The Funza Lushaka bursary 2027 is open. Applications for the 2027 academic year opened on 1 October 2026, returning bursars must reapply by 30 November 2026, and new applicants have until 31 January 2027. The bursary is run by the national Department of Basic Education (DBE) and pays for students who study to become teachers at a public university.
This guide explains who qualifies for the Funza Lushaka bursary 2027, which qualifications are funded, the documents to prepare, how to apply online through the eServices portal, and what the bursary expects from you after you graduate.
Funza Lushaka Bursary 2027 Key Dates
The dates below are the ones given for the 2027 cycle. The 31 January closing date for new applicants is the one that matters most for matric learners and first-time applicants. Always confirm the final dates on the official Funza Lushaka page, because the department can adjust a closing date.
| Group | Date |
|---|---|
| Applications open (2027 academic year) | 1 October 2026 |
| Returning bursars: reapplication closes | 30 November 2026 |
| New applicants: applications close | 31 January 2027 |
University admission deadlines are separate from the bursary deadline. Many universities close their B.Ed applications before the end of January, so apply for admission first and do not wait for the bursary window to end.
Read also: NSFAS Application 2027: How to Apply Step by Step [ Dates, Documents, Eligibility ]
What Is the Funza Lushaka Bursary?
Funza Lushaka is a government teaching bursary. It exists to produce qualified teachers for subjects and phases where public schools have shortages. The money goes to students at public universities who are training for the classroom, and the bursary is awarded one academic year at a time, so you must meet the conditions each year to keep it.
What Does the Funza Lushaka Bursary Cover?
The bursary funds a teaching qualification at a public university. The package typically covers tuition, accommodation and meals, books and learning materials, and in many cases a small living allowance. The exact amounts depend on the university and the rules for the year, so read the application notes for 2027 before you rely on any specific figure.
Read also: University of Mpumalanga Late Applications 2027 [ Will UMP Accept Late Applications? ]
The bursary does not fund private institutions. Your chosen university must be a public university that offers an approved teaching qualification.
Which Qualifications Are Funded?
Two qualifications are funded:
- Bachelor of Education (B.Ed): a four-year degree for school leavers and other applicants who qualify for degree study.
- Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE): a one-year qualification for people who already hold a degree in a relevant subject and want to teach.
Your studies must lead to teaching in a subject or phase that appears on the priority list for the year.
Read also: Matric Results 2026 Release Date [ How to Check Online, SMS and at School ]
Funza Lushaka Priority Subjects
The bursary is aimed at teaching areas where the country needs more teachers. Your qualification must include at least two priority subject areas. The list is set by the DBE together with the provinces and can change from year to year, so check the current Subject Priority Areas document on the official site.
| Phase | What is usually prioritised |
|---|---|
| Foundation Phase (Grade R to 3) | Foundation Phase teaching, with preference for African languages |
| Intermediate and Senior Phase (Grade 4 to 9) | Combinations of languages, Mathematics, Natural Science and Technology |
| FET Phase (Grade 10 to 12) | Mathematics, Physical Sciences, African languages and technical subjects, among others |
If you apply for a B.Ed in a phase or subject combination that is not on the list, you are unlikely to be considered. Choose your specialisation with the priority list open in front of you.
Funza Lushaka Bursary Requirements 2027
The following requirements apply to most applicants. The application notes for 2027 carry the full wording.
- You are a South African citizen with a valid South African ID number.
- First-time applicants are under 30 years of age.
- You have applied to, or been accepted at, a public university for a B.Ed or PGCE.
- Your qualification includes at least two priority subject areas.
- You hold, or are working towards, a National Senior Certificate that qualifies you for bachelor’s degree study.
- You are in good academic standing. Current students must have passed all modules from the previous year.
- You do not already hold a teaching qualification.
- You pass the background checks, which include the criminal record check and the registers that protect children.
Funza Lushaka Bursary Documents Needed
Gather these before you start the online form, so that you do not stop halfway through:
- Your South African ID number and a certified copy of the ID where requested.
- Your latest results: Grade 11 final results or Grade 12 June results if you are in matric, or your academic record if you already study at a university.
- Proof that you applied to, or were accepted at, a public university for a B.Ed or PGCE.
- Your university student number, if you already have one.
- An email address and a cellphone number that you check every day, because the department sends messages and requests there.
How to Apply for the Funza Lushaka Bursary Online
Applications are made online. There is no paper route. Follow these steps in order:
- Apply to a public university for a B.Ed or PGCE that lets you take at least two priority subjects.
- Complete the Teacher Recruitment Screening Form to confirm that your subject choices match the priority list. The screening form is not the final application.
- Go to the eServices portal at www.eservices.gov.za, which is also linked from the Funza Lushaka page.
- Register and log in with your ID number, email address and cellphone number.
- Select the Funza Lushaka bursary application and enter your personal, university, qualification and subject details.
- Check that the subjects you list match your university modules, upload the documents requested, submit, and save your confirmation.
- Track the status of your application online.
Universities assess applicants and recommend them to the DBE, which makes the final funding decision. Submitting an application does not guarantee funding.
Read also: Northern Cape Rural TVET College Courses, Application Dates, NSFAS & How to Apply 2026/2027
Reapplying as a Returning Bursar
Students who already hold the bursary must reapply every year. The returning-student closing date for 2027 funding is 30 November 2026, which is earlier than the new-applicant date. Use the reapplication process described on the official page, make sure your results are available, and confirm that your subjects are unchanged. Changing subjects or institutions without permission can put your funding at risk.
Funza Lushaka Service Obligation
The bursary comes with a work-back condition. Graduates are expected to teach at a public school for the same number of years that the bursary funded them. Students apply for teaching posts at public schools after they qualify and keep proof of those applications. Placement follows the needs of the provincial education departments, so you may be posted to a school or town that is not your first choice.
Read also: Nkangala TVET College Courses, Application Dates, NSFAS & How to Apply 2026/2027
If you drop out, fail to meet the academic conditions, or do not complete the service period, you may be required to repay the bursary. Read the conditions in the application notes carefully before you accept the award, because this is the most important commitment attached to the money.
How Funza Lushaka Selection Works
Selection is based on academic performance, the priority-subject match and meeting the eligibility conditions. Universities rank and recommend applicants, and the DBE confirms the final list. Strong results in your priority subjects help your chances, particularly in Mathematics, Physical Sciences and languages. Late applications are not accepted, so submitting well before the closing date protects you against portal delays.
Read also: Gert Sibande TVET College Courses, Application Dates, NSFAS & How to Apply 2026/2027
Tips to Improve Your Chances
- Apply to the university and complete the screening form first, then submit the bursary application as early as you can.
- Choose a subject combination that sits on the current priority list.
- Keep your results, ID and admission proof ready as clear digital copies.
- Use an email address you check daily and keep your cellphone number current.
- Keep a record of your application reference and confirmation page.
- Apply to more than one university where possible, in case one declines your admission.
Other Teaching Bursary Options
Funza Lushaka is not the only route to funding. NSFAS supports eligible students from low-income households at public universities, and some provincial education departments and private companies offer education bursaries. If you qualify for both NSFAS and Funza Lushaka, read the rules for each fund, because they apply different conditions. For more bursary options, see the NSFAS and bursary guides on this site.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does the Funza Lushaka bursary 2027 close?
New applicants have until 31 January 2027. Returning bursars close earlier, on 30 November 2026. Confirm the dates on the official page before you apply.
Read also: Ehlanzeni TVET College Courses, Application Dates, NSFAS & How to Apply 2026/2027
Is there an age limit for Funza Lushaka?
First-time applicants are expected to be under 30 years old.
Can I apply before I have a university offer?
You must have applied to, or been accepted at, a public university for a B.Ed or PGCE. Apply to the university first and then complete the bursary application.
Do I have to teach after graduating?
Yes. Graduates teach at a public school for the number of years they were funded, and placement depends on provincial needs.
Where do I get help with my application?
The department lists the email inquiries.funzalushaka@dbe.gov.za and the telephone number 012 357 3000 for support.