Funza Lushaka 2026: Requirements, Benefits, Applications, and Deadlines

The Funza Lushaka 2026 Bursary Programme is still one of South Africa’s most important education funding possibilities for future teachers. As we approach the Funza Lushaka 2026 application cycle, thousands of students are eagerly compiling their documents to obtain this government-funded bursary.

If you are serious about pursuing a teaching certification and want complete financial assistance, this comprehensive guide will tell you all you need to know about the Funza Lushaka 2026 bursary, from eligibility and covered expenditures to closing date, application process, and contract requirements.

Funza Lushaka Bursary Programme

The Funza Lushaka bursary is a teaching-focused bursary provided by the National Department of Basic Education (DBE). It offers full-cost assistance to students pursuing a Bachelor of Education (B.Ed.) degree at a South African state university. The objective is straightforward but effective: to recruit brilliant, young South Africans to teach, particularly in priority topics where instructors are in short supply.

For 2026, the bursary continues to focus on creating trained teachers in Mathematics, Science, Technology, Engineering, and South African Indigenous Languages, ensuring learners are prepared with the key skills required. in the 21st century.

Who Can Apply for Funza Lushaka 2026?

The bursary is aimed toward young people under the age of 30 who are willing to make a long-term commitment to the teaching profession. To be eligible for Funza Lushaka 2026, candidates must fulfill the following requirements:

General requirements

• Must be a South African citizen with acceptable identification (ID book).
• You 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 specialize in two or more key subject areas.
• Must have a strong academic record.
• Must be willing to teach at any public school designated 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 applications (Grades 4–6): Minimum level 4 (50%) in Mathematics and Home Language. Must also have expertise in Indigenous Languages, Natural Science, and Technology.
• Senior and FET Phase applications (grades 7–12): Bachelor’s degree in Matric with at least level 4 (50%) in two key subjects. Technical topics such as Computer Applications Technology (CAT) require Mathematics or Technical Mathematics.

What Does Funza Lushaka 2026 Cover?

The Funza Lushaka Bursary 2026 is a full-cost minimal design bursary. It covers:

• Tuition fees (total cost of studying at a public institution)
• Accommodation and meals
• Books and study materials
• Teaching practice costs
• Living allowance (a little monthly compensation based on tuition expenses)

This means that successful applicants may concentrate entirely on their academics without the financial constraints that most South African students confront.

Important Note: Subjects that will not be funded in 2026.

To coincide with national goals, the Funza Lushaka 2026 bursary will not fund students wishing to specialize 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 recipients must sign a service agreement. The key condition is:

• After graduation, you must teach one year in a public school for every year of financing you get.
• The Provincial Education Department will place you in a school, and you must accept this placement.

This means that the country benefits directly from your teaching certification, while you are assured of work following graduation.

Funza Lushaka 2026 Application Dates and Deadlines

The bursary has strict deadlines. If you miss them, it means you will not be considered.

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

It is suggested that you apply early to minimize last-minute system difficulties on the eServices portal.

How to Apply for Funza Lushaka 2026

Applications must be submitted electronically solely through the government’s e-Services site. Follow these steps:

1. Visit the e-Government Portal.
2. Register an account by entering your personal information.
3. Log in with your username and password.
4. Select the “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.
10. Double-check and submit your application.

Important tips for applicants:

• Before you may apply, you must already have a university student number.
• Only online applications are accepted (no physical copies).
• Make sure your primary subject areas correspond to the Funza Lushaka standards.
• Double-check your details before final submission.

Also Read: Apply for NSFAS 2026 | Step-by-Step Guide for Students in South Africa

Renewal of Funza Lushaka 2026

The bursary is provided for one year at a time. Returning students must reapply every year and achieve performance standards. Renewal depends on:

Passing all modules in the previous year.
Achieving at least a 55% average overall.
Achieving at least a 66.5% average in modules same to your teaching specialization.
Failure to satisfy these requirements might result in losing funding.

Why Apply for Funza Lushaka 2026?

The bursary is not just about financial support. It is about securing your teaching career in a country that is immediately in need of qualified teachers. For South African young people who are passionate about education, Funza Lushaka 2026 offers a life-changing opportunity with guaranteed funding and a job placement after graduation.

Contact Details for Funza Lushaka 2026

To inquire about the bursary, get in touch with the Funza Lushaka coordinator at your university. Avoid making direct contact with NSFAS, DHET, or DBE.

As an alternative, you can contact the Department of Basic Education at:

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

FAQs