📍 Location: All 26 Public Universities in South Africa
📅 Applications Open: 7 October 2025
📅 Closing Date: 24 January 2026
About the Funza Lushaka Bursary Programme 2026
The Department of Basic Education (DBE) invites aspiring teachers across South Africa to apply for the Funza Lushaka Bursary 2026.
The Funza Lushaka Bursary is one of the most prestigious education funding programmes in South Africa. It aims to promote teaching as a profession by supporting deserving students pursuing teaching qualifications at any of the country’s 26 public universities.
This initiative helps address the national shortage of qualified teachers — particularly in priority subjects — while empowering young South Africans to become educators who make a lasting impact.
Qualifications Covered
The bursary funds studies towards the following qualifications:
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Bachelor of Education (B.Ed.) – 4 years
Specialising in:-
Foundation Phase (Grade R–3)
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Intermediate Phase (Grade 4–6)
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Senior and Further Education & Training (FET) Phase (Grade 7–12)
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Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) – 1 year
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Available for Senior Phase and FET Phase (Grades 7–12).
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Applicants must already hold an approved undergraduate qualification with at least two priority subjects.
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Expenses Covered
The Funza Lushaka Bursary is fully funded and covers the following:
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Tuition fees
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Accommodation and meals
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Books and study materials
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Registration and exam fees
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Monthly living allowance
Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must:
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Be South African citizens.
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Be 30 years or younger.
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Demonstrate strong academic performance.
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Have been accepted into a B.Ed. or PGCE programme focusing on at least two priority subjects.
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Meet the minimum entry requirements set by their chosen university.
Priority Subject Areas
The bursary gives preference to students intending to teach in high-demand subjects, including:
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Mathematics
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Languages (including African languages)
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Life Sciences
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Physical Sciences
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Accounting
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Agricultural Sciences
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Economics
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Technology
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Geography
How to Apply
Follow these steps to submit your application online:
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Visit the e-Gov portal: www.eservices.gov.za
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Register your personal details.
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Log in with your username and password.
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On the e-Services menu, select “Education”.
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Click on “Funza Lushaka Bursary Scheme”.
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Enter the OTP sent to your contact channel.
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Accept the Terms and Conditions.
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Click on the “2026 Application” button on your dashboard.
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Complete all required fields accurately.
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Accept the declaration confirming your details are correct.
Important Notes
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The bursary is renewable each year, subject to academic progress.
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Recipients must teach in a public school for the same number of years they received funding.
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Late applications will not be considered.
Applications Open: 7 October 2025
Closing Date: 24 January 2026
Apply Online: www.eservices.gov.za