Hey, future changemakers! Ever dreamed of shaping young minds and making a real difference in South Africa? Well, guess what? The incredible Funza Lushaka Bursary Programme is back for 2026, and it’s looking for passionate individuals just like you to join the teaching profession!
The Funza Lushaka Bursary Programme is a fantastic government-backed initiative in South Africa designed to boost the teaching profession. Its main goal is to attract bright, committed young people into teaching, especially in subjects where our public schools need more awesome educators. If you receive this bursary, you’ll commit to teaching in a public school for the same number of years you received funding – a win-win for everyone!
Who Can Apply?
To qualify for the Funza Lushaka bursary, you’ll need to meet a few key requirements:
- You must be a South African citizen with a valid ID number.
- If you’re applying for the first time, you need to be under the age of 30.
- You must be accepted or provisionally accepted into an approved Bachelor of Education (BEd) programme or, in specific cases, a Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) programme.
- Your studies should specialise in two or more designated priority subject areas.
- You need to show strong academic ability and a real commitment to becoming a teacher.
- You should not already hold a teaching qualification.
Remember, applications submitted late won’t be considered. Also, this programme doesn’t usually fund extended or part-time programmes unless they meet the minimum specified duration.
Priority Subject Areas:
Funza Lushaka focuses on subjects where there’s a shortage of teachers. These include:
- Foundation Phase (Grades R–3) — with a special focus on South African Indigenous Languages.
- Intermediate Phase (Grades 4–6) — with emphasis on languages, natural sciences, and technology.
- Senior and Further Education & Training (FET, Grades 7–12) — priority subjects like Mathematics, Physical Sciences, Computer Applications, Engineering Graphics and Design, Agricultural Sciences, and more.
Keep in mind that not all teaching degrees or subjects qualify. For instance, subjects often considered to be oversupplied (like Geography, History, Economics, Physical Education) are typically excluded from funding. Also, only PGCE programmes for the Senior Phase and FET (Grades 7–12) are funded under certain conditions.
What Does It Cover?
The Funza Lushaka bursary is designed to ease the financial burden on aspiring teachers. It may cover:
- Tuition fees
- Accommodation and meals
- Books and learning materials
- Teaching practice costs
- In some cases, a small living allowance
How to Apply?
Applying for the Funza Lushaka bursary is done online. If you’re a first-time applicant, here’s a simple step-by-step guide:
- First, you’ll need to review and accept a declaration to confirm your details.
- Visit the e-Gov portal and register by providing all the necessary personal information.
- Once registered, log in using the username and password you created.
- In the e-Services menu, select the Funza Lushaka Bursary Scheme.
- Enter the one-time password (OTP) you receive via your chosen communication channel.
- Accept the Terms and Conditions.
- On your dashboard, click on the application button (it might say “2026 application”) when it becomes available.
- Fill out all the required fields accurately and completely.
For more detailed information and to start your application, head over to the official website:
Visit the Official Webpage of the Funza Lushaka Bursary Programme
If this sounds like the right bursary for you, don’t wait — apply now and explore more amazing bursaries on Bursaries Room to secure your academic future!
