Funza Lushaka Bursary Programme 2027 – Teaching Bursaries in South Africa | Apply by 31 January 2027
Programme: Funza Lushaka Bursary Programme 2027
Location: South Africa
Bursary Type: Teacher Education Bursary
Application Opening Date: 1 October 2026
Closing Date for New Applicants: 31 January 2027
Closing Date for Returning Bursars: 30 November 2026
Overview
Applications for the Funza Lushaka Bursary Programme for the 2027 academic year opened on 1 October 2026.
The Funza Lushaka Bursary Programme is a South African teacher education funding initiative that supports eligible students pursuing qualifications in teaching.
The programme aims to encourage students to enter the teaching profession and contribute to the development of South Africa’s education sector.
The 2027 application process is open to both first-time applicants and existing bursary recipients seeking continued funding.
All first-time applicants must be 30 years old or younger.
Applicants should note that new applications and returning bursary applications have different closing dates.
Important Application Dates
| Application Category | Date |
|---|---|
| Applications Open | 1 October 2026 |
| Returning Bursars Closing Date | 30 November 2026 |
| New Applicants Closing Date | 31 January 2027 |
Who Can Apply?
1. New Applicants
Individuals applying for the Funza Lushaka Bursary Programme for the first time.
Age Requirement: 30 years or younger.
Applicants must meet the programme’s eligibility criteria and complete the online application process.
2. Existing or Returning Bursars
Students who previously received funding through the Funza Lushaka Bursary Programme and wish to apply for continued support for the 2027 academic year.
Returning bursars must complete the required reapplication process.
Fields of Study
The Funza Lushaka Bursary Programme supports students pursuing recognised teacher education qualifications.
Teaching qualification pathways associated with the programme include:
- Bachelor of Education (BEd).
- Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE), where eligible under the applicable programme rules.
Applicants should consult the official Funza Lushaka website to confirm the approved qualifications, teaching phases and priority subjects for 2027.
Minimum Requirements
Based on the supplied 2027 application notice:
- First-time applicants must be 30 years old or younger.
- Applicants must register on the government e-Services portal.
- Applicants must complete the online bursary application.
- Applicants must provide accurate personal and application information.
- Applicants must accept the applicable terms and conditions.
- Applicants must complete the application declaration.
Additional academic and eligibility requirements may apply. These should be checked against the official 2027 programme criteria.
What Does the Funza Lushaka Bursary Cover?
The Funza Lushaka Bursary Programme provides financial support towards eligible teacher education studies.
Depending on the applicable funding rules, bursary support may include:
- Tuition fees.
- Accommodation.
- Meals.
- Prescribed learning materials.
- Other approved study-related expenses.
The supplied application notice does not specify the exact funding amounts or detailed 2027 benefit structure.
APPLICATION PROCESS
OTHER VACANCIES
- TWK Agri IT Trainee 2026 – Pietermaritzburg | Grade 12 | Permanent Position | Apply by 12 November 2026
- Wind Industry Internship Programme (WIIP) 2027 – South Africa | 12-Month Graduate Internships | Applications Open
- Managed People Solutions Learnership 2026 – Pretoria CBD | Grade 12 | No Experience Required | R3,500 Monthly Stipend
- Rio Tinto Richards Bay Minerals (RBM) Bursary Programme 2027 – KwaZulu-Natal | Grade 12 | Engineering, Science, Finance, Health and More
- Rohlig-Grindrod YES Programme 2027 – Johannesburg | Grade 12 | Apply by 15 November 2026