South Africans planning to pursue a career in teaching have been encouraged to prepare early for the Funza Lushaka Bursary Programme 2027, one of the country’s flagship initiatives for developing future educators.
The Department of Basic Education (DBE), through provincial education departments, has announced that the online application process for the 2027 bursary cycle is scheduled to open on 1 October 2026. The programme is aimed at unemployed youth under the age of 30 and Grade 12 learners who intend to study teaching in subjects where South Africa continues to experience teacher shortages.
With education remaining a national priority, the bursary provides qualifying students with financial support to complete a Bachelor of Education (BEd) qualification at a recognised public university.
Funza Lushaka Bursary 2027 Overview
| Programme | Funza Lushaka Bursary Programme 2027 |
|---|---|
| Managed By | Department of Basic Education |
| Qualification | Bachelor of Education (BEd) |
| Target Applicants | Grade 12 learners and unemployed youth |
| Maximum Age | Under 30 years |
| Applications Open | 1 October 2026 |
| Application Platform | Government eServices Portal |
What Is the Funza Lushaka Bursary?
The Funza Lushaka Bursary Programme is a government-funded initiative established to increase the number of qualified teachers in South African public schools.
Rather than funding all teaching specialisations equally, the programme focuses on priority subject areas where the education system has identified critical shortages. This approach helps ensure that graduates are trained in disciplines where schools need teachers the most.
Successful applicants receive financial assistance to complete their teaching qualification, subject to the programme’s terms and conditions.
Priority Teaching Subjects for 2027
The latest information indicates that bursaries will be prioritised for students specialising in the following learning phases and subjects.
Foundation Phase (Grades R–3)
Priority areas include:
- Literacy
- Numeracy
- Life Skills
- Braille
- South African Sign Language
- Neurodevelopmental Needs
- Languages of Learning and Teaching, including:
- English Home Language
- Afrikaans Home Language
- Sesotho Home Language
- Setswana Home Language
- isiZulu Home Language
- isiXhosa Home Language
The Department has indicated that approximately 75% of available bursaries will be allocated to Foundation Phase studies, reflecting the growing need for qualified teachers in early childhood education.
Intermediate Phase (Grades 4–6)
Students specialising in the following subjects may also be considered:
- Mathematics
- Natural Sciences and Technology
- Braille
- South African Sign Language
- Neurodevelopmental Needs
- African Languages
- English First Additional Language
- Life Skills
Senior Phase and FET (Grades 7–12)
Priority teaching subjects include:
- Mathematics
- Physical Sciences
- Agricultural Sciences
- Agricultural Technology
- Computer Applications Technology (CAT)
- Information Technology (IT)
- Engineering Graphics and Design
- Civil Technology
- Electrical Technology
- Mechanical Technology
- Technical Mathematics
- Technical Sciences
- Coding and Robotics
- Marine Sciences
- Maritime Economics
- Natural Sciences
- Home Languages
- South African Sign Language
- Braille
- Neurodevelopmental Needs
These subject areas have been identified because of ongoing teacher shortages across the country.
Who Can Apply?
Prospective applicants should generally meet the following requirements:
- Be a South African citizen.
- Be under the age of 30 if applying as an unemployed youth.
- Be a current Grade 12 learner or qualify for admission to a Bachelor of Education degree.
- Intend studying at one of South Africa’s recognised public universities.
- Choose a teaching specialisation within one of the identified priority subject areas.
Applicants must also satisfy the admission requirements of the university where they intend studying.
Application Process
The Department advises prospective students to complete the following steps.
Apply to a Public University
Candidates should first apply for admission to a Bachelor of Education programme at a recognised South African university. Each institution has its own application deadlines, so applicants are encouraged to apply early.
Complete the Teacher Recruitment Screening Form
Applicants are encouraged to complete the Teacher Recruitment Screening Form before submitting the bursary application. This screening assists in determining whether applicants qualify for the identified priority teaching subjects.
Submit the Online Funza Lushaka Application
The official online bursary application is expected to become available on the Government eServices portal from 1 October 2026.
Only applications submitted through the official government platform should be considered valid.
Why the Programme Focuses on Priority Subjects
South Africa’s education system continues to experience shortages in specialised teaching fields, particularly Mathematics, Science, Technology and Foundation Phase education.
By directing bursary funding towards these areas, the Department aims to improve the availability of qualified teachers while reducing shortages in schools across the country.
The Department also notes that it avoids funding subject combinations where national employment data indicates there is already an adequate supply of graduates.
Benefits of Becoming a Teacher
Teaching remains one of the country’s most meaningful professions.
Qualified teachers have the opportunity to:
- Shape future generations.
- Contribute to community development.
- Build long-term professional careers.
- Work across South Africa’s public and independent school sectors.
- Continue advancing through postgraduate qualifications and leadership opportunities.
For students passionate about education, the Funza Lushaka Bursary offers financial support while preparing for a rewarding career.
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Applications Open | 1 October 2026 |
| University Applications | According to each institution’s deadlines |
Applicants should monitor official Department of Basic Education announcements for confirmation of closing dates and any updates to the application process.
Editorial Transparency
This article has been independently prepared using publicly available information released by the Department of Basic Education and provincial education authorities. Every effort has been made to ensure factual accuracy at the time of publication. Applicants are encouraged to verify the latest eligibility requirements and application procedures through official government channels before applying.
Sources and References
- Department of Basic Education (DBE)
- Government eServices Portal
- Provincial Department of Education recruitment notice
- Funza Lushaka Bursary Programme information
Frequently Asked Questions
When will applications open?
Applications for the 2027 Funza Lushaka Bursary Programme are scheduled to open on 1 October 2026.
Who can apply?
Current Grade 12 learners and unemployed South Africans under the age of 30 who qualify to study a Bachelor of Education degree.
Which subjects receive priority?
Priority is given to Foundation Phase teaching, Mathematics, Physical Sciences, Agricultural Sciences, Technology, Coding and Robotics, Information Technology, Sign Language, Braille and several other shortage subject areas.
Do I need university admission first?
Yes. Applicants are advised to apply for admission to a recognised public university before completing the bursary application process.
Is the bursary available for all teaching subjects?
No. Funding is prioritised for teaching specialisations identified by the Department of Basic Education as national shortage areas.
Final Thoughts
The Funza Lushaka Bursary Programme 2027 continues to play an important role in strengthening South Africa’s education system by investing in future teachers. For learners and unemployed youth who are passionate about education, applying early, selecting a priority teaching subject and preparing all required documents can improve readiness once the online application portal officially opens in October 2026.
