Funza Lushaka Bursaries 2027: Apply for Teaching Careers
The Department of Basic Education is inviting qualifying South African students to apply for the Funza Lushaka Bursary Programme for the 2027 academic year. This bursary aims to support individuals who wish to pursue teaching careers in public schools across South Africa.
Application Closing Date: 31 January 2027 (New Applicants)
Location: Public Higher Education Institutions across South Africa
Programme Duration: Varies based on qualification
Stipend: Covers tuition, accommodation, meals, books, and more
Minimum Qualification: Approved initial teacher education qualification
Opportunity Type: Bursary
About the Funza Lushaka Bursary Programme
The Funza Lushaka Bursary Programme is designed to encourage more individuals to enter the teaching profession. It provides financial assistance to students who are studying approved initial teacher education qualifications at public higher education institutions. The programme is managed by the Department of Basic Education, with NSFAS handling the financial administration. A key condition of the bursary is that recipients must commit to teaching at a public school after completing their studies, with the service obligation generally matching the duration of the bursary funding.
About the Department of Basic Education
The Department of Basic Education is responsible for the country’s school education system. It focuses on providing quality education from early childhood development to Grade 12. The department works to ensure that all South African children have access to education that equips them with the necessary skills and knowledge for future success. Through initiatives like the Funza Lushaka Bursary, the department aims to address teacher shortages in critical subject areas and improve the overall quality of teaching in public schools.
What Does the Funza Lushaka Bursary Cover?
The bursary provides comprehensive financial support for eligible students. Depending on programme limits and institutional costs, funding may be allocated towards tuition fees, accommodation, meals, and essential learning materials such as books. It can also cover teaching practice expenses and a living allowance. The exact bursary amount can vary between institutions due to different cost structures, and there might be a cap on the funding provided, with students responsible for any costs exceeding this limit.
Who Can Apply for the Funza Lushaka Bursary?
This bursary is intended for South African citizens who aspire to become qualified teachers. This includes current Grade 12 learners, graduates looking to enter teaching, individuals seeking a career change into education, and unemployed individuals aiming to become teachers. Generally, first-time applicants should be 30 years old or younger. Applicants must also meet the admission requirements for their chosen teaching qualification and be accepted into an eligible public higher education institution.
Which Teaching Qualifications Are Funded?
The Funza Lushaka Bursary supports specific initial teacher education qualifications. These include the Bachelor of Education (BEd) and the Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) for Senior Phase and Further Education and Training (FET) teaching. It is important for applicants to confirm that their chosen programme is eligible for Funza Lushaka funding, as qualifications like the Advanced Certificate in Education are not supported by this bursary.
Priority Teaching Subjects
To address shortages in the education sector, Funza Lushaka prioritizes certain teaching areas. For the Foundation Phase, priority subjects include general Foundation Phase teaching, South African Indigenous Languages, Neurodevelopment needs, Braille, and South African Sign Language. For the Intermediate and Senior Phases, applicants are encouraged to specialize in Languages, Mathematics, Natural Science, and Technology. Priority subjects for the FET Phase may include Accounting, Agricultural Sciences, Computer
