Funza Lushaka Internship Programme 2026 — Government-Funded Training for Future South African Teachers

Posted by By Edward Mokoena
Funza Lushaka Internship Programme 2026 — Government-Funded Training for Future South African Teachers
Funza Lushaka Internship Programme 2026 — Government-Funded Training for Future South African Teachers

Funza Lushaka Internship Programme 2026 — Government-Funded Training for Future South African Teachers

The Funza Lushaka Bursary Programme 2026 is one of South Africa’s most impactful government initiatives aimed at developing the next generation of passionate, skilled educators. Managed by the Department of Basic Education (DBE), this programme provides comprehensive financial support to deserving students who are committed to pursuing teaching as a profession — especially in subject areas where qualified teachers are in short supply.

In exchange for the bursary, beneficiaries commit to teaching in a South African public school for the same number of years they receive funding — a model that both relieves student debt and directly strengthens the public education system.

📢 For instant updates on government internships, bursaries, and graduate programmes, join our verified WhatsApp channel Jobs Connect ZA. You can also find more opportunities on Wikihii.co.za.

About the Funza Lushaka Bursary Programme

The Funza Lushaka Bursary Programme is a fully funded education bursary designed to promote teaching as a career of choice among young South Africans. The word “Funza Lushaka” comes from isiZulu, meaning “to teach the nation.”

Through this initiative, the South African government aims to ensure a steady supply of qualified teachers in priority subjects — especially in rural and underprivileged schools where the shortage is most critical. The bursary covers both undergraduate and postgraduate teaching qualifications, including:

  • Bachelor of Education (BEd) — for undergraduate students pursuing teaching degrees in foundation, intermediate, or senior/FET phases.
  • Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) — for students who have completed an appropriate undergraduate degree and wish to qualify as teachers.

Programme Objectives

  • 🎓 To attract talented, committed young people into the teaching profession.
  • 📚 To support the development of teachers in priority subject areas such as Mathematics, Science, and African Languages.
  • 🏫 To strengthen the quality of education in public schools across South Africa.
  • 🤝 To promote education equity by addressing regional and subject-specific teacher shortages.

Aim and Benefits of the Funza Lushaka Bursary Programme

The Funza Lushaka bursary is designed to relieve the financial burden on students studying to become teachers. Depending on the university and approved costs, the bursary may cover the following:

  • Full tuition fees for the approved qualification.
  • Accommodation and meals (based on official university residence costs).
  • Books, learning materials, and stationery.
  • Teaching practice allowances to cover travel and practical expenses.
  • In some cases, a small monthly living allowance.

All payments are made directly to the higher education institution, ensuring that funds are used strictly for study-related purposes.

Eligibility Requirements — Who Can Apply

To qualify for the Funza Lushaka Bursary Programme 2026, applicants must meet the following requirements:

  • Must be a South African citizen with a valid ID number.
  • Must be 30 years old or younger (for first-time applicants).
  • Be accepted or provisionally accepted into a Bachelor of Education (BEd) or an approved Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) programme at a recognized South African university.
  • Specialize in two or more of the priority subject areas listed below.
  • Demonstrate academic excellence and a strong commitment to the teaching profession.
  • Must not already hold a teaching qualification.
  • Applications for part-time or extended programmes are generally not accepted unless they meet the stipulated duration for completion.

Note: Late applications are not accepted. All first-time applicants must ensure that their details on the e-Gov portal are accurate and verified before submission.

Priority Subject Areas for 2026

The Department of Basic Education funds only specific teaching specializations identified as priority subjects due to teacher shortages in South African public schools.

1. Foundation Phase (Grades R–3)

  • Preference for teaching in South African Indigenous Languages (isiZulu, isiXhosa, Sesotho, Setswana, etc.).

2. Intermediate Phase (Grades 4–6)

  • Languages (English, isiZulu, isiXhosa, Sepedi, Afrikaans)
  • Natural Sciences and Technology
  • Mathematics

3. Senior & Further Education and Training (Grades 7–12)

  • Mathematics and Mathematical Literacy
  • Physical Sciences
  • Computer Applications Technology (CAT)
  • Engineering Graphics and Design
  • Agricultural Sciences
  • Accounting and Economics
  • Technical and Vocational Education subjects

Note: Subjects considered oversupplied (e.g., History, Geography, or Physical Education) are generally excluded from bursary funding.

Service Commitment — What Happens After Graduation

Recipients of the Funza Lushaka bursary are required to teach in a public school for the same number of years that they received bursary funding. This contractual service ensures that the investment made by the government translates directly into educational impact.

Upon completion of studies, graduates are placed in teaching posts by the Department of Basic Education. Refusal to take up the assigned post will result in the bursary converting into a repayable loan.

Application Process — Step-by-Step Guide

All Funza Lushaka bursary applications are submitted online through the official e-Gov portal. Here’s how to apply:

  1. Visit the e-Gov portal and create a profile using your valid South African ID number.
  2. Complete your personal details and set up a secure password.
  3. From the e-Services menu, select the “Funza Lushaka Bursary Scheme.”
  4. Enter the One-Time Password (OTP) sent to your registered mobile number or email.
  5. Accept the Terms and Conditions.
  6. On your dashboard, click “2026 Application” when applications open.
  7. Fill in all required fields accurately — including your university details and teaching specialization.
  8. Review and submit your application before 24 January 2026.

Important: You must apply for admission at a recognized university before applying for the bursary. The bursary cannot be awarded without proof of acceptance or provisional acceptance into an eligible programme.

Selection Process and Tips for Applicants

Applications are evaluated based on academic merit, program relevance, and commitment to teaching. The process involves:

  • Initial eligibility screening by the Department of Basic Education.
  • Verification of university admission and subject specialization.
  • Shortlisting based on available budget and national demand for teachers in specific subjects.
  • Final approval and notification via email or SMS.

Tips for a Successful Application:

  • ✅ Apply early — the portal often experiences high traffic near the deadline.
  • ✅ Ensure your ID, contact details, and academic information are correct.
  • ✅ Focus your motivation on your passion for teaching and community service.
  • ✅ Choose a specialization in one of the listed priority subjects.
  • ✅ Keep all documents (ID, proof of admission, matric results) scanned and ready for upload.

Application Deadline

  • Opening Date: October 2025
  • Closing Date: 24 January 2026

Applications submitted after the closing date will not be considered. Applicants are advised to regularly check the DBE and e-Gov websites for updates or changes to the application timeline.

Conclusion

The Funza Lushaka Bursary Programme 2026 remains one of the most powerful tools in South Africa’s effort to improve education quality and address teacher shortages. Beyond financial assistance, it’s a stepping stone to a fulfilling, impactful career that shapes the nation’s future.

If you’re passionate about teaching and committed to giving back to your community, this is your opportunity to make that vision a reality. Apply early, prepare thoroughly, and take your first step toward becoming one of South Africa’s future educators.

📲 For guidance, deadline reminders, and internship updates, follow Jobs Connect ZA or explore more funding options at Wikihii.co.za.

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Edward Mokoena
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South African writer dedicated to creating informative and inspiring content. With a strong focus on jobs, education, and personal development, I blends research with storytelling to make complex topics easy to understand. Beyond writing, I believes in empowering communities through knowledge-sharing and digital creativity.