Funza Lushaka Bursary 2027: Key Dates, Requirements and How to Apply
Dreaming of becoming a teacher but worried about how you'll pay for it? The Funza Lushaka Bursary could cover most of your study costs, and applications for 2027 are open now.
Here's the short version: applications opened on 1 October 2026. If you're applying for the first time, the closing date is 31 January 2027. If you already have the bursary, your re-application is due by 30 November 2026. Applying is free, and it's done online only.
Below, we'll walk you through who qualifies, which subjects count, what you'll need, and exactly how to apply.
Funza Lushaka 2027 at a Glance
Who runs it | The Department of Basic Education (DBE) |
What it's for | Studying to become a teacher: a B.Ed degree or a PGCE at a public university |
Applications open | 1 October 2026 |
Closing date (new applicants) | 31 January 2027 |
Closing date (returning bursars) | 30 November 2026 |
Age limit | First-time applicants must be under 30 |
Where to apply | Online at www.eservices.gov.za (linked from funzalushaka.doe.gov.za) |
Cost to apply | Free |
The catch | You'll teach at a public school for one year for every year you're funded |
Our advice: don't wait for 31 January. Matric results come out in mid-January, and thousands of students apply in the last two weeks. Submit early so you have time to fix any problems.
What Is the Funza Lushaka Bursary?
Funza Lushaka is a government bursary run by the Department of Basic Education. Its goal is simple: South Africa needs more teachers in certain subjects and phases, so the DBE pays for students to train in those areas.
You can use it to study:
A Bachelor of Education (B.Ed) at a public university, or
A Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) if you already have a degree with the right subjects.
Because it's a bursary, not a loan, you don't pay the money back, as long as you meet the conditions (more on that below).
What Does Funza Lushaka Cover?
Funza Lushaka is designed to cover most of what it costs to study, including:
Tuition fees
Accommodation and meals
Books and learning materials
In many cases, a small monthly allowance for living costs
The exact amount depends on your university's fees, and the bursary is awarded one academic year at a time, so returning students re-apply every year.
Who Can Apply for Funza Lushaka 2027?
You can apply if you meet all of these requirements:
You're a South African citizen with a valid South African ID number.
You're under 30 if you're applying for the first time.
You've applied to, or been accepted at, a public university for a B.Ed or PGCE.
Your qualification includes at least two priority subject areas that you'll specialise in as a teacher.
You show good academic ability. If you're already at university, you must have passed all your modules from the previous year.
You don't already have a teaching qualification.
You pass the background checks. The DBE checks applicants against the SAPS criminal records, the National Register for Sex Offenders and the Child Protection Register.
Still in matric? You can apply now. Apply to a public university for a B.Ed at the same time, because Funza Lushaka can only fund you if you're studying at a university. Check your APS with our APS calculator to see which B.Ed programmes you qualify for.
Funza Lushaka Priority Subjects
This is the part many applicants get wrong. Funza Lushaka only funds teachers who will specialise in subjects and phases where schools need them most, and your qualification must include at least two priority areas.
Phase | Grades | What's prioritised |
|---|---|---|
Foundation Phase | Grade R – 3 | Foundation Phase teaching, with preference for African languages |
Intermediate and Senior Phase | Grade 4 – 9 | Two of: Languages, Mathematics, Natural Science and Technology |
FET Phase | Grade 10 – 12 | Two subjects from the priority list, which includes subjects such as Mathematics, Physical Sciences, African languages and technical subjects |
Priority subjects are set by the DBE and provinces and can change from year to year. Before you choose your B.Ed specialisations, read the 2027 application notes on funzalushaka.doe.gov.za for the full list.
Tip: when you fill in the form, choose the priority subjects you'll actually specialise in. If your university modules don't match what you selected, your application can be turned down.
The Service Obligation: What You're Signing Up For
Funza Lushaka isn't free money with no strings attached. In exchange for funding, you agree to:
Teach at a public school for one year for every year you were funded. Four years of funding means four years of teaching.
Apply for teaching posts at public schools after you qualify, and keep proof that you applied.
Teach where you're needed. Provincial education departments place bursars according to need, so you may not get your first-choice school or town.
If you break the conditions, for example by dropping out or switching away from your priority subjects without permission, you may have to pay the bursary back.
For most future teachers, this is a good deal: your studies are funded and you have a clear path into a job. Just go in with your eyes open.
Documents and Details to Have Ready
Before you open the application, get these together so you can finish in one go:
Your South African ID number
Your latest results: your Grade 11 final or Grade 12 June results if you're in matric, or your academic record if you're already studying
Proof that you've applied to, or been accepted at, a public university for a B.Ed or PGCE
Your university's student number, if you have one
An email address and cellphone number you check every day
How to Apply for Funza Lushaka 2027: Step by Step
Apply to a public university first. Choose a B.Ed (or PGCE) that lets you specialise in at least two priority subjects. Check closing dates on our university application dates page, because some universities close before Funza Lushaka does.
Go to the official application portal. Visit www.eservices.gov.za (you can also reach it through funzalushaka.doe.gov.za).
Register and log in. Create your eServices profile with your ID number, email and cellphone number.
Choose the Funza Lushaka Bursary application. Fill in your personal details, your university and qualification, and your priority subject areas.
Check everything, then submit. Make sure your subjects match what you'll study at university. Save or screenshot your confirmation.
Track your application. Log back in to check your status. Universities assess applicants and send recommendations to the DBE, which makes the final decision.
What Happens After You Apply?
Selection usually happens early in the year, once universities have confirmed registrations and results. If you're selected, you'll need to accept the bursary and sign the bursary agreement before funding is paid.
Keep checking your email and the portal. If the DBE or your university's Funza Lushaka office asks for more information, respond quickly: delays can cost you your place.
5 Tips to Give Your Application the Best Chance
We answer Funza Lushaka questions from students every year, and these are the mistakes we see most often:
Applying for the bursary but not to a university. Funza Lushaka can't fund you without a university place, so do both.
Choosing subjects that aren't priorities. Check the list before you pick your B.Ed specialisations.
Waiting until the last week. The portal gets busy at the end of January, and late applications aren't accepted.
Using an email address you never check. Important updates come by email and SMS.
Not keeping your marks up. Returning bursars must pass their modules every year to keep the bursary.
Watch out for scams. Applying for Funza Lushaka is free, and you only apply through the official government portal. Never pay anyone to "guarantee" a bursary, and never share your password or one-time PIN.
Not Selected? Other Ways to Fund Your Teaching Degree
Funza Lushaka is competitive, so it's smart to have a back-up plan:
Other bursaries. Some provincial education departments and private companies offer their own bursaries. See what's open on our bursaries page.
Government funding. If your household income is low enough, you may qualify for NSFAS funding at a public university.
A Fundi student loan. If a bursary doesn't cover everything, or you don't qualify, a Fundi student loan can help pay for tuition, devices and accommodation, paid straight to your institution. Find out more on our student loans page or at fundi.co.za.
Fundi is a registered credit provider [NCR registration number]. Credit is subject to an affordability assessment. T&Cs apply.
Funza Lushaka 2027: Frequently Asked Questions
When do Funza Lushaka 2027 applications close?
New applicants must apply by 31 January 2027. Students who already have the bursary must re-apply by 30 November 2026.
Can I apply while I'm still in matric?
Yes. Apply for the bursary and to a public university for a B.Ed at the same time.
Is there an application fee?
No. Applying for Funza Lushaka is free.
Can I use Funza Lushaka for a PGCE?
Yes, if your degree includes enough modules in at least two priority subjects.
How old do I have to be?
First-time applicants must be under 30.
Do I have to pay Funza Lushaka back?
Only if you break the bursary conditions, for example by not completing your studies or not teaching for the required period.
Can I choose which school I'll teach at?
Not always. Provincial education departments place bursars at public schools according to where teachers are needed.
Planning to study teaching? Read our guides to studying teaching in South Africa and studying a PGCE through distance learning.
Didn't Get Funza Lushaka? Fund Your Teaching Degree With Fundi
Funza Lushaka places are limited, so if you're not selected this year, don't let that stop you from becoming a teacher. Fundi has been helping South African students pay for their studies since 1996. You can apply for a Fundi study loan to cover your B.Ed or PGCE tuition, accommodation and other study costs. Use the Fundi loan calculator to see what your monthly repayments would look like. And if you need a laptop for lectures and assignments, the Fundi Shop lets you finance one alongside your studies.
Visit loans.fundi.co.za, fill in the form, and someone will get back to you.
For more on bursaries, university applications and teaching careers, visit www.fundiconnect.co.za.
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The FundiConnect Editorial Team researches, writes, and maintains comprehensive guides on South African higher education, bursaries, NSFAS funding, and career development. Our content is verified against official institutional sources, DHET publications, and direct admissions office communications to ensure accuracy for students navigating their post-school journey.
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