Funza Lushaka 2027 Bursary Programme

The Funza Lushaka Bursary Programme is a multi-year government initiative designed to promote teaching as a profession and address teacher shortages in priority subjects.

Funding is available for approved Bachelor of Education (BEd) qualifications and qualifying Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) programmes at public universities. The bursary may cover tuition, accommodation, meals, books and learning materials, and potentially a living allowance, subject to the institution’s funding allocation.

Recipients must teach at a public school for one year for every year of bursary funding received. Placement is managed by the relevant Provincial Education Department.

• Complete the approved teaching qualification.
• Maintain satisfactory academic progress.
• Apply for placement through the relevant Provincial Education Department after qualifying.
• Fulfil the teaching service obligation at a public school.

• Must be a South African citizen with a valid South African ID.
• First-time applicants must be 30 years old or younger.
• Must be academically eligible for admission to an approved teaching qualification.
• Must be accepted into an approved BEd or qualifying PGCE programme at a public university.
• The teaching qualification must include at least two nationally identified priority subject areas.
• Must demonstrate academic ability and commitment to a teaching career.
• Must be willing to teach at a public school where placed by a Provincial Education Department.

The programme funds approved:

• Bachelor of Education (BEd) degrees.
• Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) qualifications in Senior Phase and Further Education and Training teaching.

Priority subject areas for 2027 include:

• Foundation Phase: South African Indigenous Languages, inclusive education, South African Sign Language, Braille and Coding and Robotics.
• Intermediate Phase: South African Indigenous Languages, Mathematics, Natural Sciences and Technology, inclusive education, South African Sign Language, Braille and Coding and Robotics.
• Senior Phase and FET: Mathematics, Physical Sciences, Life Sciences, Information Technology, Agricultural Sciences, Civil Technology, Electrical Technology, Mechanical Technology, Engineering Graphics and Design, languages and other identified priority subjects.

Applicants must consult the official 2027 National Priority Subject Areas document to confirm whether their intended teaching specialisation qualifies.

Applicants should have the following information and documents available when completing the online application:

• Valid South African ID details.
• Matric results or academic results, where applicable.
• Acceptance or admission details for an approved teaching qualification.
• Information about the institution and intended teaching specialisation.
• Any additional supporting information requested by the online application system.

First-time applicants must apply online through the government e-Services portal.

1. Visit https://www.eservices.gov.za 2. Register using your personal information. 3. Log in using your newly created username and password. 4. Select Funza Lushaka Bursary Scheme from the e-Services menu. 5. Enter the OTP sent to your preferred channel. 6. Accept the terms and conditions. 7. Select the 2027 application option on the dashboard. 8. Complete all required application fields. 9. Accept the declaration and submit your application.

Applicants should first complete the official screening process and secure admission to an eligible teaching qualification.

Important: The bursary is awarded for one academic year at a time and must be renewed annually. Recipients must fulfil the public-school teaching service obligation. Failure to meet the bursary agreement’s conditions may result in repayment of the funding.