Funza Lushaka Bursary Scheme is a multi-year bursary for those who want to become teachers. It is a merit bursary which is available to every deserving applicant who passed their matric with a bachelor’s pass to complete a teaching qualification in an identified phase and priority subject area specialisation to study in any of the 24 public universities. Recipients of these bursaries will be required to teach at a public school for the same number of years that they received the bursary.
Applications are invited from suitably qualified South Africans to apply for the Funza Lushaka Bursary Scheme aimed at supporting undergraduate and postgraduate studies in Education for the 2026/2026 academic session.
Funza Lushaka bursaries cover most of the recipients’ essential expenses. Expenses covered include tuition fees, accommodation including meals, books and learning materials, teaching practice and if possible, a small allowance for monthly living expenses.
Scholarship Type: Full Funding
Host Institution(s): Higher Educational Institutions in South Africa
Scholarship Worth: Not specified
Number of Awards: Several
Study Level: Undergraduate and Postgraduate
Nationality: South Africans
Funza Lushaka Bursary Scheme 2026 | Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for Funza Lushaka Bursary Scheme for South Africans, applicants must meet the following criteria:
Applicants should be 30 years and below to qualify for the Funza Lushaka Bursary.
Allocation of Funza Lushaka bursaries to Higher Education Institution employees, their spouse and their dependents/children is not permissible.
The Funza Lushaka bursary does not fund extended programmes.
The applicant must be accepted into an approved B.Ed. degree or PGCE programme to specialise in two or more of the priority subject areas.
The applicant should demonstrate good academic ability.
The applicant must show commitment to a teaching career, which includes: interest in working with young people; enthusiasm for a professional career in teaching; readiness to face and surmount difficult challenges with integrity.
The applicant must be committed to teaching in any school to which a student may be placed by a Provincial Education Department (PED).
Students must meet the minimum academic criteria for the award of the bursary.
Application Procedures
How-to-Apply: Interested applicants for the Funza Lushaka Bursary Scheme 2026 are to visit the application portal and follow the steps outlined below.:
Register by providing personal information
Log in to the system using the user name and password created when registering
On the e-Services Menu, select Funza Lushaka Bursary Scheme
Enter the OTP received on the preferred channel
Accept the Terms and Conditions
On the dashboard menu, click on the 2026 application button
Follow the steps to complete the required field with your information
Accept the declaration to confirm the information captured
Application Deadline: January 16 2026
Visit the Official Website for Further Details
FAQs
1. What is the Funza Lushaka Bursary Scheme for 2026?
The Funza Lushaka Bursary Scheme is a government-funded program designed to support South African students who want to pursue a teaching qualification in priority subject areas. The bursary covers essential study costs and aims to address the shortage of qualified teachers in public schools across the country for the 2026 academic year.
2. What does the Funza Lushaka Bursary cover?
The bursary typically covers:
Full tuition fees
Accommodation (including meals where applicable)
Learning materials and textbooks
A monthly living allowance (where approved)
In return, beneficiaries are required to teach at a public school for the same number of years they received the bursary.
3. Who is eligible to apply for the 2026 Funza Lushaka Bursary?
To qualify, applicants must:
Be South African citizens with a valid ID
Be admitted or applying for a Bachelor of Education (BEd) degree or a PGCE qualification
Be willing to teach in priority subject areas (e.g., Mathematics, Science, Technology, Languages)
Demonstrate good academic performance
Have a clear criminal record
Both new and returning university students may apply, provided they meet the requirements.
4. How can I apply for the Funza Lushaka Bursary Scheme 2026?
Applications are submitted online through the official Funza Lushaka e-Government portal. Applicants must:
Register an account on the bursary portal.
Complete the online application form.
Upload required documents (ID, academic transcripts, proof of admission, etc.).
Submit the application before the closing date.
Applicants are encouraged to apply early to avoid missing the deadline.