Funza Lushaka Bursaries 2026: Your Path to a Funded Teaching Career

What is the Funza Lushaka Bursary Programme?

The Funza Lushaka Bursary Programme is a multi-year programme managed by the Department of Basic Education (DBE) of South Africa. Its primary objective is to attract bright, young individuals into the teaching profession, specifically targeting areas where there's a significant demand for qualified educators. This initiative is crucial for improving the quality of education in South African public schools, particularly in subjects like Mathematics, Science, Technology, and official languages.

It's more than just a scholarship; it's an investment in the future of South Africa. By providing full funding, the programme ensures that financial constraints do not prevent talented students from becoming the teachers our nation urgently needs. Bursary holders commit to serving in public schools upon graduation, directly contributing to the upliftment of communities and the development of the country's human capital.

Who is the Funza Lushaka Bursary For? Eligibility Criteria

To be considered for the Funza Lushaka Bursary for the 2026 academic year, applicants must meet a stringent set of criteria designed to identify dedicated and academically capable prospective teachers. The programme is open to both undergraduate and postgraduate students:

• Citizenship: Applicants must be a South African citizen.
• Age: Preference is often given to younger applicants.
• Academic Merit (Undergraduate BEd):
  • A National Senior Certificate (NSC) with a Bachelor's pass.
  • At least a Level 4 (50-59%) in the two priority teaching subjects you intend to specialise in. For instance, if you plan to teach Mathematics and Physical Sciences, you must have achieved Level 4 or higher in both subjects in your Matric year.
  • For students who completed Matric before 2008, a D symbol on the HG or C symbol on the SG is generally required.
• Academic Merit (Postgraduate PGCE):
  • A relevant Bachelor's degree (e.g., BSc, BA, BCom) that allows for teaching two priority subjects.
  • At least a Level 4 (50-59%) in the two priority teaching subjects from your degree.
• Admission to University: You must be accepted into an approved Bachelor of Education (BEd) degree or a Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) at a South African public university.
• Commitment to Teaching: A strong commitment to teaching in public schools in South Africa upon completion of your studies.
• Previous Funza Lushaka Beneficiaries: Current Funza Lushaka bursary holders who meet academic progression requirements must reapply annually.

It's critical to note that simply meeting the minimum criteria does not guarantee a bursary, as demand often far exceeds the available funds. Selection is highly competitive.

Priority Teaching Areas Supported by Funza Lushaka

The Funza Lushaka Bursary targets specific subject areas and phases where there is a dire need for qualified teachers. Your chances of success are significantly higher if you intend to specialise in one of these priority areas:

• Foundation Phase (Grade R-3): Specialisation in an indigenous African Language (e.g., isiXhosa, isiZulu, Sepedi, Setswana, Xitsonga) as Home Language, coupled with Mathematics.
• Intermediate Phase (Grade 4-6): Specialisation in two of the following: Home Language, First Additional Language, Mathematics, Natural Science & Technology.
• Senior & FET Phase (Grade 7-12): Specialisation in two priority subjects. At least one of the specialisations must be in a scarce skill subject. Key priority subjects include:
  • Mathematics
  • Physical Sciences
  • Accounting
  • Agricultural Sciences
  • Information Technology (IT)
  • Technical Mathematics
  • Technical Sciences
  • Engineering Graphics and Design
  • Languages (specifically Home Language and First Additional Language for official South African languages)
  • Business Studies
  • Economics
  • Computer Applications Technology (CAT)
  • Life Sciences
  • Geography
  • History

It is highly recommended that applicants align their chosen university specialisations with these priority areas to maximize their chances of securing the bursary.

Unpacking the Benefits: More Than Just Tuition

One of the most appealing aspects of the Funza Lushaka Bursary is its comprehensive financial coverage, ensuring that recipients can focus entirely on their studies without financial stress. The bursary covers:

• Tuition Fees: Full payment of your university tuition.
• Accommodation: Funding for university residence or an equivalent allowance for off-campus accommodation.
• Meals: A generous allowance for daily meals.
• Books and Learning Materials: A fixed amount for textbooks, stationery, and other study resources.
• Practical Teaching Allowance: Support for expenses related to practical teaching experience.

The total value of the bursary can exceed R140,000 annually, depending on the university and specific costs. Crucially, successful Funza Lushaka bursary holders are also guaranteed employment placement in a South African public school upon successful completion of their teaching qualification and compliance with all bursary conditions. This eliminates the uncertainty of job searching post-graduation, offering a clear path to a stable and impactful career.

Your Application Journey: How to Apply for Funza Lushaka 2026

Applying for the Funza Lushaka Bursary is a straightforward, online process. Here's a step-by-step guide to navigate your application for the 2026 academic year:

1. Online Portal: All applications must be submitted online via the official Funza Lushaka Bursary Programme website: www.funzalushaka.doe.gov.za. Alternatively, you can find more information on the Department of Basic Education's website: www.education.gov.za.
2. Account Creation: If you are a first-time applicant, you will need to register and create a profile on the system. Returning applicants can log in with their existing credentials.
3. Complete the Application Form: Carefully fill in all required personal, academic, and contact details. Ensure accuracy, as errors can lead to disqualification.
4. Select Your Specialisations: Indicate your preferred priority teaching subjects and phases. Make sure these align with your academic achievements and university admission.
5. Upload Supporting Documents: You will be required to upload certified copies of the following documents:
   • South African Identity Document (ID).
   • Your latest academic records (e.g., Matric Certificate for undergraduates, university academic transcript for postgraduates).
   • Proof of admission/registration from a public South African university for an approved BEd or PGCE programme.
   • A motivational letter explaining your commitment to teaching and why you believe you deserve the bursary.
6. Submission: Once all sections are complete and documents uploaded, review your application thoroughly before submitting.
7. University Prioritisation: Be aware that universities also play a role in the selection process, prioritising applicants based on their specific needs and the alignment of students' specialisations with national priorities.

Remember, submitting your application early is always advisable, as the system can experience high traffic closer to the closing date.

Key Dates and Deadlines for the 2026 Intake

Prospective applicants for the Funza Lushaka Bursary 2026 intake should mark these crucial dates in their calendars:

• Opening Date: Applications for the 2026 academic year are expected to open on 1 September 2025.
• Closing Date: The application window typically closes on 30 November 2025.

These dates are firm, and late applications are generally not considered. It is highly recommended to start preparing your documents well in advance of the opening date to ensure a smooth application process. Keep an eye on the official Funza Lushaka website for any updates or changes to these dates.

The Commitment: What's Expected from Bursary Holders?

Accepting a Funza Lushaka Bursary comes with a significant commitment: to serve the nation as a teacher in a public school. This service obligation is a cornerstone of the programme, ensuring that the investment in your education directly benefits South African communities. Key aspects of this commitment include:

• Service Obligation: For every year you receive the bursary, you commit to teaching for one year in a public school. The minimum service period is typically 5 years, up to a maximum of 10 years, depending on the duration of your bursary.
• Placement: Upon graduation, bursary holders will be placed by provincial education departments in schools where their skills are most needed. This may involve placement in rural, remote, or township schools.
• Academic Performance: Bursary holders are expected to maintain good academic standing throughout their studies. Poor performance can lead to the termination of the bursary and a requirement to repay the funds received.
• Annual Reapplication: The bursary is not automatically renewed. You must reapply each year and demonstrate satisfactory academic progress to continue receiving funding.

Understanding and being prepared for this commitment is essential before applying. It's a mutual agreement: the government invests in your education, and you invest your skills and dedication in the public education system.

Tips for a Successful Funza Lushaka Application

To enhance your chances of securing this highly sought-after bursary, consider these tips:

• Excel Academically: Strong academic results, especially in your intended teaching subjects, are paramount.
• Choose Priority Subjects: Align your specialisation with the identified scarce skill subjects and phases.
• Craft a Compelling Motivation: Your motivation letter should clearly articulate your passion for teaching, your understanding of the programme's objectives, and your commitment to serving in public schools.
• Apply Early: Don't wait until the last minute. Submitting your application well before the deadline gives you peace of mind and allows time for any technical issues.
• Ensure Accuracy: Double-check all information and uploaded documents for correctness and completeness.
• Seek University Guidance: Engage with the education faculty at your chosen university, as they often have insights into the Funza Lushaka process and specific requirements.
• Understand the Commitment: Be genuinely prepared for the service obligation and the likelihood of placement in a challenging, yet rewarding, environment.