Funza Lushaka Bursary Programme

The Funza Lushaka Bursary is the South African government's flagship programme for training new teachers. Run by the Department of Basic Education (DBE) in partnership with NSFAS, it covers the full cost of studying towards a Bachelor of Education (B.Ed.) degree at any of South Africa's 26 public universities. The catch? This is not a free ride. Once you graduate, you are required to teach at a public school for the same number of years you were funded.

The name "Funza Lushaka" comes from the isiZulu phrase meaning "educate the nation," and that is exactly what the programme aims to do: fill classrooms with qualified teachers in subjects where shortages are most severe. If you are serious about teaching and want to study without financial stress, this bursary is one of the best options available in 2026.

Qualification

4-Year B.Ed.

fully funded degree

Available At

26 Universities

all SA public institutions

Age Limit

Under 30

first-time applicants

Obligation

Year for Year

teach 1 year per year funded

What the Bursary Covers

The Funza Lushaka Bursary is designed to remove every major financial barrier standing between you and a teaching qualification. It covers:

Tuition fees at your chosen public university (up to the DBE cap; you cover any excess).
Accommodation and meals (residence or private, depending on the university's agreement).
Textbooks, study guides, and learning materials required for your programme.
Teaching practice costs (travel and placement expenses for Work Integrated Learning).
Monthly living allowance (a stipend for transport, toiletries, and personal expenses).

There is a funding cap set by the DBE each year. If your university charges more than the cap, you are responsible for the difference. Most public university B.Ed. programmes fall within the cap, but check with your university's financial aid office to be sure.

Priority Subjects by Teaching Phase

Funza Lushaka only funds students specialising in subjects where teacher shortages exist. If your chosen subjects are considered "oversupplied" (like Geography, History, or Physical Education), you will not be funded. Here are the priority areas for 2026.

Foundation Phase

Grades R to 3

Focus on early literacy and numeracy. Strong preference for speakers of South African Indigenous Languages.

Indigenous Languages Braille SA Sign Language Neurodevelopment

Intermediate Phase

Grades 4 to 6

Preference for two of the priority subjects below. Emphasis on building strong foundations in languages and STEM.

Mathematics Languages Natural Sciences Technology

Senior & FET Phase

Grades 7 to 12

The widest range of priority subjects. Must major in at least two. STEM and technical subjects are in highest demand.

Mathematics Physical Sciences Accounting Agricultural Sciences CAT Engineering Graphics Electrical Technology Civil Technology African Languages English

Eligibility & Requirements

Who Can Apply

You must be a South African citizen with a valid ID.
First-time applicants must be 30 years or younger.
You must be accepted or provisionally accepted into a B.Ed. programme at a public university.
You must specialise in at least two priority subject areas.
You must have a Matric exemption/bachelor's pass with at least Level 4 (50%) in two teaching subjects.
Foundation Phase applicants need minimum Level 2 (30%) in Maths or Level 4 (50%) in Maths Literacy, plus Level 4 in Home Language.
You must have no criminal record (cleared by SAPS, Sexual Offenders Register, and Child Offenders Register).
You must not already hold a teaching qualification.
You must be willing to teach at any public school where the Provincial Education Department (PED) places you.

Application Checklist

Prepare these before starting your online application.

Certified copy of your SA ID document or Smart ID card. Certified copy of Matric certificate or latest academic transcript. University acceptance/provisional acceptance letter with student number. Proof of registration for a B.Ed. programme (or proof you have applied). Printout of your completed online Funza Lushaka application. SAPS clearance certificate (no criminal record).

Service Obligation Calculator

Funza Lushaka is not a loan, but it is not free money either. After you graduate, the Provincial Education Department (PED) will place you at a public school. You must teach there for one year for every year you were funded. If you received the bursary for all 4 years of your B.Ed., you owe 4 years of teaching. If you fail to complete this obligation, the bursary converts into a loan that must be repaid with interest.

Use this calculator to see your total commitment.

How Many Years Will You Be Funded?

Expected Graduation Year

How to Apply

Applications are submitted online through the eGov Portal. No physical or emailed applications are accepted.

Register on the eGov Portal

Go to www.eservices.gov.za and create an account. You will need a valid email address and cellphone number for OTP verification.

Online only

Select "Funza Lushaka Bursary Scheme"

Log in and navigate to the e-Services menu. Click "Funza Lushaka Bursary Scheme." Enter the OTP sent to your phone and accept the Terms and Conditions.

OTP verification required

Complete the 2026 Application

Click the "2026 Application" button on your dashboard. Fill in every field accurately: your name must match your ID exactly, your student number must be valid, and your chosen subjects must be priority areas. Accept the declaration confirming your information.

You need a student number first

Print and Submit to Your University

After submitting online, print the application and take it to your university's Funza Lushaka coordinator along with certified copies of your ID, Matric results, and acceptance letter. The coordinator handles the rest from there.

Via your university coordinator

What Happens If You Do Not Complete Your Teaching Obligation?

If you graduate but refuse placement, fail to teach the required number of years, or leave teaching early, the full bursary converts into a loan. You will be required to repay every cent with interest through NSFAS. This includes tuition, accommodation, books, and all allowances received. There is no negotiation on this point. The Department of Basic Education tracks compliance closely and will pursue repayment. Before accepting this bursary, make sure you are genuinely committed to teaching in a public school for the duration of your obligation.

Tip: You Must Reapply Every Year

The bursary is awarded one academic year at a time. Returning students must reapply annually before the closing date (usually 30 November for the following year). Renewal depends on passing all modules and maintaining a minimum average of 55% across your programme. If your grades drop, your funding can be suspended. Check with your university's Funza Lushaka coordinator early each year to confirm deadlines.

Common Questions

Can I choose which school I am placed at?

No. The Provincial Education Department (PED) decides where you are placed based on where teachers are needed most. This often means rural or under-resourced schools. You must accept the placement. Refusing it triggers the loan conversion clause.

Is the PGCE funded in 2026?

For 2026, the PGCE is not funded under the Funza Lushaka programme. The focus is on the 4-year B.Ed. and the 4-year B.Ed. in Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE). This can change from year to year, so check the official Funza Lushaka website for the latest updates.

Can I hold both Funza Lushaka and NSFAS at the same time?

Funza Lushaka is administered through NSFAS, so the two are effectively linked. If you are awarded the Funza Lushaka bursary, NSFAS handles the disbursement. You cannot receive a separate NSFAS loan on top of it, but the Funza Lushaka bursary covers everything NSFAS would have covered and more (including teaching practice costs).

What if I fail a module?

You must inform the bursary administrators immediately. Continued funding depends on satisfactory academic progress. If you fail too many modules or your overall average drops below 55%, your bursary may be suspended or terminated. Talk to your university's Funza Lushaka coordinator as soon as possible if you are struggling academically.

Can I change my university after applying?

No. Once your application is submitted, you cannot change universities. Your application is tied to the student number and institution you entered. If you transfer, your bursary will be voided and you will need to reapply in the next cycle (if still eligible).

When do applications open for 2027?

Applications typically open around October each year. For the 2026 intake, applications opened on 7 October 2025 and closed on 1 February 2026 for new applicants. Returning bursars had an earlier deadline of 30 November 2025. Expect a similar timeline for 2027. Monitor the official portal for announcements.

Important Documents & Links

These official resources will help you prepare your application, understand the programme requirements, and stay informed throughout your studies.

Official Funza Lushaka Portal

funzalushaka.doe.gov.za - Apply, check status, FAQs

eGov Application Portal

eservices.gov.za - Register and submit your application

DBE Programme Page

education.gov.za - Official programme overview

Official FAQ Page

funzalushaka.doe.gov.za/Home/FAQ

Read Before You Apply (PDF)

DHET - Official pre-application guide

NSFAS Website

nsfas.org.za - Financial aid partner

grantZA is an independent informational guide and is not affiliated with the Department of Basic Education, NSFAS, or any government department. For official enquiries, contact the DBE call centre at 0800 202 933 or email [email protected].