Applications for Funza Lushaka Bursary 2026 Have Officially Opened

Applications for the Funza Lushaka Bursary 2026 will open on October 7, 2025. New applicants have until January 24, 2026 to submit their applications, while re-applications for returning bursars will close earlier, on November 30, 2026. The bursary supports students in South Africa who want to pursue a teaching qualification but cannot afford the costs.

If you’re planning to pursue a teaching qualification in South Africa but need financial support, the Funza Lushaka Bursary could be your gateway to success. In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about the 2026 application process—from age limits, qualifications, and eligibility requirements to step-by-step instructions on how to apply. You’ll also learn what the bursary covers, helping you prepare with confidence before submitting your application.

Age Limit for Funza Lushaka Bursary Applicants

To qualify for the Funza Lushaka Bursary as a first-time applicant, you must still be 29 years old or younger on October 7, 2025. If your 30th birthday falls before that date, you won’t meet the age requirement. However, if you only turn 30 after October 7, 2025, you are still eligible to apply.

Funza Lushaka Bursary Funding Qualification Requirements

To qualify for the Funza Lushaka Bursary, you must meet the following criteria:

No Prior Teaching Qualification: You must not already possess a teaching qualification.
Undergraduate Study: The bursary is only available for undergraduate programs. It does not cover qualifications like Honors, Masters, or Doctoral.

Programs to be Funded by Funza

4-year Bachelor Degree in Early Childhood Care and Education (B. Ed. ECCE)
for ECD Grade RR- R
4-year Bachelor of Education degree (B.Ed.), specialising in one of the following:
- Foundation Phase (Grade R – 3), Intermediate Phase (Grade 4 – 6) and Senior and Further Education and Training Teaching (Grade 7-12).

Funza Lushaka Bursary Eligibility Criteria Fir 2026

Citizenship and Identification: Applicants must be South African citizens with a valid South African ID card.
Academic Excellence: Applicants should demonstrate a strong academic record.
Age Limit: Applicants must be under 30 years old to qualify for the Funza Lushaka Bursary.
Program Duration: The bursary does not cover extended degree programs.
Program and Specialization: Applicants must be accepted into an approved B.Ed. degree program and specialize in at least two of the priority subject areas.

Teaching Career Traits

Applicants must exhibit the following qualities:

Interest in working with young people
Enthusiasm for a teaching career
Readiness to overcome challenges with integrity

Funza Lushaka: A Comprehensive Bursary Package

Funza Lushaka offers a generous bursary program that covers a significant portion of recipients’ academic expenses. This comprehensive package includes:

Tuition Fees: The bursary fully covers the cost of tuition.
Accommodation and Meals: Recipients are provided with lodging and meals, ensuring their basic needs are met.
Books and Learning Materials: Essential textbooks and study materials are supplied to support academic endeavors.
Teaching Practice: The bursary covers expenses related to teaching practice experiences.
Living Allowance: A small monthly allowance is provided to help with living expenses, with the amount determined by the cost of tuition at the recipient’s chosen university.

By covering these essential costs, Funza Lushaka enables students to focus on their studies without the financial burdens that can often hinder academic success.

Funza Lushaka Bursary Application Requirements

Academic Requirements:

Transcripts: Provide certified copies of your academic records, including your matric certificate and any relevant tertiary qualifications.
Teaching Qualification: Submit proof of acceptance or provisional acceptance into an approved teaching qualification program.

Identification:

South African ID: Provide a copy of your South African identification document.

Contact Details

Email address and a contactable cell phone number

Funza Lushaka Bursary Application Process 2026

Online Submission: All applications must be submitted online through the official Funza Lushaka Bursary application portal. Hard-copy applications will not be accepted.
Deadline: Ensure that your application is submitted before the stated deadline to avoid disqualification.

Applying for the Funza Lushaka Bursary 2026 (Steps to Apply)

The steps below walk you through the steps of registering on the South African government’s e-Services platform www.eservices.gov.za and applying for the Funza Lushaka Bursary Scheme.

Step I: Register on e-Services:

Visit https://www.eservices.gov.za/ and click “Register.”
Enter your Surname, ID Number, and Passport Number (One is required).
Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the registration process.

Note: You may need to verify your email address or phone number during registration.

Step II: Log in to Funza Lushaka: Once your e-Services account is created, use your username and password to log in.

From the e-Services menu, navigate to the “Funza Lushaka Bursary Scheme” section.
Enter the One-Time Password (OTP) you received via SMS during registration.
Carefully read and agree to the Terms and Conditions for the bursary program.
On your e-Services dashboard, locate and click on the “2026 Application” button for the Funza Lushaka Bursary Scheme.
Fill out all the required fields with accurate information.
Review and accept the declaration confirming the accuracy of your application details.
Click “Submit” to send your completed application form for review.
You can monitor the progress of your application through your e-Services dashboard.

Funza Lushaka Contact Details

If you have any further questions, kindly contact the Funza Lushaka Bursary office using the following channels of communication.

Telephone Number: 012 357 3000
Email Address: inquiries.funzalushaka@dbe.gov.za.

Visit the official website HERE

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