Funza Lushaka District-Based Bursary

Key Facts

Status: Applications Open
Provider: Department of Basic Education
Field of Study: Education
Study Level: Matric

Undergraduate
Academic Year: 2027
Application Closes: Mon, 30 Nov 2026 - 12:00

Reviewed & Verified by Makona Mandla Lead Editor, Bursary Verification

Open Closes

Mon, 30 Nov 2026 - 12:00

Apply via Funza Lushaka Portal

Eligibility Requirements

South African citizen
Identified or recruited through district-level teacher shortage screening
Studying, or planning to study, a teaching qualification
Willing to teach in the specific district that recruited you after graduating

Documents Needed

Certified copy of South African ID
Matric results or academic transcript
Completed district-level teacher screening form
Proof of registration or acceptance for a teaching qualification

About Funza Lushaka District-Based Bursary

The Funza Lushaka District-Based Bursary is a targeted branch of the main Funza Lushaka Bursary Programme, run by the Department of Basic Education to recruit teachers specifically for schools in districts facing the most severe shortages.

Go through an additional local screening step before you even reach the national online application - your district or provincial coordinator identifies and screens candidates first, on a timeline that runs earlier than the national deadline.

Funding Details

Receive the same comprehensive package as the national Funza Lushaka bursary: full tuition, registration, textbooks, accommodation where applicable, and meals or a living allowance.

Where You Can Study

Study at any recognised public South African university offering an accredited teaching qualification, the same as the main national programme.

About Department of Basic Education

The Department of Basic Education (DBE) is the South African government department responsible for primary and secondary schooling nationwide, from curriculum policy to teacher training standards.The DBE funds the Funza …

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Fields of Study & Who Can Apply

You need to come from, or be recruited through, a school or district identified as having a teacher shortage. Beyond that local screening step, the core eligibility matches the main Funza Lushaka programme: South African citizenship, good academic results, and genuine commitment to teaching.

Application Procedure

Apply directly with the provider using the official application link below, before the closing date.

Opens: Sat, 1 Aug 2026 - 12:00
Closes: Mon, 30 Nov 2026 - 12:00

Apply via Funza Lushaka Portal

Last verified:

Tue, 18 Aug 2026 - 12:00

Frequently Asked Questions

How is this different from the standard Funza Lushaka Bursary?

You go through an extra local screening step with your district or provincial coordinator before the national application, and your work-back commitment is typically tied to teaching in that same district.

Do I apply for this myself, or get recruited into it?

Recruitment typically starts locally, through district or community teacher recruitment campaigns targeting schools with shortages - watch for these campaigns in your area.