Want to start a teaching career now? The Funza Lushaka Bursary Programme 2027 opens on 1 October 2026 and could pay your study fees if you are a Grade 12 learner or a unemployed youth under 30.
What is the Funza Lushaka Bursary?
The programme is run by the Department of Basic Education. It funds South African students who want a Bachelor of Education (BEd) qualification in subjects where schools need teachers most. Successful recipients study at a public university and must later teach in a priority subject.
Who can apply?
To be eligible you must:
- Be a South African citizen
- Be under 30 years old
- Be in Grade 12 or be an unemployed youth
- Have or be working towards a National Senior Certificate
- Meet the university’s admission criteria for a BEd
- Choose a priority subject (see the list below)
- Apply to a public university in South Africa
Meeting the university’s acceptance deadline is a must – you cannot rely on the bursary if you are not admitted.
What you gain
- Full or partial funding for your BEd degree
- A guaranteed teaching post after graduation (usually for four years)
- Practical experience through school placements
- The chance to make a real difference in South African classrooms
How to apply – step by step
- Apply for university admission – submit a BEd application at any public university that offers the subject you want.
- Complete the screening form – fill in the Funza Lushaka Application Screening Form to check that your chosen subject matches the priority list.
- Submit the official bursary application – after you receive provisional university acceptance, log on to the official eServices portal and complete the online application before the deadline.
Keep track of each university’s admission deadline – some close before the bursary window opens.
Priority subjects by teaching phase
Foundation Phase (Grades R‑3)
- Braille, South African Sign Language, Neurodevelopmental Needs
- Language of Learning and Teaching, Literacy, Numeracy, Life Skills
- Home languages: Sesotho HL, Setswana HL, Afrikaans HL, isiZulu HL, isiXhosa HL, English HL
Intermediate Phase (Grades 4‑6)
- Mathematics, Natural Science and Technology, Braille, South African Sign Language, Neurodevelopmental Needs, Life Skills
- Home languages: Sesotho HL, Setswana HL, English FAL, Afrikaans HL, isiZulu HL, isiXhosa HL
Senior Phase & FET (Grades 7‑12)
- Agricultural Sciences, Agricultural Technology, Civil Technology, Electrical Technology, Mechanical Technology
- Engineering Graphics & Design, Computer Applications Technology, Information Technology, Coding & Robotics
- Life Sciences, Mathematics, Physical Sciences, Marine Sciences, Maritime Economics, Technical Mathematics, Technical Science
- Braille, South African Sign Language, Neurodevelopmental Needs, Natural Sciences & Technology, Home languages
Choose a subject combination that appears on this list – the bursary will not fund other subjects.
Tips to improve your chances
- Match your BEd subject exactly with a priority subject; random choices are rejected.
- Secure provisional university admission before starting the bursary form.
- Complete the screening form early – it will tell you if you qualify.
- Gather all required documents (ID, Grade 11/12 results, NSC, university acceptance, proof of residence) well in advance.
- Double‑check that every scanned document is clear and legible.
- Read the eServices instructions carefully; a single mistake can delay your application.
Conclusion – next steps
The Funza Lushaka Bursary 2027 is a realistic route into teaching for young South Africans. Start by applying to a public university, verify that your subject is on the priority list, and be ready to submit the official eServices application on 1 October 2026. With careful preparation you can secure funding, gain valuable teaching experience, and start a career that shapes future generations.