2027 Funza Lushaka Bursary

• Must be a South African citizen
• First time applicants must be under the age of 30
• Must be accepted, or intending to apply, at a public university in South Africa. TVET colleges and private colleges do not qualify.
• Must be studying towards an approved initial teacher education qualification, such as a BEd
• Must specialise in at least two priority subject areas
• Must meet the admission requirements of your university and of the bursary. Where the two differ, the higher requirement applies.
• Must not already hold a teaching qualification
• Must not hold another bursary
• Must be willing to work as a teacher at a public school after graduating, for the same number of years as the funding received

Priority subject areas

The bursary prioritises subjects and phases where teachers are most needed, including Mathematics, Physical Sciences, Technology, Computer Science, and African languages, as well as priority areas in the Foundation Phase (Grades R to 3) and Intermediate Phase (Grades 4 to 6). Priority areas can change from year to year, so always confirm the current list on the official Funza Lushaka website.

Important dates

• Applications open: 1 October 2026
• Existing and returning bursars must re apply by: 30 November 2026
• New applications close: 31 January 2027