Dates for 2026 Applications
- New Applications Open: 7 October 2025
- New Applications Close: 24 January 2026
- Returning Students Deadline: 30 November 2025
- Selection Results Due: By 30 April 2026
Apply early to avoid missing out. Applications are submitted online only through the official e-Gov portal.
🎓 Who Can Apply?
To qualify for the bursary in 2026, applicants must meet both general and academic criteria.
General Requirements:
- Be a South African citizen with a valid SA ID number
- Under 30 years old at the time of first application
- Have no existing teaching qualification
- Willing to teach in a public school upon graduation (placement is not negotiable)
- Must have been accepted into or be studying at an accredited public university in South Africa
Academic Requirements:
For First-Time Applicants (Matriculants):
- A bachelor’s pass in your National Senior Certificate
- At least Level 4 in two subjects intended for teaching
- Mathematics or Mathematical Literacy pass (for Foundation Phase: Level 2 in Maths or Level 4 in Math Lit may be accepted)
- Strong Home Language pass (usually Level 4 or higher)
For Existing University Students:
- Must have passed all modules in the previous academic year
- A minimum 55% overall average
- Minimum 66% in teaching subject areas
For PGCE Applicants:
- Must have a relevant undergraduate degree with at least two teaching subjects, one studied at third-year level
- PGCE funding is not available for Foundation or Intermediate Phase; only for Senior Phase and FET Phase
🧪 What Subjects Are Prioritised?
The bursary is designed to address shortages in specific subjects. These priority teaching subjects include:
- Mathematics
- Physical Sciences and Life Sciences
- Accounting
- Agricultural Sciences
- Technology
- Engineering Graphics & Design
- Information Technology and Computer Applications
- Indigenous Languages
- English (as a First Additional Language)
- South African Sign Language
- Special Needs Education (e.g. Braille, autism support)
Applicants must intend to specialise in at least two of these subjects.
📝 Step-by-Step Application Guide
Here’s how to apply for the Funza Lushaka Bursary online:
- Visit the e-Gov portal: www.eservices.gov.za
- Register for an account with your ID number, email, and cellphone number
- Log in and select “Funza Lushaka Bursary Scheme”
- Enter the OTP sent to your email or phone
- Read and accept the Terms and Conditions
- Click on the 2026 application option
- Complete the application form in full
- Upload supporting documents (e.g. ID, academic transcripts, proof of university admission)
- Submit the application and keep your reference number
Note: You must reapply every year to renew your bursary.
🏫 Placement After Graduation
Once you’ve graduated, you are required to:
- Teach in a public school for the same number of years you were funded
- Accept a placement by a Provincial Education Department (you cannot choose the school or province)
- Begin working immediately after graduation
Failure to meet this obligation can result in the bursary being converted into a loan, which you will need to repay.
🔄 Renewal of the Bursary
The bursary is not automatically renewed. You must:
- Pass all your courses
- Maintain a good academic standing
- Apply for renewal through the same online platform
📌 Tips for a Successful Application
- Apply as early as possible
- Choose priority subjects relevant to the programme
- Write a clear and compelling motivational letter
- Ensure all documents are certified and legible
- Keep your contact details up to date for follow-ups
🌟 Why Choose Funza Lushaka?
The Funza Lushaka Bursary doesn’t just pay your university fees—it launches your career. Here’s why it’s worth considering:
- 100% tuition, accommodation, and learning materials funded
- Guaranteed job placement after graduation
- Helps bridge the gap in South Africa’s education system
- Empowers you to uplift communities through teaching
- No repayment if you fulfill your service obligation
This bursary is ideal for learners who are academically strong, passionate about education, and committed to making a real difference in under-resourced schools.
🔗 Useful Links
- Official Application Portal: www.eservices.gov.za
- Funza Lushaka Information Page: www.funzalushaka.doe.gov.za
- Department of Basic Education: www.education.gov.za
- NSFAS for Other Bursaries: www.nsfas.org.za
⚠️ Disclaimer
This article is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute official government advice. Eligibility criteria, application dates, and programme policies may change at any time. Applicants are strongly encouraged to visit the official Funza Lushaka and Department of Education websites for the most accurate and updated information.