Funza Lushaka bursary 2027: application form, status, and requirements
The Funza Lushaka Bursary Scheme opens for 2027 applications on 1 October 2026. This government-funded programme covers tuition, accommodation, meals, and a monthly living allowance for qualifying South African teaching students who commit to serving in public schools after graduation.
Source: UGC
TABLE OF CONTENTS
- Key takeaways
- Funza Lushaka bursary 2027 online application process
- Funza Lushaka bursary requirements
- What courses and subjects does Funza Lushaka fund?
- Does Funza Lushaka give a monthly allowance?
- Is the Funza Lushaka bursary renewable?
- How is the Funza Lushaka bursary repaid?
- Funza Lushaka bursary contact details
- FAQ
Key takeaways
- 2027 applications open on 1 October 2026; new applicants have until 1 February 2027 to apply.
- The bursary covers tuition fees, accommodation, meals, books, and a monthly living allowance.
- Open only to South African citizens aged 30 or younger with no criminal record.
- Funds BEd and PGCE programmes at accredited public universities in priority subject areas.
- Recipients must teach one year in a public school for each year of funding received.
Funza Lushaka bursary 2027 online application process
The Funza Lushaka bursary operates through the South African government's eServices portal. First-time applicants must be South African citizens aged 30 or younger.
Source: UGC
How to apply:
- Go to the eServices portal
- Register using your personal details
- Log in with your created credentials
- Select "Funza Lushaka Bursary Scheme" from the eServices menu
- Enter the OTP sent to your preferred channel
- Accept the Terms and Conditions
- Click "2027 application" on the dashboard menu
- Complete all required fields and attach supporting documents
- Accept the declaration and submit
- Check your email for confirmation
Application timeline for 2027
Event | Date |
Applications open | 1 October 2026 |
Re-applications (existing bursars) close | End of November 2026 (estimated) |
New applicant applications close | 1 February 2027 |
Selection period | February–March 2027 |
How to check your Funza Lushaka bursary status
To check your application status:
- Visit the eServices portal and log in with your application credentials
- Navigate to the "Application Status" section
- Contact your university's Funza Lushaka administrative coordinator if you experience technical difficulties
Funza Lushaka bursary requirements
To qualify as a first-time applicant, you must meet all of the following:
- Valid South African ID card
- Age 30 years or younger
- Valid phone number and email address
- No criminal record, work-related misconduct, or dismissals
- Accepted into an approved BEd or PGCE programme at a public university
- At least two priority area subjects as your teaching specialisation
- Willingness to teach in any province, including rural areas
Academic criteria:
- Matric: Level 4 pass (60% Standard Grade or 50% Higher Grade) in the subject leading to your priority area
- University students re-applying: minimum 50% in all modules, progressing to the next year
- PGCE enrollees: minimum 55% average in all modules from the previous year
Who is not eligible:
- Employees of higher learning institutions, or their spouses or dependants
- Foreign students or those holding a temporary resident permit
- Recipients of another bursary. You must decline the other bursary if offered Funza Lushaka
What courses and subjects does Funza Lushaka fund?
The bursary funds teaching qualifications in areas where South Africa faces critical teacher shortages. You must major in at least two of the priority subjects for your phase.
Bachelor of Education (BEd) - four-year degree:
Phase | Priority subjects |
Foundation Phase (Grades R–3) | Home languages (isiZulu, isiXhosa, Afrikaans, Sesotho, Setswana, English), Literacy, Numeracy |
Intermediate Phase (Grades 4–6) | Mathematics, Natural Sciences and Technology, African languages |
Senior and FET Phase (Grades 7–12) | Mathematics, Physical Sciences, Agricultural Sciences, Computer Applications Technology, IT, Accounting, Economics, Technical subjects |
Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) - one year:
Only the PGCE for Senior Phase and Further Education and Training Teaching (Grades 7–12) qualifies. Distance education and part-time students may apply, provided they complete the qualification within the minimum stipulated time.
Does Funza Lushaka give a monthly allowance?
Yes. The bursary covers tuition fees, accommodation (including meals), books, and learning materials. It also includes a small allowance for basic monthly living expenses.
As of 2024, this allowance was reported at approximately R600 per month. The 2027 allowance figure has not been officially confirmed; check the Department of Basic Education for current rates.
NSFAS administers the Funza Lushaka bursary on behalf of the Department of Basic Education. Because limited bursaries are available each year, applicants are also encouraged to apply for NSFAS funding as a complementary source of support.
Is the Funza Lushaka bursary renewable?
Yes. The bursary is awarded one academic year at a time. You must re-apply before the end of November each year. Renewal depends on proof of academic progress; you must pass all modules with the required minimum average.
How is the Funza Lushaka bursary repaid?
You repay the bursary through teaching service, not money. For each funded year, you must teach for one year in a public school after graduating. An applicant funded for three years must teach in a public school for three years.
You may be required to repay the full amount with interest, determined by NSFAS, if you breach any of the bursary's terms and conditions.
Funza Lushaka bursary contact details
For questions, complaints, or concerns about the 2027 bursary:
- Phone: 012 357 3000
- Email: inquiries.funzalushaka@dbe.gov.za
- On campus: Contact the Funza Lushaka administrative coordinator at your university
FAQ
What are the requirements to qualify for Funza Lushaka?
You must be a South African citizen aged 30 or younger, accepted into an approved BEd or PGCE programme at a public university. You must have no criminal record, at least two priority teaching subjects as your specialisation, and academic results that meet the minimum pass criteria.
How much does Funza Lushaka pay per month?
The bursary does not pay a fixed monthly salary. It covers tuition, accommodation, meals, and learning materials in full. As of 2024, beneficiaries also received approximately R600 per month as a living allowance. The 2027 figure has not been officially published.
Which subjects are funded by Funza Lushaka?
Foundation Phase teachers in home languages and numeracy, Intermediate Phase teachers in Mathematics and Natural Sciences, and Senior or FET Phase teachers in Mathematics, Physical Sciences, Agricultural Sciences, Accounting, IT, and Technical subjects all qualify.
Which bursaries are open for 2027?
The Funza Lushaka Bursary Scheme is open from 1 October 2026 for the 2027 academic year. NSFAS applications also open around the same period for a broader range of higher education students.
Can distance and part-time students apply?
Yes. Distance education and part-time students can apply, as long as they meet all other requirements and complete their qualification within the minimum prescribed time.
Students aspiring to be teachers should consider applying for the Funza Lushaka bursary 2027 financial support program. Once you are selected, you are required to update your placement information annually. The provincial education department places the beneficiaries in public schools where they will be teaching.
Briefly.co.za published the Makwarela TVET College online application process. Makwarela TVET College is a government institution located in Thohoyandou, South Africa. It is a top-rated institution offering various courses.
The institution was previously known as the Vocational College of Venda, Finyazwanda. Prospective students can apply to various programs using the online application portal.
Source: Briefly News
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