The Funza Lushaka Bursary Scheme for the 2027 academic year is officially open. Managed by the Department of Basic Education, this multi-year, full-cost bursary is designed to enable eligible students to complete a full initial teaching qualification in national priority areas.
Key Deadlines
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New Applicants Closing Date: 31 January 2027 (Note: Some portal guidelines note January 29, 2027, so it is best to apply well ahead of time).
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Returning/Existing Bursars Re-applications Closing Date: 30 November 2026.
What the Bursary Covers
Depending on institutional costs and caps, the bursary typically covers:
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Tuition fees
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Accommodation and meals
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Books and learning materials
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A living allowance
(Successful applicants are required to take up a teaching post in a public school matching the duration of their bursary funding upon graduation).
Core Eligibility Criteria
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Citizenship: Must be a South African citizen with a valid South African ID.
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Age Limit: First-time applicants must be 30 years old or younger (turning 30 or younger on or before 31 March 2027).
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Academic Requirements: Must have passed Matric with a Bachelor’s degree admission/endorsement, meeting specific mark thresholds for your chosen specialisation (such as Mathematics, Mathematical Literacy, or Home Languages).
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University Admission: You must apply for and have been accepted (or provisionally accepted) into an approved Bachelor of Education (BEd) degree or an eligible PGCE at a public higher education institution.
How to Apply
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Secure University Admission: Apply for and secure provisional admission to a public university for an approved teaching qualification first.
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Access the e-Government Portal: Visit the official portal at www.eservices.gov.za or the Funza Lushaka Portal.
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Register / Log In: Create an account using your personal details or log in.
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Complete the Application: Navigate to the Funza Lushaka Bursary Scheme menu, select the 2027 Application, fill out all required fields accurately, accept the declaration, and submit.