Funza Lushaka Bursary 2027 – Online Application and Closing Date

The Funza Lushaka Bursary 2027 is a South African government-funded programme that helps eligible students complete teaching qualifications It is managed by the Department of Basic Education and aims to recruit qualified teachers in subjects where schools need more educators.

The bursary supports eligible students studying approved teaching qualifications at public universities. Successful recipients must teach at a public school for the same number of years they received bursary funding.

Funza Lushaka Bursary Benefits

The bursary provides financial assistance for approved study-related expenses Depending on the institution’s costs and the student’s funding allocation, support may include:

• University tuition fees
• Accommodation, including meals where covered
• Books and learning materials
• A possible allowance for living expenses
• Other approved education costs

The total bursary value is not the same for every student because universities have different fee structures. Funding is subject to the programme’s annual limits and conditions Students may need to cover costs that exceed their allocated amount.

Read More: NSFAS Bursary 2027 – Online Application, Eligibility and Closing Date

Funza Lushaka Bursary 2027 Closing Date

The official Funza Lushaka website lists the following application dates for the 2027 academic year.

Application Details	Date
Applications Open	1 October 2026
New Applications Close	31 January 2027
Returning Bursars Close	30 November 2026
Application Method	Online

New applicants and returning bursars have different deadlines Applicants should submit their applications before the relevant closing date because late applications are not accepted.

Who Can Apply?

The programme is intended for eligible South African students who want to become teachers Applicants may include:

• Grade 12 learners who meet university admission requirements
• Students entering an approved teaching degree
• Graduates seeking an eligible initial teaching qualification
• Unemployed young people who want to enter the teaching profession

First-time applicants must be 30 years old or younger Applicants must also meet the academic, citizenship and qualification requirements.

Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for the Funza Lushaka Bursary 2027, applicants generally need to:

• Be South African citizens with a valid South African ID.
• Be 30 years old or younger when applying for the first time.
• Be accepted into an approved teaching qualification at a public university.
• Meet the university’s academic admission requirements.
• Choose teaching specialisations that include the required priority subjects.
• Show good academic ability and a commitment to teaching.
• Agree to teach at a public school where placed after qualifying.

Meeting the requirements does not guarantee a bursary Selection depends on the programme’s priorities, available funding and the applicant’s academic record.

Which Teaching Subjects Are Priorities for 2027?

Funza Lushaka prioritises teaching subjects according to national and provincial education needs The exact priorities can vary by teaching phase and year.

Examples of subject areas listed in the programme’s guidance include:

• Mathematics
• Natural Sciences
• Languages, including South African Indigenous Languages
• Technology
• Computer Applications Technology
• Information Technology
• Physical Sciences
• Agricultural Sciences
• Electrical and Mechanical Technology
• Coding and Robotics

Applicants should consult the latest 2027 National Subject Priority Areas before selecting their teaching specialisations Not every subject is funded in every province or teaching phase.

Qualifications Covered

The programme supports approved initial teacher education qualifications These include:

• Bachelor of Education (BEd) in eligible teaching specialisations
• Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) where permitted under the current programme rules

Funding is restricted to approved qualifications and priority subject combinations Applicants should check the latest 2027 bursary notes because qualification rules and funded subject areas can change.

Required Documents

Applicants should prepare the documents requested by the online application system and their university’s financial aid office These may include:

• South African ID details
• Grade 11 or Grade 12 results, where applicable
• Matric certificate
• University acceptance letter
• Student number
• Academic transcripts for current university students
• Other documents requested by the institution

The university may request additional supporting documents Check the official instructions before submitting your application.

How to Apply for Funza Lushaka Bursary

Applications are submitted online through the official government e-Services system.

Step 1: Apply for University Admission

First, apply to a public university for an approved teaching qualification. You need to meet the university’s admission requirements.

Step 2: Register on the e-Services Portal

Visit the official e-Services website and register with your personal information.

Step 3: Log In to Your Account

Use the username and password created during registration to log in.

Step 4: Select Funza Lushaka

Choose the Funza Lushaka Bursary Scheme from the available services. Complete the required verification and accept the terms and conditions.

Step 5: Select the 2027 Application

Choose the 2027 application option and enter your personal, academic and teaching-specialisation details.

Step 6: Review and Submit

Check all information carefully and accept the declaration to confirm that your details are correct.

Official application portal: https://www.eservices.gov.za/

The official Funza Lushaka website also provides application guidance: https://www.funzalushaka.doe.gov.za/

How to Reapply for Funza Lushaka Bursary 2027

Existing bursary recipients must reapply every academic year Returning students should submit their applications before 30 November 2026 for the 2027 academic year.

Renewal is subject to academic progress and the programme’s requirements. Receiving funding in one year does not automatically guarantee funding for the next year