A teaching bursary can change the future of a learner who wants to serve in the classroom. The Funza Lushaka Bursary Programme 2027 is opening for Grade 12 learners and unemployed youth under 30 who want to study teaching in priority subject areas.
Applications are scheduled to open on 1 October 2026 through the official eServices portal.
The bursary supports students who want to study towards a teaching qualification in areas where teachers are needed most.
For young people who want to become teachers, this is one of the most important bursary opportunities to prepare for early.
What Is the Funza Lushaka Bursary Programme?
The Funza Lushaka Bursary Programme is a multi-year teaching bursary initiative linked to the Department of Basic Education.
It is designed to encourage more young people to enter the teaching profession.
The programme also helps address teacher shortages in priority subject areas.
Successful applicants may receive support to complete an approved teaching qualification at a public university.
Who Is Encouraged to Apply for 2027?
The 2027 notice encourages applications from Grade 12 learners and unemployed youth under 30.
Applicants should be passionate about teaching and willing to study in one of the identified priority subject areas.
The opportunity is mainly aimed at young people who want to study towards a Bachelor of Education degree.
Applicants must also meet university admission requirements before they can be considered.
What Are the Main Requirements?
Applicants should meet the basic requirements before preparing an application.
Candidates should:
- Be South African citizens
- Be under 30 years old
- Be in Grade 12 or be unemployed youth
- Have or be working towards a National Senior Certificate
- Qualify for Bachelor studies
- Apply for a Bachelor of Education degree
- Choose one of the identified priority subject areas
- Apply at one of South Africa’s public universities
- Complete the required screening and online application steps
Applicants should also pay attention to university application deadlines.
Getting accepted or provisionally accepted at a university is an important part of the bursary journey.
Which Teaching Phases Are Prioritised?
The Funza Lushaka Bursary Programme supports priority subject areas across different teaching phases.
For 2027, the notice highlights priority areas in:
- Foundation Phase
- Intermediate Phase
- Senior Phase
- FET Band
The Foundation Phase receives strong attention because the Department of Basic Education has prioritised this phase for a large portion of bursary funding.
Which Foundation Phase Subjects Are Listed?
For Foundation Phase, Grades R–3, the listed priority areas include:
- Foundation Phase
- Braille
- South African Sign Language
- Neurodevelopmental Needs
- Language of Learning and Teaching
- Literacy
- Numeracy
- Life Skills
Languages listed under Foundation Phase include:
- Sesotho HL
- Setswana HL
- Afrikaans HL
- isiZulu HL
- isiXhosa HL
- English HL
This phase is important because early learning builds the foundation for future school performance.
Which Intermediate Phase Subjects Are Listed?
For Intermediate Phase, Grades 4–6, the listed priority areas include:
- Mathematics
- Natural Science and Technology
- Braille
- South African Sign Language
- Neurodevelopmental Needs
- Life Skills
Languages listed under this phase include:
- Sesotho HL
- Setswana HL
- English FAL
- Afrikaans HL
- isiZulu HL
- isiXhosa HL
Applicants who want to teach in this phase should choose subject combinations carefully.
Which Senior Phase and FET Subjects Are Listed?
For Senior Phase and FET Band, Grades 7–12, the listed priority areas include:
- 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 Sciences and Technology
- Home Languages
These subjects reflect areas where the education system needs skilled and committed teachers.
Applicants should not choose subjects randomly. The bursary focuses on priority combinations linked to teacher demand.
Why Are Priority Subjects Important?
Priority subjects are important because the bursary aims to support areas where teachers are needed most.
The programme is not only about funding studies.
It is also about preparing future teachers for subjects and phases where schools need stronger capacity.
This means applicants should choose teaching subjects that match the bursary priority list and university requirements.
A poor subject combination may affect the application.
How Should Applicants Prepare Before Applying?
Applicants should start preparing before the application window opens.
The first step is to apply for admission at a public university.
Candidates should choose a Bachelor of Education degree that matches one of the identified priority subject areas.
They should also check the closing dates at each university.
University deadlines can close before the bursary application process is complete, so early planning matters.
What Is the Screening Form?
The notice encourages prospective applicants to complete the Funza Lushaka Application Screening Form.
This screening form is not the final bursary application.
However, it helps applicants check whether they meet the criteria for the priority subject areas funded by the programme.
Applicants should complete the screening form before they continue with the official online bursary process.
Itumeleng’s Insider Tip: Before applying, compare your chosen BEd subjects with the priority list. Do not only choose a university because it is close to home. Make sure your subject combination is fundable, needed, and accepted by the university you want to attend.
How Do Candidates Apply for the Funza Lushaka Bursary?
The application process has three important steps.
First, applicants must apply for admission to study a Bachelor of Education degree at a public university.
Second, they should complete the Teacher Recruitment Screening Form to check whether they meet the priority subject criteria.
Third, they must complete the official online Funza Lushaka Bursary application.
Applications must be completed through the official eServices application portal.
When Do Applications Open?
Applications for the 2027 Funza Lushaka Bursary are scheduled to open on 1 October 2026.
Applicants should prepare early and avoid waiting until the last minute.
This gives them enough time to confirm university admission, check subject choices and complete the online process correctly.
What Documents Should Applicants Prepare?
Applicants should start collecting documents early.
Useful documents may include:
- Certified copy of South African ID
- Grade 11 final results, if currently in Grade 12
- Latest Grade 12 results, where available
- National Senior Certificate, if already completed
- Proof of university application or acceptance
- Academic records, where applicable
- Contact details
- Active email address
- Proof of residence, where required
Applicants should make sure all documents are clear and easy to read.
They should also keep copies saved safely before applications open.
Why Is This Bursary Worth Considering?
This bursary is worth considering because it supports students who want to become teachers.
It can reduce the financial pressure of studying and help young people enter a profession that serves communities.
The bursary also focuses on priority subjects, which can improve future placement opportunities where teachers are needed.
For a committed learner who wants to teach, this opportunity can be a powerful step toward a meaningful career.
Who Should Take This Opportunity Seriously?
This opportunity is a strong fit for young people who want to work in education.
It may be suitable if you:
- Want to become a teacher
- Are passionate about helping learners
- Meet Bachelor study requirements
- Are under 30
- Can study at a public university
- Are willing to teach a priority subject
- Are ready to serve in the education system after qualifying
Teaching requires patience, discipline and commitment.
Applicants should apply only if they are serious about building a career in the classroom.
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Final Thoughts
The Funza Lushaka Bursary 2027 application cycle gives Grade 12 learners and unemployed youth under 30 an important opportunity to prepare for teaching studies.
Applications are scheduled to open on 1 October 2026 through the official eServices portal.
Candidates should apply for university admission early, choose priority subject areas carefully and complete the screening and online application steps on time.
For young South Africans who want to become teachers, this bursary can be a life-changing opportunity.
