Funza Lushaka Bursary 2027 applications opened on 1 October 2026. New applications close 31 January 2027 and returning bursars close 30 November 2026.
The Funza Lushaka Bursary Programme is inviting applications from students who want to pursue a career in teaching. The bursary supports eligible students studying approved teaching qualifications at South African public higher education institutions.
Important 2027 Application Dates:
- Applications open: 1 October 2026
- New applicants closing date: 31 January 2027
- Existing/returning bursars re – application closing date: 30 November 2026
Important: New applicants and returning bursars have different closing dates. Applicants should make sure they apply before the deadline that applies to them.
Who Can Apply?
The Funza Lushaka Bursary is aimed at South African citizens who intend to pursue a career in teaching.
For first-time applicants:
- Applicants must be South African citizens with a valid South African ID.
- First-year/first-time applicants must be under 30 years of age.
- Applicants must demonstrate good academic ability.
- Applicants must be accepted or provisionally accepted into an approved Bachelor of Education (B.Ed.) programme.
- For Intermediate, Senior and FET phases, applicants must specialise in two or more priority subject areas.
- Applicants should demonstrate an interest in working with young people and pursuing teaching as a professional career.
The bursary does not fund applicants who already have a teaching qualification. It also does not currently fund PGCE, Honours, Master’s or Doctoral programmes. This bursary basically covers undergraduate programmes.
Qualifications Funded
The 2027 programme can fund approved undergraduate teaching qualifications, including:
- 4-year Bachelor of Education (B.Ed.)
- Foundation Phase: Grade R – 3
- Intermediate Phase: Grade 4 – 6
- Senior/FET Phase: Grade 7 – 12
- B.Ed. Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) for the specified University of Pretoria project.
The 1 – year PGCE will not be funded in 2027.
What Does the Funza Lushaka Bursary Cover?
The bursary covers most essential study-related expenses, which may include:
- Tuition fees
- Accommodation, including meals
- Books and learning materials
- Teaching practice
- A small monthly living allowance, depending on the university’s tuition costs
The bursary is subject to a specific funding cap, and the total value can differ between institutions.
Academic Requirements
For first-time university entrants, applicants generally need a bachelor’s-level matric pass and must meet the required subject marks for their intended teaching specialisation.
For example:
Foundation Phase
- Mathematics: minimum Level 3 (40%) OR
- Mathematical Literacy: minimum Level 4 (50%)
- Home Language: Level 4 (50%) or higher
Intermediate Phase
- Mathematics: Level 3 (40%) or higher OR
- Mathematical Literacy: Level 5 (60%) or higher
- Home Language: Level 4 (50%) or higher
Senior/FET Phase
- At least Level 4 (50%) in two priority subject areas.
Institutional admission requirements may be higher than the minimum bursary requirements, in which case the higher requirements apply.
Requirements for Returning Bursars
Students already studying at university and applying for re-award must meet the required academic performance criteria.
These include:
- Passing all modules studied in the previous year that relate to Funza Lushaka priority subject areas.
- At least a 55% overall average across modules studied in the previous year.
- At least a 66.5% average in modules directly related to the priority teaching specialisation.
- Progressing to the next level/year of study.
The bursary is awarded for one academic year at a time and is not automatically renewed.
How to Apply
Applications must be completed online.
Applicants must first have a valid student number and must have been accepted or provisionally accepted at their university of choice.
Application websites:
Students must also submit the required supporting documentation to their university’s Funza Lushaka office, those who need help in identifying the office, should ask for SRC office so they can direct them to the right office.
Important
Applying for the Funza Lushaka Bursary does not guarantee that you will receive funding. The programme has a limited number of bursaries and selection is based on the applicable criteria and academic performance.
Successful recipients also have a teaching service obligation. Recipients are required to teach one year for every year that they receive the bursary.
Opportunity listed by Youth Opportunities SA · Source: Funza Lushaka · Always apply through official channels.
Youth Opportunities SA does not charge any application fees.
Editorial Policy & Transparency
At Youth Opportunities SA, we are committed to publishing accurate, relevant, and up-to-date opportunity listings for young South Africans.
We are not involved in the recruitment or selection process and do not charge any fees for applications. Information contained in this article is based on details supplied by the employer and should be verified through official recruitment channels before applying.
This article is based on information provided in the official Funza Lushaka vacancy advertisement. Our editorial team reviews and summarizes opportunity details to make them easier to understand, while striving to maintain accuracy.
Transparency Disclosure:
- Source: Official employer job advertisement
- Content Type: Opportunity Listing
- Last Reviewed: October 2026
- Cost to Applicants: Free to access on Youth Opportunities SA
- Affiliation: Youth Opportunities SA is not affiliated with or endorsed by Funza Lushaka unless explicitly stated
Applicants should always verify details and submit applications through the employer’s official recruitment channels, as requirements and closing dates may change without notice.
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