Are you passionate about teaching and ready to make a difference in South Africa’s education system? The Funza Lushaka Bursary Program 2026 offers a fully funded opportunity for aspiring educators to study and qualify as teachers without worrying about financial challenges.
This government-funded initiative is specifically aimed at attracting young, committed individuals into the teaching profession, particularly in areas where qualified teachers are scarce.
Funza Lushaka Bursary Program 2026
The Funza Lushaka Bursary Program 2026 is one of South Africa’s leading educational funding schemes, established by the Department of Basic Education. Its main goal is to promote teaching as a profession and ensure that all public schools, especially those in rural and disadvantaged areas, have access to qualified teachers. In return, recipients of this bursary must teach in a public school for the same number of years they received financial support.
The bursary primarily targets young South Africans who have the potential and passion to become educators in priority subjects. This program is ideal for individuals who wish to contribute to nation-building and long-term social development through quality education.
Funza Lushaka Bursary Program 2026 Summary
| Category | Details |
| Host Country | South Africa |
| Study Destination | Any recognized South African university offering approved BEd or PGCE programs |
| Scholarship Type | Bachelor’s Degree in Education (BEd) or Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) |
| Funded By | South African Government (Department of Basic Education) |
| Eligible Applicants | South African Citizens only |
| Scholarship Value | Fully Funded (Tuition, Accommodation, Meals, Books, and Allowances) |
| Application Mode | Online via the e-Gov Portal |
| Application Deadline | January 24, 2026 |
| Academic Session | 2026 Academic Year |
| Age Limit | 30 years (for first-time applicants) |
What Is the Funza Lushaka Bursary Program All About?
The Funza Lushaka Bursary Program 2026 is more than just a financial aid scheme; it is a national initiative aimed at transforming South Africa’s educational landscape. The program identifies and supports talented young individuals who are eager to teach in areas where there is a shortage of educators, particularly in mathematics, science, technology, and indigenous languages.
Through this program, recipients are equipped with the knowledge, skills, and motivation needed to become professional educators. After completing their studies, beneficiaries are required to work in a public school for the same duration that they received the bursary. This ensures that the program directly benefits the country’s education system while giving graduates practical experience in their chosen teaching fields.
Who Can Apply? (Eligibility Criteria)
To qualify for the Funza Lushaka Bursary Program 2026, applicants must meet the following eligibility criteria:
- Be a South African citizen with a valid ID.
- Be under the age of 30 for first-time applicants.
- Have secured admission or provisional acceptance into an approved Bachelor of Education (BEd) or Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) program.
- Specialize in one or more of the priority subject areas listed by the Department of Basic Education.
- Demonstrate academic competence and dedication to the teaching profession.
- Be ready to teach in a public school after completing their studies.
- Must not already hold a teaching qualification.
- Submit a complete application before the deadline (January 24, 2026), as late applications will not be considered.
It’s important to note that extended or part-time programs are not funded unless they meet the program’s minimum requirements.
Priority Subject Areas
The Funza Lushaka Bursary Program prioritizes subject areas where South Africa faces the most severe teacher shortages. Applicants must therefore select specializations from the approved priority areas, which include:
- Foundation Phase (Grades R – 3): Focus on early childhood development and indigenous South African languages.
- Intermediate Phase (Grades 4 – 6): Emphasis on Languages, Natural Sciences, and Technology.
- Senior and Further Education & Training Phase (Grades 7 – 12): Priority subjects include:
- Mathematics
- Physical Sciences
- Computer Applications Technology
- Agricultural Sciences
- Engineering Graphics and Design
- Technology
- Subjects like Geography, History, and Economics are often excluded because they already have a sufficient number of qualified teachers. Similarly, PGCE funding applies only to Senior and FET Phase programs under specific conditions.
Benefits of the Funza Lushaka Bursary
The Funza Lushaka Bursary Program 2026 provides comprehensive financial support to student teachers. It is designed to remove the financial barriers that often prevent capable individuals from pursuing teaching as a career.
The bursary typically covers:
- Full tuition fees for the approved program.
- Accommodation and meals at university residences.
- Learning materials and textbooks required for coursework.
- Teaching practice costs, including school placements.
- In some cases, a small living allowance to support daily expenses.
This funding allows recipients to focus entirely on their academic and professional development without financial stress.
Step-by-Step Guide to Apply
The application process for the Funza Lushaka Bursary Program 2026 is straightforward and must be completed online. Here is a detailed step-by-step guide:
- Read and accept the declaration confirming your personal information and eligibility.
- Visit the official e-Gov portal for bursary applications.
- Register an account by providing your personal and contact details.
- Login with your newly created username and password.
- From the e-Services menu, select “Funza Lushaka Bursary Scheme.”
- Enter the One-Time Password (OTP) sent to your registered email or phone number.
- Accept the Terms and Conditions of the bursary program.
- On your dashboard, click “2026 Application” once the window opens.
- Fill in all required fields carefully and upload any necessary documents.
- Review your application for errors before submitting it.
Applicants are encouraged to apply early and ensure all information provided is correct, as incomplete or inaccurate applications may be disqualified.
Why Apply for the Funza Lushaka Bursary?
There are several reasons why the Funza Lushaka Bursary Program 2026 is one of the most sought-after educational funding opportunities in South Africa:
- Guaranteed Employment: Recipients are assured of placement in a public school after completing their studies.
- Nation-Building Impact: Graduates contribute directly to improving South Africa’s education system.
- Comprehensive Support: The bursary covers nearly all study-related expenses.
- Focus on Skills Shortages: It prepares teachers in subjects where they are most needed.
- Professional Development: Recipients undergo practical teaching experience, building their confidence and competence as future educators.
This program not only helps individuals gain valuable qualifications but also strengthens the national education system by addressing the shortage of qualified teachers.
Important Dates
- Application Opens: October 2025
- Application Deadline: January 24, 2026
- Academic Year Begins: Early 2026
Applicants should note that late submissions will not be considered.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Who can apply for the Funza Lushaka Bursary Program 2026?
Only South African citizens under the age of 30 who are studying or planning to study for a BEd or PGCE in a recognized university are eligible.
Does the bursary cover all expenses?
Yes, the bursary covers tuition, accommodation, meals, books, and sometimes a small allowance for personal expenses.
What happens after completing my studies?
Recipients are required to teach at a public school for the same number of years that they received bursary funding.
Can I apply if I am already a qualified teacher?
No. The bursary is meant for individuals who are not yet qualified teachers.
Are part-time students eligible?
No, only full-time students are eligible unless the program meets the minimum full-time study requirements.
For more information or to begin your application, visit the Official Webpage of the Funza Lushaka Bursary Program.
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