Service bursary
Funza Lushaka teacher bursary
2026 cycle closed; next cycle not yet confirmed on the DBE programme page as at 2026-10-01
Who this route is for
- Institution
- public university
- Citizenship / residence
- south african
- Study level
- initial teacher education
- Age rule
- {'first_time_max': 30, 'confidence': 'SOURCE_CONFLICT', 'note': "DBE's current application-process page says first-time applicants must be 30 years or younger. The 2026 application notes say first-time applicants should be below 30. Demand Desk treats age 30 as requiring direct verification rather than a confirmed pass."}
What funding may cover
- Tuition fees
- Accommodation or transport
- Meals
- Learning materials
- Personal care allowance
- Teaching-practice support
Important exclusions
- Existing teaching qualification
- Programmes excluded by the current annual application notes
- Non-priority or oversupplied subject combinations identified by the current programme
- PGCE is not funded in the 2026 Funza Lushaka cycle.
Your obligations
- Sign the annual bursary agreement.
- Complete the approved teacher-education programme and priority specialisation.
- Serve in public education in accordance with the bursary service obligation, broadly matching funded years, subject to placement and agreement terms.
- A breach can trigger financial repayment/conversion consequences under the agreement.
Official sources used
PROGRAMME CURRENT
Funza Lushaka Bursary Scheme
Department of Basic Education ↗
PROGRAMME CURRENT
Funza Lushaka Application Process
Department of Basic Education ↗
PROGRAMME CURRENT
Funza Lushaka Bursary Application Notes 2026
Department of Basic Education ↗
PROGRAMME CURRENT
Funza Lushaka 2026 Priority Subject Areas
Department of Basic Education ↗
Final eligibility is determined by the official funder.
Annual rules, budgets, institution approval, academic progression and supporting documents can change the final outcome.