Available Education and Teaching Bursaries 2026 – 2027 - ZABusaries | South African Bursaries, University Applications & Student Funding

Available Education and Teaching Bursaries 2026 – 2027

EDUCATION | TEACHING BURSARIES FOR 2026 – 2027

Available Education and Teaching Bursaries: Available Education and Teaching Bursaries.

Teaching is one of the most important professions, shaping the future of societies through education. In South Africa, there is a strong demand for qualified teachers, especially in subjects like Mathematics, Science, and Languages. To support students who want to pursue a career in education, various organizations offer education and teaching bursaries that help cover study costs and provide career opportunities.

Why Apply for Teaching Bursaries?

Education bursaries are designed to reduce the financial burden of studying while encouraging more students to become teachers. These bursaries often cover:

Full or partial tuition fees
Accommodation and meals
Books and study materials
Monthly stipends
Teaching internships or job placement opportunities

Some bursaries also require graduates to work back for a specific number of years after completing their studies.

Top Education and Teaching Bursaries

There are several well-known bursaries available for students pursuing teaching qualifications:

1. Funza Lushaka Bursary Programme

This is the most popular teaching bursary in South Africa. It is funded by the government and aims to promote teaching in priority subject areas.

Covers:

Full tuition fees
Accommodation
Books and learning materials
Monthly allowance

Students who receive this bursary are required to teach at a public school after graduation.

2. NSFAS

NSFAS provides funding for students from low-income households, including those studying education.

Covers:

Tuition fees
Accommodation
Transport and living allowances

3. Provincial Department of Education Bursaries

Many provinces offer their own teaching bursaries to address local teacher shortages. Examples include:

Gauteng Department of Education Bursary
KwaZulu-Natal Teaching Bursary
Western Cape Education Department Bursary

These bursaries often prioritize students willing to teach in rural or underserved areas.

4. Private Sector and NGO Bursaries

Some private organizations and NGOs also support education students, including:

Teaching scholarships from education foundations
Corporate bursaries for education degrees
NGO-funded teacher training programmes

These may offer additional benefits such as mentorship and professional development.

Fields Covered by Teaching Bursaries

Education bursaries are usually available for the following areas:

Foundation Phase Teaching (Grades R–3)
Intermediate Phase Teaching (Grades 4–6)
Senior Phase & FET Teaching (Grades 7–12)
Special Needs Education
Educational Leadership and Management

Priority is often given to subjects such as:

Mathematics
Physical Sciences
Technology
African Languages

Who Can Apply?

To qualify for most education bursaries, applicants must:

Be South African citizens
Be in Matric or have completed Grade 12
Meet university admission requirements
Show good academic performance
Demonstrate a passion for teaching

Some bursaries may also require proof of financial need.

How to Apply for Teaching Bursaries

Follow these steps to apply successfully:

Research available bursaries early
Prepare required documents (ID, academic results, proof of income)
Apply online through official portals
Write a strong motivation letter
Submit before the closing date

Benefits of Studying Teaching

High demand for qualified teachers
Opportunities to work in both public and private schools
Job stability and career growth
Chance to make a meaningful impact in society

Here is a list of available bursaries for those who are studying or wish to study towards a Teaching or Educators qualification in South Africa:

Conclusion

Education and teaching bursaries provide a valuable opportunity for students to pursue a rewarding career without financial stress. With options like the Funza Lushaka Bursary Programme, NSFAS, and provincial funding, many students can access quality education and contribute to the development of South Africa’s future generations. Applying early and meeting all requirements will increase your chances of securing funding for the 2027 academic year.