Funza Lushaka: Bursary Programme 2027 Invites Applications from Unemployed Youth and Grade 12 Learners.

The Department of Basic Education (DBE) has officially invited unemployed youth and Grade 12 learners to apply for the 2027 Funza Lushaka Bursary Programme. The bursary is designed to encourage more students to pursue a career in teaching while helping to address the shortage of qualified teachers in priority subject areas across South Africa.

The Funza Lushaka Bursary Programme is a multi-year initiative that provides financial assistance to eligible students who wish to study towards a Bachelor of Education (BEd) degree in identified priority subjects. Successful applicants receive funding to complete their teaching qualifications at recognised public universities in South Africa.

This opportunity is available to unemployed youth under the age of 30 who have obtained a National Senior Certificate and qualify for Bachelor studies, as well as Grade 12 learners who intend to study teaching after completing their final examinations.

About the Funza Lushaka Bursary

The Funza Lushaka Bursary Programme was established to strengthen the education sector by producing more qualified teachers in subjects where shortages exist. Every year, the Department of Basic Education identifies priority teaching subjects and phases that require additional educators.

Applicants who meet the eligibility requirements and are accepted into approved Bachelor of Education programmes at public universities may qualify for financial assistance through the bursary programme.

The bursary covers students studying in approved teaching specialisations that align with the country’s education needs. Priority is given to students enrolling in fields where there is a significant demand for qualified teachers.

Who Can Apply?

Applications are invited from the following categories of prospective students:

• Unemployed South African youth under the age of 30.
• Individuals who possess a National Senior Certificate and qualify for Bachelor studies.
• Current Grade 12 learners planning to study teaching.
• Students intending to enrol for a Bachelor of Education degree at one of South Africa’s 24 public universities.
• Applicants specialising in the identified priority subject areas for 2027.

Meeting the minimum requirements does not automatically guarantee approval for funding, as applications are assessed according to the programme’s selection criteria and available funding.

Application Process

Prospective applicants are encouraged to complete each step carefully.

Step 1: Apply for Admission

The first step is to apply for admission to study a Bachelor of Education degree at any of South Africa’s 24 public universities. Applicants should ensure that they apply for a teaching qualification specialising in one of the identified priority subjects.

Universities have different application deadlines, and prospective students are encouraged to submit university applications as early as possible to avoid missing closing dates.

Step 2: Complete the Teacher Recruitment Screening Form

Applicants are required to complete the Funza Lushaka Teacher Recruitment Screening Form.

The screening form is available through the following link: https://bit.ly/4wIwLoV

This screening form is not the official bursary application. Instead, it is used to determine whether applicants meet the criteria for the priority subject areas funded through the Funza Lushaka Bursary Programme.

The screening form can be completed before the official bursary applications open.

Step 3: Submit the Online Bursary Application

Applicants who meet the requirements should submit the official online Funza Lushaka Bursary application through: www.eservices.gov.za

The official online application period opens on 1 October 2026.

Applicants are encouraged to prepare all necessary information before applications open to ensure a smooth submission process.

Priority Teaching Areas for 2027

The Department of Basic Education has identified several teaching phases and subject areas that qualify for bursary funding.

Foundation Phase (Grades R–3)

Priority subjects include:

• Braille
• South African Sign Language
• Neurodevelopmental Needs

Languages of Learning and Teaching:

• Sesotho Home Language
• Setswana Home Language
• Afrikaans Home Language
• isiZulu Home Language
• isiXhosa Home Language
• English Home Language

Additional learning areas include:

• Literacy
• Numeracy
• Life Skills

Intermediate Phase (Grades 4–6)

Priority subjects include:

• Mathematics
• Natural Science and Technology
• Braille
• South African Sign Language
• Neurodevelopmental Needs

Language specialisations include:

• Sesotho Home Language
• Setswana Home Language
• English First Additional Language
• Afrikaans Home Language
• isiZulu Home Language
• isiXhosa Home Language

Additional learning area:

• Life Skills

Senior Phase and FET Band (Grades 7–12)

The following subjects have been identified as priority areas:

• Agricultural Sciences
• Agricultural Technology
• Civil Technology
• Electrical Technology
• Mechanical Technology
• Engineering Graphics and Design
• Computer Applications Technology
• Information Technology
• Life Sciences
• Mathematics
• Physical Sciences
• Marine Sciences
• Maritime Economics
• Coding and Robotics
• Technical Mathematics
• Technical Science
• Braille
• South African Sign Language
• Neurodevelopmental Needs
• Natural Science
• Technology
• Home Languages

Students intending to specialise in these fields are encouraged to consider applying for the bursary.

Important Information

The Department of Basic Education has indicated that subject combinations where graduates were not placed according to the National Database will not be considered. This approach is intended to ensure that newly qualified teachers are trained in areas where there is a genuine need and to reduce the oversupply of graduates in subjects with limited employment opportunities.

In addition, 75% of the Funza Lushaka Bursary Programme has been prioritised for Foundation Phase teaching, highlighting the increasing demand for qualified educators in the early years of schooling.

TeacherConnect Screening Option

Applicants may also complete the screening process by sending the word “FUNZA” to the TeacherConnect WhatsApp chatbot.

WhatsApp Number: 060 060 3333

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Why Apply?

The Funza Lushaka Bursary Programme offers aspiring teachers an opportunity to receive financial assistance while preparing for a rewarding career in education. The programme plays a significant role in addressing teacher shortages across South Africa by supporting students who are willing to teach in priority subject areas.

Students who have a passion for education, enjoy working with young people, and wish to contribute to improving the country’s education system are encouraged to consider this bursary opportunity.

Application Opening Date

The official online Funza Lushaka Bursary applications for the 2027 academic year will open on: 1 October 2026

Prospective applicants should ensure they have already applied for admission to a Bachelor of Education programme at a public university and completed the Teacher Recruitment Screening Form before submitting the official bursary application.

Early preparation is strongly recommended, as university admission and bursary applications are separate processes. Applicants who satisfy all requirements and apply within the prescribed timeframes will have an opportunity to be considered for funding under the 2027 Funza Lushaka Bursary Programme.