Table of Contents
Funza Lushaka Bursary Programme 2027 Opens for Grade 12 Learners and Unemployed Youth
The Funza Lushaka Bursary Programme 2027 has been announced by the Department of Basic Education (DBE), creating another excellent opportunity for unemployed South African youth and Grade 12 learners who dream of becoming qualified teachers. The bursary remains one of the country’s most important teacher development initiatives, helping students obtain teaching qualifications while addressing shortages of educators in priority subject areas.
Every year, thousands of prospective teachers apply for the Funza Lushaka Bursary Programme 2027 because it offers financial assistance to eligible students enrolled in approved Bachelor of Education (BEd) degrees at South Africa’s public universities. The programme focuses on producing highly skilled teachers who will eventually serve learners in schools across the country.
As South Africa continues investing in education, the Funza Lushaka Bursary Programme 2027 provides hope to students who may not have the financial means to study while supporting government’s long-term strategy of improving the quality of education nationwide.
Other Opportunities
- Apply for Beier Group YES Learnership Programme
- Apply for RAF Internships programme
- Apply for Learnership without experience in 2026
What is the Funza Lushaka Bursary Programme?
The Funza Lushaka Bursary Programme 2027 is a government-funded bursary administered by the Department of Basic Education. It was introduced to increase the number of qualified teachers in subjects and phases where shortages exist.
Instead of simply funding any teaching qualification, the programme specifically supports students who intend specialising in priority subjects identified annually by the Department of Basic Education.
Students who successfully complete their qualifications are expected to contribute towards improving education in South African public schools by teaching in areas where qualified educators are needed most.
Over the years, the programme has helped thousands of graduates qualify as professional teachers while strengthening the country’s education system.
Why the Programme Matters
South Africa continues to experience shortages of teachers in specialised subjects such as Mathematics, Science, Technology, Coding and Robotics, African languages, Sign Language and Foundation Phase education.
The Funza Lushaka Bursary Programme 2027 helps address these shortages by encouraging talented young South Africans to pursue careers in education instead of other professions.
Teachers remain the foundation of every successful education system. By investing in future educators, the programme helps improve classroom learning, learner outcomes and long-term national development.
Who Can Apply?
The Funza Lushaka Bursary Programme 2027 welcomes applications from several categories of prospective students who meet the prescribed requirements.
Applicants include:
- South African citizens
- Unemployed youth younger than 30 years
- Grade 12 learners intending to study teaching
- Individuals already holding a National Senior Certificate that qualifies them for Bachelor studies
- Students planning to enrol for a Bachelor of Education degree at one of South Africa’s 24 public universities
- Applicants specialising in identified priority teaching subjects
Meeting these requirements does not automatically guarantee funding because applications are assessed according to academic performance, subject demand and available funding.
Financial Support Offered
One of the biggest attractions of the Funza Lushaka Bursary Programme 2027 is the financial support provided to successful applicants.
Although funding is allocated according to government policy and available budgets, the bursary generally assists with study-related expenses that may include:
- Tuition fees
- Registration costs
- Prescribed textbooks
- Accommodation where applicable
- Meals
- Learning materials
This support allows students to focus on completing their teaching qualifications without the financial burden that many university students experience.
Study at South Africa’s Public Universities
Students funded through the Funza Lushaka Bursary Programme 2027 must study at recognised public universities offering approved Bachelor of Education qualifications.
South Africa has 24 public universities, each offering different teaching specialisations and admission requirements.
Prospective students should apply directly to universities well before their closing dates because university admission and bursary applications are separate processes.
Receiving university acceptance does not automatically mean bursary approval, and bursary approval does not replace university admission.
Priority Teaching Areas
The Department of Basic Education identifies specific teaching fields that qualify for funding.
Foundation Phase (Grades R–3)
The Foundation Phase remains one of the country’s highest priorities.
Subjects include:
- Literacy
- Numeracy
- Life Skills
- Braille
- South African Sign Language
- Neurodevelopmental Needs
- English Home Language
- Afrikaans Home Language
- isiZulu Home Language
- isiXhosa Home Language
- Sesotho Home Language
- Setswana Home Language
Approximately 75% of available bursary opportunities have been prioritised for Foundation Phase teaching because South Africa requires significantly more qualified teachers in early childhood education.
Intermediate Phase (Grades 4–6)
Applicants wishing to teach Intermediate Phase learners may specialise in areas including:
- Mathematics
- Natural Science and Technology
- Braille
- South African Sign Language
- Neurodevelopmental Needs
- English First Additional Language
- Afrikaans Home Language
- isiZulu Home Language
- isiXhosa Home Language
- Sesotho Home Language
- Setswana Home Language
- Life Skills
These subjects continue to experience shortages in many schools throughout South Africa.
Senior Phase and Further Education and Training (Grades 7–12)
The Funza Lushaka Bursary Programme 2027 also supports students specialising in critical high school subjects.
Priority subjects include:
- Mathematics
- Physical Sciences
- Life Sciences
- Agricultural Sciences
- Agricultural Technology
- Civil Technology
- Electrical Technology
- Mechanical Technology
- Engineering Graphics and Design
- Computer Applications Technology
- Information Technology
- Coding and Robotics
- Technical Mathematics
- Technical Science
- Marine Sciences
- Maritime Economics
- Technology
- Natural Sciences
- Braille
- South African Sign Language
- Neurodevelopmental Needs
These teaching specialisations have been identified because of growing learner demand and shortages of qualified educators.
Funza Lushaka Bursary Programme 2027 – Complete Application Guide (Part 2)
How to Apply for the Funza Lushaka Bursary Programme 2027
Applying for the Funza Lushaka Bursary Programme 2027 requires careful planning because university admission and the bursary application are two separate processes. Prospective applicants are encouraged to complete every step correctly to improve their chances of being considered.
Step 1: Apply to a Public University
Before submitting your bursary application, you must first apply for admission to study a Bachelor of Education (BEd) degree at one of South Africa’s 24 public universities.
Choose a teaching specialisation that falls within the Department of Basic Education’s identified priority subjects. Universities have different closing dates, so submit your application as early as possible.
Step 2: Complete the Teacher Recruitment Screening Form
The Department of Basic Education requires prospective applicants to complete the Teacher Recruitment Screening Form before the bursary application opens.
The screening form is available here:
This screening process helps determine whether your intended teaching specialisation falls within the priority subjects funded under the Funza Lushaka Bursary Programme 2027.
Completing the screening form does not automatically mean you have applied for the bursary.
Step 3: Submit the Official Online Application
The official Funza Lushaka Bursary Programme 2027 application opens on 1 October 2026.
Applications must be submitted online through the government’s eServices portal:
Applicants should prepare all required information before the opening date to avoid delays during submission.
Important Dates
Applicants should remember these important dates:
- Teacher Recruitment Screening Form – Available now
- University applications – Follow each university’s closing dates
- Official bursary applications open – 1 October 2026
Applying early gives applicants sufficient time to resolve any problems that may arise before deadlines.
TeacherConnect WhatsApp Screening
Applicants who prefer using WhatsApp can complete the screening through the TeacherConnect chatbot.
Simply send the word:
FUNZA
to:
060 060 3333
The chatbot will guide you through the initial screening process and provide useful information about the bursary.
Why Choose a Teaching Career?
Teaching remains one of South Africa’s most rewarding professions. Educators shape future generations while making meaningful contributions to their communities.
Graduates supported through the Funza Lushaka Bursary Programme 2027 become part of a profession that creates lifelong impact by helping learners develop academically, socially and personally.
Teachers also enjoy opportunities for continuous professional development, career advancement and leadership within the education sector.
Benefits of the Programme
The Funza Lushaka Bursary Programme 2027 offers several advantages, including:
- Government-funded financial assistance
- Opportunity to study at a public university
- Support for priority teaching qualifications
- Improved access to higher education
- Opportunity to contribute to South Africa’s education system
- Development of valuable professional teaching skills
- Increased employment opportunities in priority teaching subjects
The programme continues to play an important role in strengthening education across the country by producing qualified teachers where they are needed most.
Important Information
Applicants should note that the Department of Basic Education prioritises teaching subject combinations where there is genuine demand for educators.
Subject combinations that have historically resulted in graduates remaining unemployed may not receive funding.
The Department has also indicated that approximately 75% of bursary allocations continue to focus on Foundation Phase teaching because of the increasing demand for qualified educators in Grades R to 3.
Applicants are encouraged to select teaching specialisations carefully and ensure they align with current national priorities.
Tips for a Successful Application
To improve your chances of being considered:
- Apply to your chosen university as early as possible.
- Choose one of the approved priority teaching subjects.
- Complete the Teacher Recruitment Screening Form before bursary applications open.
- Submit your online application as soon as applications open.
- Ensure all information provided is accurate.
- Keep copies of all application confirmations.
- Monitor your email and university communication regularly.
Remember that submitting an application does not guarantee funding. Selection depends on eligibility, academic performance, available funding and the country’s teacher demand.
Other Vacancies
- Apply for Valterra Platinum Engineering Learnerships
- Apply for Maersk YES programme learnership
- Apply for Fire Fighter Learnership Programme
Final Thoughts
The Funza Lushaka Bursary Programme 2027 continues to provide life-changing opportunities for unemployed youth and Grade 12 learners who aspire to become professional teachers. By funding students in high-demand teaching specialisations, the programme supports both individual career development and the long-term improvement of South Africa’s education system.
If you are passionate about education, enjoy working with children and young people, and want to make a lasting contribution to your community, this bursary is worth considering.
Prepare your university application, complete the screening process and be ready to submit your bursary application when the official online system opens on 1 October 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Who can apply for the Funza Lushaka Bursary Programme 2027?
South African citizens who are unemployed youth under 30, Grade 12 learners or individuals who qualify for Bachelor studies and intend studying teaching at a public university.
2. When do official applications open?
Official online applications open on 1 October 2026.
3. Where do I submit my bursary application?
Applications must be submitted online at www.eservices.gov.za.
4. Is the Teacher Recruitment Screening Form the bursary application?
No. The screening form only determines whether your intended teaching specialisation qualifies for funding.
5. Can Grade 12 learners apply?
Yes. Grade 12 learners planning to study teaching may apply.
6. Do I need to apply to a university first?
Yes. University admission and bursary applications are separate processes.
7. Which universities participate?
All 24 recognised South African public universities offering approved Bachelor of Education qualifications.
8. Which subjects receive priority?
Priority subjects include Foundation Phase teaching, Mathematics, Physical Sciences, Life Sciences, Technology, Coding and Robotics, Sign Language, Braille and several language specialisations.
9. Does receiving university admission guarantee bursary funding?
No. Admission and bursary approval are assessed separately.
10. Why should I apply?
The programme provides financial assistance while helping students qualify as teachers in subjects where South Africa needs more educators.
Dailyspark is on Social media platforms for more updates, follow our WhatsApp channel
Disclaimer: Dailyspark.co.za shares publicly available job vacancies.We are not affiliated with any company or any employer.For official updates, always visit the employer’s website directly
Leave a Reply