Embark on a rewarding career in education with the Funza Lushaka Bursary Programme for the 2027 academic year. Applications are now open and close on January 31, 2027, for new applicants. This prestigious bursary, offered by the Department of Basic Education, provides financial support to aspiring teachers across South Africa.
About the Opportunity
The Funza Lushaka Bursary Programme is designed to encourage and support students pursuing a career in teaching. Managed by the Department of Basic Education and administered financially by NSFAS, this programme aims to bolster the teaching profession by funding selected students enrolled in approved initial teacher education qualifications. Recipients of the bursary are required to fulfill a teaching service obligation at a public school, corresponding to the number of years they received funding.
Closing Dates
- New Applicants: January 31, 2027
- Returning Bursars: November 30, 2026
Key Responsibilities
Successful bursary recipients must commit to teaching at a public school after completing their studies. The duration of this service obligation is equivalent to the number of years the bursary was received.
Requirements/Qualifications
Eligible candidates include current Grade 12 learners, graduates, career changers, and unemployed individuals aspiring to become teachers. Applicants must be South African citizens, generally 30 years old or younger, and meet the admission criteria for their chosen teacher education programme at a public higher education institution. Meeting these requirements does not guarantee a bursary due to limited funding.
Benefits
The bursary covers various educational expenses, including tuition fees, accommodation, meals, books, learning materials, and teaching practice expenses. A living allowance may also be provided, although the exact value can vary between institutions.
Priority Teaching Subjects
The bursary prioritizes areas with a high demand for qualified educators, such as Foundation Phase teaching, South African Indigenous Languages, Mathematics, Natural Science, and various technical subjects.
Important Admission Requirement
Applicants must secure admission to an eligible teaching qualification at a public higher education institution. Note that admission to a university does not automatically result in bursary funding.
