Funza Lushaka Bursary 2027:Applications Now Open

The Funza Lushaka Bursary Programme is a government initiative managed by the Department of Basic Education to encourage young South Africans to enter the teaching profession. The programme prioritizes funding for teaching qualifications in subjects where there is a national shortage of teachers. Applicants must study at a public higher education institution and agree to the service obligation of teaching at a public school upon graduation.

• Complete an approved initial teacher education qualification.
• Maintain satisfactory academic progress to ensure annual renewal of funding.
• Apply for a teaching position through a provincial education department after graduation.
• Must teach at a public school for one year for every year the bursary was received.

• Must be a South African citizen with a valid ID.
• Must be 30 years old or younger for first-time applications.
• Must be accepted into an eligible BEd or PGCE programme at a public higher education institution.
• Must choose teaching specializations in priority areas such as Foundation Phase (Languages, Braille, SASL), Mathematics, Science, or Technical subjects.
• Must demonstrate good academic ability.
• Employees of higher education institutions and their dependents are ineligible.

• Tuition fees: Coverage of university tuition costs.
• Accommodation: Funding for residence or approved lodging.
• Meals: Allowance for food expenses.
• Materials: Support for books and learning materials.
• Expenses: Coverage for teaching practice requirements.
• Living Allowance: A stipend provided where funding limits permit.