Discover the Department of Basic Education’s Funza Lushaka Application open for bursary 2026 — a fully funded opportunity for aspiring South African teachers.
Nurturing Tomorrow’s Educators Through Opportunity, Passion, and Purpose
Education is the foundation of every nation’s success — it shapes societies, opens minds, and builds futures. Recognizing this, the Department of Basic Education (DBE) has for years invested in nurturing one of the most powerful professions in the world — teaching.
One of the flagship initiatives making this possible is the Funza Lushaka Bursary Programme, designed to support aspiring teachers in South Africa who dream of making a real difference in classrooms and communities.
As applications for the 2026 academic year open, many passionate young South Africans are preparing to take advantage of this life-changing opportunity. This guide will explore everything you need to know about the bursary — from eligibility and benefits to application details, responsibilities, and why becoming a teacher in South Africa today is more meaningful than ever.
What Is the Funza Lushaka Bursary Programme?
The Funza Lushaka Bursary Programme is a national funding initiative introduced by the Department of Basic Education (DBE) to encourage young people to study teaching as a profession. Its main goal is to address the shortage of qualified and skilled teachers in priority subjects, especially in rural and underserved areas.
This programme supports full-time students who wish to complete a Bachelor of Education (B.Ed.) or a Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) at recognized South African universities.
The bursary is not just financial support — it’s a commitment to the future of education. In exchange for funding, beneficiaries agree to teach in public schools upon completing their qualification. This “study now, serve later” approach ensures that talented teachers return the investment by shaping young minds in classrooms across the country.
Purpose of the Programme
The primary aim of the Funza Lushaka Bursary is to:
- Attract dedicated, skilled, and motivated individuals into the teaching profession.
- Promote quality education by supporting students in key subjects such as Mathematics, Science, Technology, Languages, and Special Needs Education.
- Address the shortage of qualified teachers in rural and remote schools.
- Build a diverse and inclusive teaching workforce that represents South Africa’s rich cultural identity.
The programme plays a vital role in transforming education delivery, ensuring that every child — regardless of where they live — has access to knowledgeable, passionate, and professional teachers.
🎓 Who Can Apply?
The Funza Lushaka Bursary 2026 is open to all South African citizens who are passionate about education and committed to teaching in public schools. Applicants must demonstrate academic potential, commitment to teaching, and a desire to make a positive social impact.
General Eligibility Requirements
To apply, candidates must meet the following criteria:
- Be a South African citizen with a valid ID number.
- Be accepted into or currently studying at an accredited public higher education institution.
- Intend to study for a B.Ed. (Bachelor of Education) or PGCE (Postgraduate Certificate in Education).
- Have a strong academic record with good results in key subjects related to teaching.
- Be committed to teaching in a public school after completing the qualification.
- Not be employed full-time or in another government bursary scheme.
- Meet the admission requirements of the chosen university and education programme.
🔹 For First-Year B.Ed. Students
- Must have completed Grade 12 with a university admission pass.
- Should have good grades in subjects like Mathematics, Life Sciences, Physical Sciences, or Languages, depending on the specialization.
- Preference is given to applicants planning to teach priority subjects.
🔹 For PGCE Students
- Must have completed a relevant undergraduate degree in a teaching-related field.
- The undergraduate qualification should include subjects suitable for teaching in the school curriculum.
- PGCE applicants must be ready to specialize in priority learning areas identified by the Department of Basic Education.
Priority Teaching Subjects for 2026
Each year, the Department identifies subjects where teacher shortages are most critical. Applicants who choose these subjects stand a better chance of being funded.
For 2026, priority areas include:
- Mathematics
- Physical Sciences
- Life Sciences
- Agricultural Sciences
- Technology
- Technical Subjects (Mechanical, Electrical, Civil)
- English (Home and First Additional Language)
- African Languages
- Geography
- Accounting
- Economics
- Computer Applications Technology (CAT) and Information Technology (IT)
- Foundation Phase Teaching (especially with a focus on literacy and numeracy)
By prioritizing these fields, the bursary aims to balance subject expertise across schools, ensuring all learners have access to qualified teachers.
What the Funza Lushaka Bursary Covers
One of the reasons the Funza Lushaka Programme stands out is its comprehensive coverage of study-related costs. The bursary fully funds your studies, allowing you to focus on learning without financial stress.
The bursary typically covers:
- Full tuition fees at a public university
- Accommodation costs (including meals or allowances)
- Books and learning materials
- Living allowance for basic personal expenses
- Teaching practice support (if applicable)
This all-inclusive financial support ensures that talented individuals from all backgrounds — including those from low-income households — have equal access to quality teacher training.
Application Process and Key Dates
Applications for the Funza Lushaka Bursary 2026 typically open around October each year and close in February of the following year. It’s essential to apply as early as possible to avoid last-minute system congestion.
Step-by-Step Application Guide:
- Visit the official Funza Lushaka online portal.
(Hosted through the Department of Basic Education’s website.) - Register for an account if you are a first-time user.
- Log in and complete the online application form with your personal and academic details.
- Upload required documents, including:
- Certified ID copy
- Academic transcripts or latest results
- Proof of university acceptance or registration
- Proof of residence
- Submit your application and ensure all information is accurate.
- Check your email regularly for updates or additional document requests.
- Wait for confirmation of approval or further steps.
Successful applicants will be contacted by the Department of Basic Education and instructed to sign a bursary contract agreement before funds are released.
Obligations of Bursary Recipients
The Funza Lushaka Bursary comes with a service commitment. In return for financial support, beneficiaries agree to teach at a public school for the same number of years that they received the bursary.
For example:
- If you were funded for four years, you’ll need to teach for four years in a public school.
This ensures that the investment directly benefits communities in need of qualified educators.
If a recipient fails to fulfill the teaching obligation, the bursary converts into a repayable loan.
Benefits of the Funza Lushaka Bursary Programme (22 Key Advantages)
- Full financial support – Covers tuition, accommodation, books, and meals.
- Accessible to all South African citizens, promoting equal opportunity.
- Encourages youth employment in a respected profession.
- Develops professional teaching expertise aligned with national standards.
- Improves rural education access by deploying teachers where needed most.
- Provides career stability through guaranteed post-graduation employment.
- Strengthens South Africa’s education system with well-trained teachers.
- Encourages multilingualism and cultural inclusivity in education.
- Empowers students from low-income backgrounds to achieve higher education.
- Reduces national teacher shortages in critical subjects.
- Offers mentorship and career development during studies.
- Promotes excellence in teaching methodologies.
- Enhances community impact by improving literacy and numeracy rates.
- Creates lifelong learning opportunities and leadership pathways.
- Encourages gender balance and diversity within the education workforce.
- Supports innovation in classroom technology and modern teaching.
- Boosts morale and motivation among aspiring teachers.
- Instills pride and purpose in public service.
- Builds networks of like-minded educators across the country.
- Strengthens educational quality in historically disadvantaged schools.
- Drives social mobility through education-driven careers.
- Supports South Africa’s vision for inclusive, quality education for all.
Teaching as a Career: More Than Just a Job
Teaching is often described as a calling — a career built not only on skill but on heart and dedication. For many Funza Lushaka recipients, the programme is more than just a bursary; it’s an entry into a community of professionals who shape the minds of future generations.
Teachers play a vital role in:
- Inspiring curiosity and creativity in learners.
- Bridging inequalities through education access.
- Uplifting communities by empowering youth.
- Promoting national growth through education and innovation.
The Funza Lushaka Programme doesn’t only open academic doors — it also opens the door to a purposeful, impactful life.
What Happens After Graduation?
Once you’ve completed your qualification, the Department of Basic Education helps place you in a public school that matches your specialization. Priority is often given to rural and under-resourced areas, where your skills can make the biggest difference.
Placement ensures that every graduate contributes to the education system and gains valuable real-world experience in diverse school environments.
During your service, you’ll enjoy:
- A monthly salary aligned with government pay scales.
- Opportunities for career advancement (e.g., senior educator, HOD, principal).
- Continuous professional development through workshops and training.
- The satisfaction of changing lives through education.
Why the Funza Lushaka Programme Matters for South Africa
South Africa continues to face challenges in education — from classroom overcrowding to shortages of qualified teachers in rural schools. The Funza Lushaka Bursary Programme is one of the most effective tools the government has implemented to close these gaps.
Through this initiative:
- Thousands of teachers have already been trained and placed in schools.
- Learners in disadvantaged communities have gained access to quality education.
- Education quality and equity continue to improve, year after year.
By funding passionate educators, South Africa is investing directly in its economic and social future.
Human Stories: How the Bursary Changes Lives
Many past recipients share emotional and inspiring stories of how the bursary transformed their lives:
“Before Funza Lushaka, I thought I’d never afford university. Now, not only did I graduate with my B.Ed., but I’m teaching Mathematics in my hometown, helping learners achieve what I once dreamed of.”
— Nthabiseng, 2021 Graduate, Limpopo
“Teaching has given me purpose. Funza Lushaka didn’t just fund my studies — it gave me a career, a community, and a calling.”
— Thabo, 2020 Recipient, Eastern Cape
These stories highlight the true essence of the programme: empowerment through education.
Tips for a Successful Application
- Apply early — don’t wait until the last day.
- Double-check your documents for accuracy and certification.
- Highlight your passion for teaching in your motivation statement.
- Select priority subjects to increase your chances of selection.
- Ensure your academic record meets the requirements.
- Keep copies of all your application materials.
- Be responsive to follow-up emails or requests for more info.
Remember: competition is high, so present yourself as a committed, reliable, and passionate future educator.
A Gateway to a Meaningful Future
The Funza Lushaka Bursary Programme 2026 isn’t just about financial assistance — it’s about nation-building. It creates a ripple effect that benefits not only the recipients but also the learners, schools, and communities they serve.
Every bursary awarded represents a child who will one day learn to read, count, and dream — because someone believed in the power of education.
Final Thoughts
The Department of Basic Education continues to demonstrate its commitment to transforming South Africa’s education landscape through initiatives like Funza Lushaka.
For many young people, this programme is the bridge between potential and opportunity, dream and reality, and education and empowerment.
If you are passionate about shaping minds, guiding futures, and being part of something truly impactful, then the Funza Lushaka Bursary 2026 is your chance to step into a rewarding journey — where every lesson you teach can change a life forever.