Funza Lushaka 2026 Teaching Bursary List: Priority Subjects & Requirements

Key Takeaways: The Teacher’s Lifeline

• Closing Date: 24 January 2026 (New Applications).
• Value: Full Cost (Tuition, Accommodation, Meals, Books, Stipend).
• The Catch: You must work back 1 year for every year funded (Placement is usually in rural schools).
• The “Blacklist”: Funza does NOT fund History, Geography, Business Studies, or Accounting in 2026 (Oversupplied).
• The Focus: Funding is strictly for Indigenous Languages, Mathematics, Science, and Technology.
• Application: Online Only (e-Gov Portal).

If you want to become a teacher in South Africa, Funza Lushaka is the gold standard of funding. Unlike NSFAS, which is a loan-to-grant system based on income, Funza Lushaka is a merit and service-based bursary. It doesn’t care how rich or poor your parents are; it cares about what you are going to teach.

The Department of Basic Education uses this bursary to fill gaps. They have too many History teachers and not enough Coding teachers. Therefore, if you apply to study History, they will reject you. If you apply to study Coding, they will likely fund you.

With the 24 January 2026 deadline approaching fast, you need to know exactly which subjects are on the “Priority List” this year.

1. The “Blacklist”: What is NOT Funded in 2026

Before we look at what you can study, let’s look at what you cannot study. If your BEd or PGCE major subjects are on this list, your application will be rejected immediately.

Oversupplied Subjects (No Funding):

• History
• Geography
• Accounting
• Economics
• Business Studies
• Physical Education
• Life Orientation
• English & Afrikaans (Only funded in specific provinces; generally considered oversupplied).

Low Uptake Subjects (No Funding):

• Music
• Dance
• Visual Art
• Dramatic Arts
• Religious Studies

Tip: If you are passionate about History, you must pair it with a Priority Subject (like an Indigenous Language) to stand a chance, but even then, funding is rare.

2. The Priority Subject List (What IS Funded)

To get the bursary, you must specialize in two of these subjects (for Senior Phase) or follow the specific streams below.

A. Foundation Phase (Grade R – 3)

• Focus: Teaching the little ones fundamentals.
• Mandatory Criteria: You usually need a pass in Mathematics or Math Lit in Matric, plus a Level 4 in a Home Language.
• Priority Specializations:
  • African Indigenous Languages (Sepedi, Sesotho, Setswana, siSwati, Tshivenda, Xitsonga, isiNdebele, isiXhosa, isiZulu).
  • Neurodevelopment Needs (Special Needs Education).
  • Braille.
  • South African Sign Language (SASL).

B. Intermediate Phase (Grade 4 – 6)

• Focus: The transition years.
• Priority Subjects:
  • Mathematics (Not Math Lit).
  • Natural Science & Technology.
  • African Indigenous Languages.

C. Senior Phase (Grade 7 – 9) & FET (Grade 10 – 12)

• Focus: High School specialists. You must have Two priority subjects.
• The “Hard” Sciences:
  • Mathematics.
  • Technical Mathematics.
  • Physical Science.
  • Technical Science.
• Technology & Engineering:
  • Coding and Robotics (New Priority).
  • Information Technology (IT).
  • Computer Applications Technology (CAT).
  • Engineering Graphics & Design (EGD).
  • Civil / Electrical / Mechanical Technology.
• Agricultural Sciences:
  • Agricultural Technology.
  • Agricultural Management Practices.
• Languages:
  • Any African Indigenous Language (Home Language level).

3. Eligibility Requirements 2026

Funza Lushaka is stricter than NSFAS.

1. Age Limit: You must be 30 years or younger when you apply.
2. Citizenship: South African citizens only with a valid ID.
3. Academic Acceptance: You must already be accepted into a Bachelor of Education (BEd) or PGCE program at a public university.
4. Criminal Record: You must have a clean criminal record (Sexual Offender vetting is mandatory for teachers).
5. Selection Criteria:
   • Foundation Phase Applicants: Must have passed Math or Math Lit in Matric.
   • Technology Applicants: Must have passed Math (not Lit) in Matric if they didn’t take Tech subjects.
   • Existing Students: If you are already at university applying for the first time, you typically need a 55% average across all modules.

4. The “Work-Back” Contract

This is the most important part of the deal.

• The Rule: For every 1 year they pay for you, you must work for them for 1 year.
• The Placement: You do not choose where you work. The Provincial Education Department (PED) places you.
• The Reality: You will likely be placed in a rural or township school where the need is highest. You cannot say “I only want to teach in Sandton.” If you reject the placement, you have to pay back all the money with interest immediately.

5. How to Apply (Step-by-Step)

Funza Lushaka applications are processed via the government e-Services portal.

Step 1: Go to e-Gov

• Visit www.eservices.gov.za.
• Note: This website often crashes due to high traffic. Try accessing it late at night or early morning.

Step 2: Register / Login

• Create a profile with your personal details.
• Login and select “Funza Lushaka Bursary” from the e-Services menu.

Step 3: The OTP

• The system will send a One-Time Pin (OTP) to your phone. Enter it to access the dashboard.

Step 4: The Application

• Click on “2026 Application”.
• Enter your academic history and your University Student Number.
• Crucial: Select your two priority subjects carefully. Ensure they match what you are actually registered for at university.

Step 5: Accept the Declaration

• Read the terms (especially the work-back clause) and submit.
• Print the proof of application.

6. District-Based Recruitment vs. National

There are two ways to get selected:

1. National List: You apply online, and the university financial aid office selects you based on your marks and subjects.
2. District-Based Recruitment: This is a special “Promissory Letter” system.
   • Education Districts recruit youth from their own communities (usually rural).
   • If you are selected by a District Official, you are almost guaranteed the bursary if you get university acceptance.
   • Advice: If you are from a rural village, go to your local District Education Office and ask if they are recruiting for Funza Lushaka. This is often easier than fighting on the national list.

FAQ: Funza Lushaka 2026

Q: Does Funza Lushaka pay for PGCE?

A: Be careful. In previous years, yes. However, recent circulars indicate that funding for PGCE is being restricted or phased out in favor of the 4-year BEd, except for specific scarce subjects (like Senior Phase Math/Science). Check the latest “Application Notes 2026” on the portal before applying.

Q: Can I have NSFAS and Funza at the same time?

A: No. You cannot double dip. If you get Funza, you must cancel NSFAS. Funza is better because it pays a higher stipend and isn’t a loan, but it comes with the work contract.

Q: What if I fail a module?

A: You are usually allowed to repeat one year of study at your own cost. If you fail multiple times, the bursary is cancelled, and you have to pay back the money.

Conclusion: Choose Wisely

Funza Lushaka is not just free money; it is a career contract. Only apply if you genuinely want to teach.

If you are just looking for funding and hate the idea of standing in front of a classroom in a rural village, do not apply. You will be miserable, and you will take the spot of someone who has a passion for education.

Action: Check your registration document. Do you have two subjects from the “Priority List”? If yes, log into e-Services and apply before 24 January.

Disclaimer: Priority subjects are determined by the Department of Basic Education and may vary by province. Always verify the latest official circulars on the e-Services portal.