Funza Lushaka 2026: Applications, Requirements, Benefits, and Closing Dates

The Funza Lushaka Bursary Programme remains one of South Africa’s most important education funding opportunities for aspiring teachers. As we move towards the Funza Lushaka 2026 application cycle, thousands of students are already preparing their documents to secure this government-funded bursary.

If you are serious about studying towards a teaching qualification and want full financial support, this detailed guide will give you everything you need to know about the Funza Lushaka 2026 bursary—from eligibility and covered expenses to deadlines, application steps, and contract obligations.

Funza Lushaka Bursary Programme

The Funza Lushaka Bursary is a teaching-focused bursary funded by the National Department of Basic Education (DBE). It provides full-cost funding to students pursuing a Bachelor of Education (B.Ed.) degree at a South African public university. The goal is simple but powerful: to attract bright, young South Africans into teaching, particularly in priority subjects where teachers are in short supply.

For 2026, the bursary continues to focus on producing qualified teachers in Mathematics, Science, Technology, Engineering, and South African Indigenous Languages, ensuring learners are equipped with the critical skills needed in the 21st century.

Who Can Apply for Funza Lushaka 2026?

The bursary targets youth under the age of 30 who are ready to make a long-term commitment to the teaching profession. To qualify for Funza Lushaka 2026, applicants must meet the following requirements:

General requirements

• Must be a South African citizen with a valid ID.
• Must be 30 years or younger (if applying for the first time).
• Must be accepted into a B.Ed. degree at a public university.
• Must specialise in two or more priority subject areas.
• Must have a strong academic record.
• Must be willing to teach at any public school as allocated by the Provincial Education Department (PED).
• Must not have any existing teaching qualification.
• Must not have a criminal record.

Matric and subject requirements

• Foundation Phase applicants (Grade R – 3): Minimum level 2 (30%) in Mathematics OR level 4 (50%) in Mathematical Literacy, plus at least level 4 (50%) in your Home Language.
• Intermediate Phase applicants (Grade 4 – 6): Minimum level 4 (50%) in Mathematics and Home Language. Must also specialise in Indigenous Languages, Natural Science, and Technology.
• Senior & FET Phase applicants (Grade 7 – 12): Bachelor’s pass in Matric with at least level 4 (50%) in two priority subject areas. For technical subjects such as Computer Applications Technology (CAT), Mathematics or Technical Mathematics is required.

What Does Funza Lushaka 2026 Cover?

The Funza Lushaka Bursary 2026 is designed as a full-cost bursary. It covers:

• Tuition fees (full cost of study at a public university)
• Accommodation and meals
• Books and study materials
• Teaching practice costs
• Living allowance (a small monthly stipend depending on tuition costs)

This means successful applicants can focus fully on their studies without the financial burden that most South African students face.

Important: Subjects That Will Not Be Funded in 2026

To align with national priorities, the Funza Lushaka 2026 bursary will not fund students who want to specialise in oversupplied or low-demand subjects. These include:

• History
• Geography
• Accounting
• Economics
• Business Studies
• Physical Education
• Religious Studies
• Music, Dance, Art
• English and Afrikaans (oversupplied)

The programme instead prioritises STEM subjects (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) and Indigenous South African Languages.

Funza Lushaka 2026 Service Contract

All successful bursary holders must sign a service contract. The key condition is:

• For every year of funding received, you must teach for one year at a public school after graduation.
• You will be placed in a school by the Provincial Education Department, and you must accept the placement.

This ensures the country benefits directly from your teaching qualification while you gain guaranteed employment after graduation.

Funza Lushaka 2026 Application Dates and Deadlines

The bursary has strict deadlines. Missing them means you will not be considered.

• Closing date for NEW applications: 30 November 2025
• Closing date for RE-APPLICATIONS (returning students): 26 January 2026

It is recommended to apply early to avoid last-minute system issues on the eServices portal.

How to Apply for Funza Lushaka 2026

Applications must be submitted online only via the government e-Services portal. Follow these steps:

1. Visit the e-Government Portal.
2. Register an account by filling in your personal details.
3. Log in with your username and password.
4. Select “Funza Lushaka Bursary Scheme” from the e-Services menu.
5. Insert the OTP sent to your phone.
6. Read and accept the Terms and Conditions.
7. Click on the “2026 application” button.
8. Fill in all required details carefully.
9. Accept the declaration confirming your information.

Important tips for applicants:

• You must already have a student number from a university before applying.
• Only online applications are accepted (no hard copy submissions).
• Make sure your priority subject areas match the Funza Lushaka requirements.
• Double-check your details before final submission.

Renewal of Funza Lushaka 2026

The bursary is awarded one year at a time. Returning students must reapply each year and meet performance requirements. Renewal depends on:

• Passing all modules in the previous year.
• Achieving at least 55% average overall.
• Achieving at least 66.5% average in modules related to your teaching specialisation.

Failure to meet these standards could mean losing funding.

Why Apply for Funza Lushaka 2026?

The bursary is not just about financial support. It is about securing your future as a teacher in a country that urgently needs skilled educators. With guaranteed funding and a job placement after graduation, Funza Lushaka 2026 is a life-changing opportunity for South African youth who are serious about education.

Contact Details for Funza Lushaka 2026

For queries about the bursary, contact your university’s Funza Lushaka coordinator. Do not contact NSFAS, DHET, or DBE directly.

Alternatively, the Department of Basic Education can be reached at:

• Tel: 012 357 3000
• Email: inquiries.funzalushaka@dbe.gov.za