Application Deadline: January 24, 2026
About the Programme
Applications are now open for the 2026 Funza Lushaka Bursary Programme — a government-funded initiative in South Africa aimed at promoting teaching as a profession.
The programme seeks to attract talented and committed young people into teaching, particularly in priority subject areas where there are teacher shortages in public schools.
In return for financial support, recipients of the bursary are required to teach in a public school for the same number of years that they receive funding.
Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for the Funza Lushaka Bursary, applicants must:
Be South African citizens with a valid ID number.
Be under the age of 30 (for first-time applicants).
Be accepted or provisionally accepted into an approved Bachelor of Education (BEd) or Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) programme.
Specialise in two or more designated priority subject areas.
Demonstrate academic competence and a strong commitment to teaching.
Not already hold a teaching qualification.
Note: The programme does not fund extended or part-time programmes, unless they meet the stipulated minimum duration.
Priority Subject Areas
The bursary gives preference to applicants pursuing teaching degrees in high-demand subjects:
🧒 Foundation Phase (Grades R–3)
Preference for South African Indigenous Languages
📘 Intermediate Phase (Grades 4–6)
Focus on Languages, Natural Sciences, and Technology
🧮 Senior and Further Education & Training (FET) Phase (Grades 7–12)
Priority subjects include:
Mathematics
Physical Sciences
Computer Applications Technology
Engineering Graphics and Design
Agricultural Sciences
> ⚠️ Subjects that are oversupplied — such as Geography, History, Economics, or Physical Education — are typically not funded.
Only PGCE programmes for the Senior Phase and FET (Grades 7–12) are eligible under certain conditions.
Benefits
The Funza Lushaka Bursary is designed to relieve the financial burden on student teachers and may cover:
Tuition fees
Accommodation and meals
Books and learning materials
Teaching practice costs
A small living allowance (where applicable)
How to Apply (Step-by-Step Guide)
Applications must be submitted online. Follow these steps carefully:
1. Review and accept the declaration confirming your personal details.
2. Visit the e-Gov portal and register with your personal information.
3. Log in using the username and password created during registration.
4. Under the e-Services menu, select the Funza Lushaka Bursary Scheme.
5. Enter the One-Time Password (OTP) sent to your preferred contact method.
6. Accept the Terms and Conditions.
7. On your dashboard, click on the “2026 Application” button (when open).
8. Complete all required fields accurately and submit your application before the deadline.
For More Information:
🔗 Visit the Official Webpage of the Funza Lushaka Bursary Programme.
EduTimes Africa, a product of Education Times Africa, is a magazine publication that aims to lend its support to close the yawning gap in Africa's educational development.