Do you see yourself teaching in a South African classroom, helping learners to develop their skills and discover what they can achieve? If you are considering a teaching degree but worried about the cost, the Funza Lushaka Bursary could be worth investigating.
Applications opened on 1 October 2026 and close for new applicants: 31 January 2027. Applications for returning bursars close on 30 November 2026
In this guide, you'll find out all about the Funza Lushaka Bursary requirements including how the programme is designed and managed by the Department of Basic Education to recruit and train teachers in subject areas where South African public schools need them.
As you consider applications and deadlines, remember that planning your academic year in advance can set you up for success.
What is the Funza Lushaka Bursary?
The aim of the Funza Lushaka Bursary is to help train teachers in areas where the education system needs them. This means that funding is not simply available to every student who chooses teaching. Rather, your qualification, subject specialisations, academic record and the priorities for that year all matter.
The programme, supports approved initial teacher education qualifications, including:
So, what is your first step? Your initial aim should be to gain admission to an eligible public university and meet the programme’s selection criteria. If your funding application is successful, it is awarded for one year at a time, that can be renewed if you continue to meet the applicable conditions.
If you are comparing funding routes, like the NSFAS option, our guide to the different types of student financial aid and how to apply for themexplains the wider options available to prospective students.
Who It's for and Priority Subject Areas
In short, the programme is aimed at academically capable students who are committed to a teaching career. The current published selection guidance states that first time applicants must be 30 years old or younger. Applicants must also be South African citizens with a valid South African identity number and satisfy the relevant admission and academic requirements.
The Department of Basic Education identifies priority subjects according to teacher demand. Remember that these priorities can change, so check the official list for the academic year you intend to study.
Priority Areas to Know
The Department’s published current priorities include areas such as:
South African Indigenous Languages, South African Sign Language, Braille, neurodevelopmental needs and special needs education.
South African Indigenous Languages, Mathematics, Natural Science and Technology, South African Sign Language, Braille and inclusive education.
Mathematics, Natural Sciences, Physical Sciences, Life Sciences, Agricultural Sciences, Technology subjects, Information Technology, Indigenous South African Languages and other listed specialisations.
Bear in mind that these are examples and not a guarantee that every subject combination will qualify as the programme uses changing national priorities and provincial teacher demand when allocating bursaries. Always check the official priority list and confirm that your intended teaching qualification includes the required specialisations.
By the way if teaching isn't the only career path you're considering, you could also explore workplace training opportunities through SETA learnerships and internships, which can help you develop practical skills in other sectors
A Practical Eligibility Checklist
Before you start your Funza Lushaka application, make sure you can:
In searching the requirements for Funza Lushaka Bursary you will find that funding is not limited to your matric results. Remember that you must also meet the institution’s admission requirements and the programme’s selection criteria.
If you need help understanding whether your marks meet university admission requirements, our guide to calculating and interpreting your Admission Point Score is a useful next read.
What the Bursary Covers
The Funza Lushaka Bursary is intended to cover essential study costs, but the exact value varies according to the institution’s cost structure and the programme’s funding cap. There is no single guaranteed cash amount for every student.
Tuition and registration fees.
Accommodation, including meals where applicable.
Books and learning materials.
A limited allowance for monthly living expenses, where funding permits.
Also, the bursary allocation is capped. If your university’s costs exceed the approved amount, you may have to pay the difference yourself. This is why it is sensible to compare accommodation and living costs at different universities before accepting a place.
You should also remember that funding is awarded for one academic year at a time. Renewal depends on academic progress and the programme’s conditions, so you should not assume that funding for every year of your qualification is automatically guaranteed.
Ultimately, requirements for Funza Lushaka Bursary support means you need to follow the approved course of study while also meeting the academic conditions.
The Service Back Obligation, Explained Honestly
The most important trade off to understand is the service obligation. The Funza Lushaka Bursary is not simply money for university with no further commitment.
According to the programme’s official FAQ, recipients must teach at a public school for one year for every year in which they received bursary funding. For example, if you receive funding for four academic years, your service obligation is four years of teaching.
To do this, the programme expects graduates to apply for teaching posts through the relevant Provincial Education Department and follow the stipulated placement process. Don't assume that a post at a school of your choice will automatically be available, or that you can choose any teaching job to satisfy the agreement.
Before accepting the funding, make sure you understand these responsibilities:
What happens if you do not fulfil the obligation?
The programme’s published guidance states that the bursary may have to be repaid if you fail to meet the agreement’s conditions. This can include:
To avoid this, simply read the bursary agreement carefully before signing it. If your circumstances change or you are unsure how a particular situation affects your obligation, contact the programme or your university’s financial aid office for guidance.
Eligibility and How to Apply
If you are searching how to apply for Funza Lushaka Bursary - the process begins with securing admission to an eligible public university. You should not wait until the bursary application opens to investigate university admission deadlines, as these are separate processes.
The Department’s application guidance directs applicants to the government eServices portal.
Application Steps
Apply to a university
Check admission requirements for your intended BEd or eligible PGCE qualification.
Check the priority subjects
Confirm that your chosen qualification includes the subject specialisations required for funding.
Access the official portal
Use the eServices portal linked from the Department of Basic Education’s Funza Lushaka page.
Register or sign in
Provide your details and follow the current online application instructions.
Complete the application accurately
Check every field and accept the declaration only when the information is correct.
Submit before the deadline
Late applications are not considered under the published programme guidance.
Check your status and communications
Follow up through official channels if you need clarification.
When completing your Funza Lushaka application, use your own accurate information and keep a record of your submission. If you are offered both this bursary and another bursary, check the conditions carefully. The programme’s published FAQ says a recipient who is offered both must choose to decline the other bursary.
If you are still weighing teaching against other study routes, our comparison of TVET colleges and universitiescan help you consider the different qualifications and career paths available.
Funza Lushaka vs NSFAS: Which Makes Sense for a Future Teacher?
Both programmes can help students access higher education, but they serve different purposes.
| Feature | Funza Lushaka | NSFAS |
|---|---|---|
| Main Purpose | Recruit and support teachers in priority areas | Support eligible students at public universities and TVET colleges |
| Qualification Focus | Approved teaching qualifications | A wider range of eligible qualifications |
| Service Obligation | Teaching at a public school for each funded year | No equivalent Funza Lushaka teaching obligation |
| Funding Amount | Depends on institutional costs and the programme cap | Depends on the applicable funding rules and student circumstances |
| Renewal | Subject to academic progress and programme conditions | Subject to applicable academic and funding conditions |
Ultimately, the Funza Lushaka Bursary may suit you if teaching is your clear career goal and you are comfortable committing to public school service after graduation. NSFAS may be more appropriate if you are considering other eligible qualifications or want to keep your career options broader. Good luck with your application.
References
- Funza Lushaka, Official Frequently Asked Questions: https://www.funzalushaka.doe.gov.za/Home/FAQ
- Department of Basic Education, Funza Lushaka Programme Annual Meeting and 2027 Subject Priorities: https://www.education.gov.za/ArchivedDocuments/ArchivedArticles/FunzaLushakaAnuualMeeting2025.aspx
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