📅 Application Deadline: January 24, 2026
✍️ By OFA | October 9, 2025
📍 Category: Scholarships | South Africa
About the Funza Lushaka Bursary Programme
The Funza Lushaka Bursary Programme is a prestigious, government-backed initiative in South Africa designed to promote teaching as a career. The programme aims to attract talented and committed young people into the teaching profession — particularly in subject areas that face teacher shortages in public schools.
Bursary recipients 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 meet the following criteria:
Be a South African citizen 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 commitment to teaching.
Must not already hold a teaching qualification.
📝 Note:
Late applications will not be considered.
The programme does not fund extended or part-time programmes unless they meet the stipulated minimum period.
Priority Subject Areas
The Funza Lushaka Programme gives preference to applicants intending to teach in high-demand subject areas, including:
Foundation Phase (Grades R–3)
Preference for South African Indigenous Languages
Intermediate Phase (Grades 4–6)
Emphasis on Languages, Natural Sciences, and Technology
Senior and FET Phase (Grades 7–12)
Priority subjects include:
Mathematics
Physical Sciences
Computer Applications Technology
Engineering Graphics and Design
Agricultural Sciences
Technical subjects
⚠️ Note: Subjects considered oversupplied (e.g., Geography, History, Economics, Physical Education) are usually excluded from funding.
Only PGCE programmes for the Senior and FET Phases are funded under specific conditions.
Bursary Benefits
The Funza Lushaka Bursary provides comprehensive financial support that may include:
Full tuition fees
Accommodation and meals
Books and learning materials
Teaching practice costs
A small living allowance (in some cases)
How to Apply (Step-by-Step)
Applications are submitted online via the e-Gov portal.
1. Review and accept the declaration confirming your details.
2. Visit the e-Gov portal and register using your personal information.
3. Login using your username and password.
4. From the e-Services menu, select “Funza Lushaka Bursary Scheme.”
5. Enter the one-time password (OTP) received via SMS or email.
6. Accept the Terms and Conditions.
7. On your dashboard, click on the 2026 application link when open.
8. Complete all required fields accurately and completely.
For More Information
🔗 Visit the Official Webpage: 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.