How Does Funza Lushaka Work In 2026/2027

How Does Funza Lushaka Work In 2026/2027

Funza Lushaka 2025/2026: Understanding the Application Process and Funding Options:

The Funza Lushaka bursary programme is a South African government initiative that provides financial assistance to students who wish to pursue a teaching degree or diploma. The programme is aimed at addressing the shortage of qualified teachers in the country, particularly in rural and under-resourced areas. If you are interested in applying for the Funza Lushaka bursary for the 2026/2027 academic year, keep reading to see what you need to know.

The application period for the Funza Lushaka Bursary for the 2026/2027 academic year is set to open on 8th October 2026 and close on 2nd February 2027. Prospective applicants are advised to submit their applications before the closing date to avoid any disappointment. The Funza Lushaka Bursary Initiative is a long-term program that aims to encourage individuals to pursue a career in teaching. Eligible applicants must be enrolled in a public institution or plan to enrol in pursuing a Bachelor of Education (BEd) or a Postgraduate Certificate of Education (PGCE).

The Funza Lushaka Bursary is a full-cost bursary that covers tuition fees, accommodation, and living expenses. Recipients of the bursary are required to teach at a public school for the same duration as the bursary. If a recipient fails to fulfil this obligation, the bursary will be converted into a loan that must be repaid in full.

The application process for the Funza Lushaka Bursary is online, and applicants must provide personal information, academic transcripts, and proof of acceptance into a Bachelor of Education or Postgraduate Certificate of Education program. Additionally, applicants must provide proof of South African citizenship or permanent residency, a certified copy of their ID document, and a signed declaration of any previous financial assistance received from other bursary schemes.

Once applications have been processed, shortlisted candidates will be invited for an interview, after which successful applicants will be notified of their award. Recipients of the bursary will be required to sign an agreement form, which outlines the terms and conditions of the bursary.

Funza Lushaka Bursary Application Date For 2026/2027

All prospective students who would like to apply for Funza Lushaka bursary are to take note of the application opening and closing dates to avoid any form of disappointment. The Funza Lushaka online application date for the 2026/2027 academic year has been published below:

Funza Lushaka Application Open Date 2026: Applications for the Funza Lushaka bursary for 2026 will open on the 8th of October 2026 (08/10/2026)
Funza Lushaka Application Deadline 2026: The online application deadline for the 2026/2027 Funza Lushaka is the 2nd of February 2026. (02/02/2026)
Funza Lushaka Re-Application Date 2026: Re-applications for Existing/Returning Bursars close on 30/11/2026

NOTE: All first-time applicants must be 30 years or younger to apply for the Funza Lushaka Bursary.

Does Funza Lushaka Work In 2026/2027

Here is how the Funza Lushaka bursary programme works:

Funza Lushaka Application Eligibility Criteria In 2026/2027

To be eligible for the Funza Lushaka bursary, you must meet the following criteria:

Be a South African citizen
Have a valid ID document
Be accepted to study for a teaching degree or diploma at a recognised public university or university of technology in South Africa
Be prepared to teach at a public school for the same number of years that you receive the bursary
Have a combined family income of less than R350,000 per year.

Funza Lushaka Application Process For 2026/2027

The application process for the Funza Lushaka bursary is an online process. The application portal usually opens in October and closes in January of the following year. The following steps are involved:

To apply for the bursary, you need to register on the Funza Lushaka website. You will be required to provide your details, contact information and academic information.

Complete the online application form:

Once you have registered, you can log in and complete the online application form. You will be required to provide information about your course of study, your academic performance, and your financial situation.

Upload supporting documents:

You will also be required to upload supporting documents, such as certified copies of your ID document, academic records, and proof of income.

Submit your application:

have completed the application and uploaded all the necessary documents, you can submit your application.

Funza Lushaka Application Process

All first-time applicants must be 30 years or younger to apply for the Funza Lushaka Bursary.

Open the e-Gov portal at www.eservices.gov.za
Register by providing personal information
Log in to the system using user username and password created when registering
On the e-Services Menu, select Funza Lushaka Bursary Scheme
Enter the OTP received on the preferred channel
Accept the Terms and Conditions
On the dashboard, do not click on the 2026 application button
Follow the steps to complete the required field with your information
Accept the declaration to confirm the information captured

Funza Lushaka Application Selection Criteria

The selection of applicants for the Funza Lushaka bursary is a competitive process. Applications are evaluated based on academic performance, financial need, and the demand for qualified teachers in certain subjects and areas. The following factors are taken into consideration:

Academic performance:

Applicants with excellent academic records are given priority.

Financial need:

Applicants who come from disadvantaged backgrounds and who have a limited ability to fund their studies are given preference.

Demand for teachers:

Priority is given to applicants who are willing to teach in high-need subject areas such as maths, science, and technology, and rural and under-resourced areas.

Funza Lushaka Application Bursary Coverage

If you are successful in your application, you will be awarded a bursary that covers your tuition fees, accommodation, and living expenses. In return, you will be required to teach at a public school for the same number of years that you receive the bursary. The bursary amount is based on the cost of tuition, accommodation, and living expenses, and may vary depending on your specific circumstances.

The Funza Lushaka bursary programme is an excellent opportunity for South African students who are passionate about teaching and wish to make a difference in their communities. If you meet the eligibility criteria and are interested in pursuing a teaching degree or diploma, you should consider applying for the Funza Lushaka bursary

Hope the information given above has been useful to you in applying for the bursary. For more details, visit the Funza Lushaka Bursary Programme website

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