About Funza Lushaka

 

The Funza Lushaka Bursary Programme is a multi-year programme that aims to promote teaching as a profession and provide bursaries to eligible students who are committed to becoming qualified teachers in South Africa.

 

About the Bursary Programme

 

Funza Lushaka is offering Bursaries for the 2027 Academic year to students who want to study teaching qualifications at public universities.

 

Fields of Study

• Foundation Phase Teaching

• Intermediate Phase Teaching

• Senior Phase Teaching

• FET Teaching

 

Eligibility Requirements

 

To be considered for the Funza Lushaka Bursary Programme, applicants must meet the following criteria:

• South African citizenship

• Completed Grade 12 with a Bachelor's pass (minimum 50% in the language of instruction - English or Afrikaans)

• Accepted or currently enrolled at a recognized South African public university for a teaching degree

• Demonstrated financial need

• Must be committed to teaching in a public school after graduation (service obligation period equal to the number of years funded)

• Strong academic record

• Not in receipt of any other government-funded bursary

 

Required Documents

 

Applicants must submit the following documents with their application:

• Certified copy of South African ID document

• Certified copy of Grade 12 certificate or latest results

• Full academic record from tertiary institution (if currently studying)

• Proof of acceptance or registration at a public university

• A motivational letter expressing your passion for teaching

• Proof of household income (parents'/guardians' latest payslips or affidavit if unemployed)

• Two letters of recommendation from teachers or community leaders

 

Key Requirements

• Citizenship & Age: You must be a South African citizen with a valid ID and be 30 years or younger when you apply.
• Qualification: You must be enrolled or accepted to study full-time in an approved Bachelor of Education (B.Ed) degree or a Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) at an accredited public university in South Africa.
• Specialization: You must specialize in two or more national priority subjects (e.g., Mathematics, Natural Sciences, Technology, Computer Applications Technology, or Indigenous Languages).
• Academic Performance: Applicants must display good academic ability and a strong commitment to a professional teaching career.
• Background Check: You must not have a criminal record and must not appear on any national sexual offender or child protection registries. 

 

 

Application Process

• Applications are strictly online and must be submitted through the official e-Services Portal. Before applying, ensure you secure admission for your preferred teaching qualification at a public university.
• Applications for the 2027 Funza Lushaka Teaching Bursary Programme are expected to open in October 2026. While specific 2027 dates are pending, based on previous years, the application deadlines will likely fall in November 2026 for returning students and January 2027 for new applicants.

 

How to Apply

 

Follow these steps to submit your application:

1. Open the e-Gov portal at www.eservices.gov.za

2. Register by providing personal information

3. Login to the system using user name and password created when registering

4. On the e-Services Menu select Funza Lushaka Bursary Scheme

5. Enter the OTP received on the preferred channel. Accept the Terms and Conditions

6. On the dashboard menu click on the 2026 application button. Follow the steps to complete the required field with your information. Accept the declaration to confirm the information captured

7. Submit your application before the closing date of 15 January 2027