The Funza Lushaka Bursary Programme invites aspiring teachers across South Africa to apply for the Funza Lushaka Bursary 2026.
Applications Open: 7 October 2025
Application Closing Dates:
- New Applicants: 24 January 2026
- Returning Bursars: 30 November 2025
Location: All 26 Public Universities in South Africa
About the Funza Lushaka Bursary Programme 2026
The Funza Lushaka Bursary is one of South Africa’s most prestigious teaching bursaries, aimed at promoting teaching as a profession among young South Africans.
The bursary provides comprehensive funding to students pursuing Bachelor of Education (B.Ed.) or Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) qualifications at any of the 26 public universities in the country.
This programme helps address the national shortage of qualified teachers in key subjects and phases while empowering youth through access to quality education.
Qualifications Covered
The bursary supports studies towards the following teaching qualifications:
1. Bachelor of Education (B.Ed.) – 4 years
Specialising in:
- Foundation Phase (Grade R – 3)
- Intermediate Phase (Grade 4 – 6)
- Senior and Further Education and Training (FET) Phase (Grade 7 – 12)
2. Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) – 1 year
- Available only for Senior Phase and FET Phase (Grades 7–12).
- Applicants must already hold an appropriate undergraduate qualification with at least two priority subject areas.
Expenses Covered
The Funza Lushaka Bursary is a fully funded bursary that covers:
- Tuition fees
- Accommodation (including meals)
- Books and learning materials
- Registration and examination fees
- Allowance for monthly living expenses
Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Must be a South African citizen.
- Must be 30 years of age or younger.
- Must demonstrate strong academic ability.
- Must have been accepted into an approved B.Ed. or PGCE programme specialising in at least two priority subjects.
- Must meet the minimum academic entry requirements set by the tertiary institution.
Priority Subject Areas
The bursary targets high-demand teaching subjects such as:
- Mathematics
- Languages (including African languages)
- Life Sciences
- Physical Sciences
- Accounting
- Agricultural Sciences
- Economics
- Technology
- Geography
How to Apply for the Funza Lushaka Bursary 2026
Follow these simple steps to apply online:
Step 1: Visit the e-Gov portal: www.eservices.gov.za
Step 2: Register by providing your personal details.
Step 3: Log in using your newly created username and password.
Step 4: On the e-Services menu, select “Education.”
Step 5: Click on “Funza Lushaka Bursary Scheme.”
Step 6: Enter the OTP sent to your preferred contact channel.
Step 7: Accept the Terms and Conditions.
Step 8: On the dashboard, click on the 2026 Application button.
Step 9: Complete all required fields with accurate information.
Step 10: Accept the declaration to confirm that your information is correct.
Important Notes
- The bursary is renewable annually, subject to satisfactory academic performance.
- Recipients will be required to teach in a public school for the same number of years they received funding.
- Applications submitted after the closing dates will not be considered.
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