Funza Lushaka Teaching Bursary 2026 Summary
The Funza Lushaka Bursary Programme is a multi-year program that promotes teaching in public schools. Full-cost bursaries are available to enable eligible students to complete a teaching qualification in an area of national priority. After graduating, bursars are required to teach at a public school for the same number of years they received the bursary.
1. Quick Overview
| Detail | Information |
| Provider | Department of Basic Education (DBE) |
| Study Level | Undergraduate (B.Ed) or PGCE |
| Closing Date (New) | 24 January 2026 |
| Closing Date (Returning) | 24 January 2026 |
| Coverage | Full-cost (Tuition, accommodation, meals, books, and living allowance). |
2. Fields of Study Covered
Bursaries are specifically for teaching qualifications in priority subject areas (e.g., Mathematics, Science, African Languages, Foundation Phase).
B.Ed (Bachelor of Education) – 4 years.
PGCE (Postgraduate Certificate in Education) – 1 year (for graduates with existing degrees).
3. Minimum Eligibility Requirements
Citizenship: Must be a South African citizen with a valid ID number.
Academic Merit: Must meet the admission requirements of the university.
Placement Commitment: Must be willing to be placed in any public school in any province upon graduation.
Career Goal: Must be committed to a career in teaching.
Subjects: Must specialize in at least two priority subjects (or the Foundation Phase).
4. How to Apply (Step-by-Step)
Portal Access: Visit the official
e-Services Portal .Register/Login: Create a profile or log in with your existing details.
Selection: Select "Funza Lushaka Bursary" under the "Education" services tab.
Complete Profile: Ensure your personal details (name, ID, contact info) are 100% accurate.
Subject Choice: Choose your teaching phase and priority subjects.
Uploads: Upload clear digital copies (PDF/JPG) of the required documents.
Submit: Save your confirmation and take a screenshot of the submission page.
5. Required Supporting Documentation
Certified ID Copy.
Academic Records:
New Applicants: Final Grade 11 and/or Matric results.
Tertiary Students: Full academic record on university letterhead.
Proof of Admission/Application at a public university.
Proof of Residence (if requested).
6. How to Check Application Status
e-Services Portal: Log in and check the "Funza Lushaka" section for status updates (e.g., Submitted, Pending, Shortlisted, Unsuccessful).
Batch Updates: Note that statuses are updated in batches, so check weekly.
7. Common Reasons for Rejection
Choosing non-priority subjects.
Uploading unclear or incorrect documents.
Applying for a phase that is not in high demand in your province.
Late applications (especially for returning students).
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