Teaching and Education Bursaries in South Africa for 2027
Discover open teaching and education bursaries in South Africa for 2027. Funding available for student teachers, educators and education-related qualifications.
National Research Foundation with Department of Innovation and Science • Private Sector
Get funding for Masters and PhD studies in South Africa with the DSI-NRF Human Development Bursary 2027.
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More about Teaching & Education Bursaries in South Africa
Teaching is one of the few study fields in South Africa where funding opportunities remain available every year. This is mainly because the country continues to face shortages of qualified teachers in specific subjects and phases, particularly Mathematics, Physical Sciences, Technology, African Languages, and Foundation Phase Education.
When most students think of education bursaries, the first programme that comes to mind is the Funza Lushaka Bursary. While it is certainly the largest and most well-known teaching bursary in South Africa, it is not the only option available. Students can also find funding through provincial education departments, education trusts, teacher associations, foundations, and selected private organisations that support the development of future educators.
One thing that makes teaching bursaries different from many other bursaries is that some programmes are directly linked to employment opportunities after graduation.
For example, Funza Lushaka recipients are generally expected to teach at public schools after completing their qualification. This helps address teacher shortages while giving graduates a pathway into the profession.
These bursaries are available for students studying Bachelor of Education (BEd) qualifications, Early Childhood Development (ECD), Foundation Phase Teaching, Intermediate Phase Teaching, Senior Phase Teaching, Further Education and Training (FET), and in some cases Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) programmes. Undergraduate teaching bursaries are the most common, but postgraduate funding opportunities can also be found throughout the year.
If you're considering a career in education, it is worth applying for multiple teaching bursaries rather than relying on a single funding source. New opportunities are released every year, and many students miss out simply because they stop looking after applying for one bursary.
Frequently Asked Questions
These are questions South Africans who are students, graduates, undergraduates and scholars are asking everyday.
The Funza Lushaka Bursary is widely considered the most popular teaching bursary in South Africa because it is funded by the Department of Basic Education and supports students studying teaching qualifications at public universities.
The programme is designed to place qualified graduates in public schools where teachers are needed. While placement is managed by provincial education departments, recipients are expected to fulfil a teaching service obligation after graduating.
Mathematics, Physical Sciences, Technology, African Languages, and Foundation Phase Teaching are often prioritised because they are considered shortage areas within the education sector.
Yes. Foundation Phase Teaching is one of the most commonly funded teaching specialisations in South Africa. Several bursary providers specifically support students who want to teach learners in the early school years.
Some bursary providers support PGCE studies, although opportunities are generally more limited compared to undergraduate Bachelor of Education programmes. Requirements vary depending on the bursary provider.
Many teaching bursaries cover more than tuition fees. Depending on the provider, funding may include accommodation, meals, books, study materials, and teaching practice expenses.