In South Africa, the government supports the Lushaka Bursary Program, which encourages teaching as a career. Its main objective is to entice talented, dedicated youth to pursue careers as teachers, particularly in subjects where public schools now lack enough resources. For the same number of years as they received funding, bursary recipients must teach in a public school.
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Application Deadline:
📅 January 24, 2026
🗓️ Re-applications for Returning Bursars close on November 30, 2025
🗓️ New applications close on January 24, 2026
📢 Applications open on October 7, 2025
Get Up to $100,000 Student Loan for Your Master in US or Canada.
Tell Me About the Award:
The Funza Lushaka Bursary Programme is a South African government-funded initiative that promotes teaching as a career by supporting students pursuing Bachelor of Education (BEd) or Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) degrees.
The bursary aims to attract capable, committed young individuals into teaching, particularly in priority subject areas where qualified teachers are scarce.
Recipients are required to teach in a public school for the same number of years that they received funding.
Who Can Apply? (Eligibility Criteria):
To qualify, applicants must:
- Be South African citizens with a valid ID.
- Be 30 years or younger (for first-time applicants).
- Be accepted or provisionally accepted into a BEd or approved PGCE programme.
- Specialise in two or more designated priority subject areas.
- Show academic competence and commitment to teaching.
- Not already hold a teaching qualification.
- Not apply for extended or part-time programmes (unless they meet minimum funding criteria).
Priority Subject Areas:
The bursary prioritises subjects where teacher shortages exist:
Foundation Phase (Grades R–3)
- Preference for South African Indigenous Languages
Intermediate Phase (Grades 4–6)
- Emphasis on Languages, Natural Sciences, and Technology
Senior & FET Phase (Grades 7–12)
- Mathematics
- Physical Sciences
- Computer Applications Technology
- Engineering Graphics & Design
- Agricultural Sciences
⚠️ Note: Oversupplied subjects like Geography, History, Economics, and Physical Education are generally not funded.
What Does the Bursary Cover? (Benefits):
The Funza Lushaka Bursary covers:
- Tuition fees
- Accommodation and meals
- Books and learning materials
- Teaching practice costs
- A small living allowance (in some cases)
How to Apply (Step-by-Step):
Follow these 9 easy steps on the e-Gov portal:
- Visit www.eservices.gov.za
- Register by providing your personal information
- Log in using your username and password
- Select Funza Lushaka Bursary Scheme from the e-Services menu
- Enter the OTP received via your preferred channel
- Accept the Terms and Conditions
- On the dashboard, click 2026 Application
- Complete all required fields accurately
- Accept the Declaration to confirm your information
For More Information:
🔗 Visit the Official Webpage of the Funza Lushaka Bursary Programme
