🧑🏽‍🏫 Funza Lushaka Bursary 2026: Complete Guide, Requirements & Application Process

Funza Lushaka Bursary 2026 – Full Guide to Apply, Requirements & Benefits
Learn everything about the Funza Lushaka Bursary 2026. Get eligibility criteria, online application steps, closing dates, and what the bursary covers.

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📘 Introduction

Are you passionate about teaching and making a difference in South African education? The Funza Lushaka Bursary is your golden opportunity to study for free and start a meaningful teaching career.

This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about the Funza Lushaka Bursary 2026 — from requirements, benefits, and how to apply, to key dates and success tips.

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🎓 What Is the Funza Lushaka Bursary?

The Funza Lushaka Bursary Programme is a government-funded initiative that supports students who want to become qualified teachers in South Africa.

The bursary aims to:

• Encourage talented young people to join the teaching profession.
• Improve the quality of education in public schools.
• Address teacher shortages in priority subject areas like Mathematics, Science, Languages, and Technology.

The programme is managed by the Department of Basic Education (DBE) and administered through the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) and provincial education departments.

Official website: funzalushaka.doe.gov.za

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💰 What Does the Funza Lushaka Bursary Cover?

The bursary is comprehensive and can cover most or all study-related costs.

✅ Covered Costs

• Full tuition fees and registration
• Accommodation and meals (if living in residence or approved housing)
• Learning materials and prescribed textbooks
• Teaching practice or practical training expenses
• In some cases, a monthly allowance for living expenses

❌ Not Covered

• Postgraduate studies (Honours, Master’s, Doctorate)
• Extended degree programmes
• Non-teaching courses outside of approved subjects
• Private college fees not recognized by DBE

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🧾 Eligibility & Requirements

To qualify for the Funza Lushaka Bursary 2026, you must meet the following conditions:

General Requirements

• Be a South African citizen with a valid ID.
• Be under 30 years old (for first-time applicants).
• Have a strong academic record.
• Have no criminal record or previous misconduct.
• Commit to teach at a public school for the same number of years funded.

Academic Requirements

• Must be accepted or provisionally accepted at a recognized South African university for a B.Ed or PGCE in a priority subject area.
• Priority subjects include:
  • Mathematics
  • Physical Science
  • Life Sciences
  • Languages (English, Afrikaans, African languages)
  • Technology
  • Agricultural Sciences
  • Foundation Phase teaching

📌 Tip: The bursary is not available for private institutions — only public universities and TVET colleges offering DBE-approved teaching qualifications.

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🗓️ Important Dates for Funza Lushaka Bursary 2026

Event	Date
Applications Open	06 October 2025
Closing Date (New Applicants)	24 January 2026
Closing Date (Re-applications)	30 November 2025
Selection Results Published	By 30 April 2026

⚠️ Always confirm official dates on the eServices Portal, as they may change yearly.

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📝 How to Apply for the Funza Lushaka Bursary 2026

Follow these 7 simple steps to submit your application successfully:

Step 1: Get University Admission

Apply and get accepted (or provisionally accepted) into a Bachelor of Education (B.Ed) or Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) programme at a public university.

Step 2: Register on e-Services

Go to the official Funza Lushaka Portal and create an account.
Click on “Funza Lushaka Bursary Scheme” once logged in.

Step 3: Fill Out the Application Form

Provide your personal, academic, and contact information carefully. Choose your teaching phase and priority subjects.

Step 4: Upload Documents

Attach certified copies of:

• South African ID
• Matric certificate / latest results
• University acceptance letter or proof of registration
• Parent/guardian income proof (if dependent)

Step 5: Review & Submit

Double-check all entries and click Submit before the deadline.

Step 6: Track Your Application

Log in regularly to check your status. Emails or SMS updates may be sent for successful applicants.

Step 7: Reapply Each Year

Returning bursars must renew annually to continue funding.

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💡 Tips to Maximise Your Chances

• Apply as early as possible to avoid portal overload.
• Use priority subjects for your application — demand is higher for STEM and languages.
• Ensure all documents are certified and clear.
• Write a strong motivation showing your passion for teaching.
• Maintain a good academic average to ensure annual renewal.
• Save your confirmation email and reference number.

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🎯 After Being Awarded: What to Expect

If your application is approved, here’s what happens next:

• You’ll receive a formal bursary contract to sign.
• You must teach in a public school for the same number of years you received funding.
• Placement is determined by the Provincial Education Department, not by you.
• You cannot defer placement — failure to fulfill the teaching requirement may result in having to repay the bursary.
• You’ll need to perform well academically to renew funding each year.

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❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Who qualifies for the Funza Lushaka Bursary?

South African citizens studying to become teachers in approved B.Ed or PGCE programmes in priority subjects.

2. When does the Funza Lushaka Bursary close for 2026?

New applications close on 24 January 2026, and re-applications close 30 November 2025.

3. Does Funza Lushaka fund postgraduate studies?

Only PGCE is covered. Honours, Master’s, or PhD studies are not funded.

4. Can I choose where to teach after graduation?

No, you’ll be placed by the Provincial Education Department at a public school where teachers are needed most.

5. Is the Funza Lushaka bursary renewable?

Yes. You must reapply every year and maintain good academic results.

6. What happens if I don’t complete my studies or teaching service?

You may be required to repay the bursary in full if you fail to meet contractual obligations.

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📍 Official Contacts

• Website: https://www.funzalushaka.doe.gov.za
• Application Portal: https://www.eservices.gov.za/FunzaLushaka/
• Email: inquiries.funzalushaka@dbe.gov.za
• Department of Basic Education Contact: 012 357 3000

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🧭 Conclusion

The Funza Lushaka Bursary 2026 is one of South Africa’s most impactful bursary programmes for aspiring teachers. It covers tuition, accommodation, and learning materials while offering a guaranteed job placement after graduation.

If you dream of shaping the next generation through education, this is your chance — apply early, prepare your documents, and start your teaching journey today.

👉 Apply now on eservices.gov.za/FunzaLushaka before the closing date.