Funza Lushaka Bursary 2026 – Online Application, Requirements & Closing Dates

The Funza Lushaka Bursary 2026 helps students study teaching in South Africa. Covers tuition, books, meals, and accommodation. Learn how to apply online today.

About the Funza Lushaka Bursary

The Funza Lushaka Bursary is a government initiative in South Africa that assists students aspiring to become teachers. Education is one of the most important sectors in the country, and this bursary was established to allow young people to study teaching without having to worry about finances.

Every year, thousands of students apply for the Funza Lushaka Bursary, which covers university tuition and helps them begin a career as teachers. If you are passionate about impacting the future of South African children, this bursary will help you to make your dream come true.

What Does the Funza Lushaka Bursary Cover?

The bursary provides full financial support. If you are successful, the bursary will cover:

• University tuition fees
• Learning materials and books
• Meals and living costs
• Accommodation
• Some study expenses

This allows students to focus on their education without worrying about money.

Who Can Apply for Funza Lushaka 2026?

The bursary is aimed at young people under the age of 30 who are willing to make a long-term commitment to the teaching profession. To be eligible for Funza Lushaka 2026, candidates must fulfill the following requirements:

• Must be a South African citizen with a valid ID
• Completed Matric with good results in key subjects
• Must be 30 years or younger
• Accepted to study at a recognized university in South Africa (B.E.D degree)
• Interested in teaching priority subjects such as Mathematics, Life Sciences, Physical Science, Technology, and Languages.
• Must be willing to teach at any public school designated by the Provincial Education Department (PED).
• Must be ready to teach at a public school after completing studies

Matric and subject requirements

• Foundation Phase applicants (Grade R – 3): Minimum level 2 (30%) in Mathematics OR level 4 (50%) in Mathematical Literacy, plus at least level 4 (50%) in your Home Language.
• Intermediate Phase applications (Grades 4–6): Minimum level 4 (50%) in Mathematics and Home Language. Must also have expertise in Indigenous Languages, Natural Science, and Technology.
• Senior and FET Phase applications (grades 7–12): Bachelor’s degree in Matric with at least level 4 (50%) in two key subjects. Mathematics or Technical Mathematics is necessary in technical topics such as Computer Applications Technology (CAT).

Please Note: Subjects That Will Not Be Funded in 2026

To align with national goals, the Funza Lushaka 2026 bursary will not assist students wishing to specialize in oversupplied or low-demand subjects. These include:

• History
• Geography
• Accounting
• Economics
• Business Studies
• Physical Education
• Religious Studies
• Music, Dance, Art
• English and Afrikaans (oversupplied)

The programme instead prioritises STEM subjects (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) and Indigenous South African Languages.

Why Choose Funza Lushaka Bursary?

The Funza Lushaka Bursary provides more than simply financial assistance; it is an investment in your future. Here’s why so many students choose this bursary each year:

• Job Security – Upon graduation, you are promised a teaching position at a public school in South Africa.
• National Impact – Becoming a teacher allows you to affect the country’s destiny and inspire young students.
• Equal Opportunity – The bursary allows individuals from diverse backgrounds to study and thrive.
• Government Support – Because it is administered by the Department of Education, the bursary is dependable and trustworthy.

Important Keywords for Bursary Applications

Keyword Focus	Details
Funza Lushaka 2026	Government bursary for teaching students
Funza Lushaka Bursary 2026	Covers tuition, meals, books, and accommodation
Funza Lushaka Online Application	Apply on the official website
Funza Lushaka Requirements	South African citizen, Matric, teaching priority subjects
Funza Lushaka Closing Date	Applications must be submitted before the set deadline

How to Apply for the Funza Lushaka Bursary 2026

Applying is simple and done online. Here’s how you can apply:

1. Visit the e-Government official website.
2. Register for an account or log in if you already have one
3. Fill in your personal details and academic information.
4. Choose “Funza Lushaka Bursary Scheme” from the e-Services menu.
5. Enter the OTP sent to your phone.
6. Read and accept the terms and conditions.
7. Click on the “2026 applications” button
8. Upload the required documents (ID, Matric certificate, proof of university acceptance, etc.)
9. Submit your application before the closing date

It is suggested that you apply early to minimize last-minute system difficulties on the eServices portal.

Important Tips for Applicants:

• Before you may apply, you must already have a university student ID number.
• Only online applications are accepted (no physical copies).
• Make sure your primary topic areas correspond to the Funza Lushaka standards.
• Before submitting your final document, double-check your details.

Renewal of Funza Lushaka Bursary 2026

The bursary is provided for one year at a time. Returning students must reapply every year and achieve performance standards. Renewal depends on:

• Passing all modules in the previous year.
• Achieving at least a 55% average overall.
• Achieving at least a 66.5% average in modules linked to your teaching specialization.
• Failure to satisfy these requirements might result in a loss of funds.

Why Apply for Funza Lushaka 2026?

The bursary is not just about financial support. It is about securing your future as a teacher in a country that desperately needs qualified educators. Funza Lushaka 2026 is a life-changing opportunity for South African youth who are serious about school, since it includes guaranteed money and a job placement upon graduation.

Important Dates

• Applications usually open at the end of each year for the following academic year (01 October 2025)
• Closing dates are very strict, so apply as soon as possible to avoid missing out.

Please note:

• The Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) will not be funded in 2026.
• The Funza Lushaka Bursary will not finance the following subjects: history, geography, accounting, economics, business studies, or physical education.
• The Funza Lushaka Bursary will finance South African indigenous languages (excluding English and Afrikaans, which are considered excess).
• The Funza Lushaka Bursary will not finance topics with low school enrollment: Religious Studies, Music, Dance, and Art.
• Language and topic combinations are banned since they disadvantage schools during timetabling (a teacher may only teach one subject).

Application Notes for the Funza Lushaka Bursary

• Students must first read the Funza Lushaka Bursary details before they apply.
• When applying, students must have a valid student number (which they will obtain once they have been accepted or provisionally enrolled in the institution).
• Make sure your information is correct; you will be able to visit your online application to make changes before the final submission.
• Ensure that the primary topics on your application are those in which you will specialize.
• The academic year of study refers to the level of study (B Ed 1 is the first year, B Ed 2 is the second year, and so on).
• You cannot change institutions after applying for the bursary.
• Applying for the bursary does not ensure you will receive it.
• All supporting documents must be presented to your university’s Funza Lushaka office.

Contact the Bursary Provider

For any queries related to this bursary programme, please contact your University Funza Lushaka academic and administrative co-ordinators directly (do NOT contact the Department of Basic Education, the Department of Higher Education and Training, or NSFAS, for questions about the bursary; please do not come in person to the DBE).

Alternatively, you may contact the Department of Basic Education here.
Tel: 012 357 3000
Email: [email protected]

Please do not contact the Department of Basic Education if the bursary has already closed. View our other bursaries available for applications here: https://knowledgeapplied.co.za/bursaries/

Best of luck with your application! Please remember to SHARE this website with anybody you know who could need bursary funds.

Conclusion

The Funza Lushaka Bursary 2026 is one of the best opportunities for South African students interested in becoming teachers. With complete financial assistance and a guaranteed professional path, it is a life-changing bursary for determined students. If you are enthusiastic about education in South Africa and want to make a difference, this bursary might be the key to your future.

FAQs