Teaching is one of the few careers where the funding comes with a job waiting at the end. The Funza Lushaka bursary pays for your teaching degree, and you repay it by working in a public school. Applications for 2027 are open right now, and the clock is ticking for some applicants. This guide explains what the bursary covers, who gets picked, how the work back rule really works and the mistakes that sink applications.
What Is the Funza Lushaka Bursary?
Funza Lushaka is a teaching bursary run by the Department of Basic Education. NSFAS handles the financial administration on behalf of the department, but the programme itself is separate from NSFAS. The aim is simple. South Africa needs more qualified teachers in specific subjects and phases, and the bursary steers students toward them.
The bursary is competitive. Provincial funding quotas can leave out applicants who meet every criterion. Meeting the requirements gets you considered. It does not guarantee an award.
Key Dates for the 2027 Intake
Applications opened on 1 October 2026. New applicants have until 31 January 2027, while returning bursars must reapply by 30 November 2026. One site lists 1 February 2027 for new applicants, so treat 31 January as your safe deadline. Late applications will not be considered.
You do not need to wait for matric results to start. Matriculants can apply for university admission and the bursary in the same period, then upload final results when they arrive. Selection reportedly runs from February to March 2027.
What Does the Bursary Pay For?
Funding covers tuition, accommodation, meals, books and learning materials, plus a small living allowance where possible. Tuition is capped at a ceiling set by the department, so you pay any excess your university charges. Ask your university about its fee structure before you assume everything is covered.
The bursary is awarded one academic year at a time, so returning students must reapply every year.
Who Can Apply?
You must be a South African citizen with a valid ID. First time applicants must be 30 years or younger. You also need admission to a teaching qualification at a public university, because securing a place comes before the bursary application. Private colleges and overseas institutions are not funded.
Matriculants and First Time University Entrants
You need a matric pass at exemption, endorsement or bachelor degree admission level. Your subjects matter too, because your teaching specialisation must fall within the priority list. Strong marks in Mathematics, Physical Sciences or languages help.
Existing University Students
If you already study education, the rules lean on your marks. The 2026 application notes require at least a 55% average across all modules for the bursary. Check the 2027 notes for the exact percentages, because they can change between years.
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Priority Subjects: Where Most Applications Fail
This is the rule people overlook. Your qualification must include at least two priority areas. A BEd with no priority subjects will not qualify, however good your marks are.
Listed priority areas include Physical Sciences, Technical Mathematics, Technical Science, Braille, South African Sign Language and neurodevelopmental needs. Foundation Phase applicants can also qualify through South African indigenous languages. The list shifts with teacher demand, so confirm the current version before you choose your modules.
Choose your degree around these subjects before you apply to university. Fixing your specialisation after you are admitted is much harder.
What About PGCE Students?
Sources disagree here. Some 2027 guides say an approved PGCE for Senior Phase and FET teaching may be funded. The department’s 2026 application notes, however, state that Funza Lushaka does not currently fund PGCE. If you are a graduate planning a PGCE, read the official 2027 application notes or call the department before you rely on this bursary.
The Work Back Rule Explained
Funza Lushaka is not a free gift. You teach one year in a public school for every year of funding you receive. Four years of funding means four years in the classroom. You may not choose a private school or a different career instead.
Also Read: AGSA Bursary 2027: Requirements, Funding and How to Apply
Breaking the terms can mean repaying the full amount with interest, set by NSFAS. That is a serious risk, so only sign if you genuinely want to teach. If you do, the arrangement gives you something rare. You graduate with no debt and a clear route into employment.
Can You Combine It With NSFAS?
No. You cannot hold a separate NSFAS bursary while on Funza Lushaka. Many students apply for NSFAS as a backup because places are limited, which makes sense. If Funza Lushaka comes through, it replaces the NSFAS award rather than adding to it.
How to Apply Step by Step
Apply through the government portal at eservices.gov.za, not through a third party. You open the e-Gov portal, register with your personal details, log in, then select the Funza Lushaka Bursary Scheme from the menu. An OTP sent through your chosen channel confirms your identity. Complete each section, accept the declaration and submit.
Have your university student number, ID and academic results ready. Keep your login details and a copy of your application safe, because you will use the same account to track your status.
Mistakes That Cost Applicants the Bursary
Missing the deadline is the obvious one. Others are quieter. Some students choose a degree without two priority subjects. Some switch universities after submitting. Others enter wrong details, which the department treats as a reason to reject. Double check every field before you hit submit.
Watch for scams too. Applying is free, and you should never pay anyone to guarantee a bursary or share your password or PIN. For official help, the department call centre is 0800 202 933.
FAQs
Is the Funza Lushaka bursary free to apply for?
Yes. No application fee applies, and anyone asking for payment is not legitimate.
Can I apply before I get my matric results?
Yes, matriculants usually apply in the same window and submit final results once they have them. Your university admission still has to come through.
Do I need to apply to a university first?
Yes. The bursary supports students at public universities, so you secure admission to a teaching qualification before the bursary can follow.
What if I am older than 30?
First time applicants must be 30 or younger. Returning bursars follow a different process because they are already funded.
How do I know whether I got it?
Log into the eServices portal and open the application status section. The department also contacts successful applicants after selection.
Will I choose where I teach?
Not entirely. You must teach in a public school, and the department places bursars according to need. Ask about placement terms in your bursary agreement.
Conclusion
Funza Lushaka suits people who already want to teach. The funding is generous, but it comes with a real service commitment and a strict subject requirement. Pick a degree with at least two priority subjects, secure your university place, and submit your application well before 31 January 2027. Returning bursars should reapply by 30 November. Start this week while the window is open.
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