Funza Lushaka Bursary 2026: Late Application District List

The Funza Lushaka Bursary is one of South Africa’s most important bursary programmes for aspiring teachers. 

It supports students who want to study a Bachelor of Education (BEd) or approved teaching qualifications at public universities and then serve as teachers in public schools after graduation. 

Funza Lushaka applications for 2026 opened on 7 October 2025 and close on 24 January 2026 for new applicants. 

Late applications are not accepted beyond the closing date, so planners must submit on time.

There is also a district‑based recruitment stream for Funza Lushaka that operates slightly differently from the main national application. 

This district process may provide opportunities where teachers are needed in certain areas. 

What Is the Funza Lushaka District‑Based Bursary Stream?

The district‑based Funza Lushaka bursary is a specific part of the national programme focused on recruiting students from particular districts. 

Under this stream, local district education offices identify and screen candidates before the national online application. 

This means that, in addition to applying nationally online, you may be able to engage with your district or provincial education office as part of a secondary recruitment process.

This district recruitment was created to attract learners from rural and under‑resourced communities, so they are more likely to return to serve in those areas as teachers after they graduate. 

The district process involves completing a teacher screening form via your district or provincial coordinator before the national bursary application.

Does Each District Have Its Own Application List?

There is no official national list published by the Department of Basic Education (DBE) that shows which exact districts still have openings for the district‑based Funza Lushaka bursary. 

The national process is centralised through the e‑Services portal and closes on the official closing date.

However, province and district education offices often recruit bursary applicants for their areas. 

This recruitment may include screening lists, screening forms, and specific local deadlines that run before the national application deadline.

Since there is no officially published national “late application district list” beyond the main closing date, the best approach is to contact your provincial education department (PED) or district office directly. 

They can tell you whether they are still recruiting for the district stream or assisting with applications before the 24 January 2026 closing date.

Why Contact Your District Office for Funza Lushaka?

Contacting your local education district can help in two ways:

1. Screening for district‑based bursary recruitment: Some districts hold internal screening sessions where they compile lists of candidates and then assist you with the national application.
   
2. Support with the national online application: District offices often help you prepare documents and submit your online application correctly through the e‑Services portal.

District schools and offices sometimes have screening forms or local screening events that you must complete before or during the bursary application cycle. 

These district screening forms are not the same as the national online bursary form; they support your entry into the national selection.

Which Districts Are Known to Recruit for Funza Lushaka?

Because the Department of Basic Education does not publish a full public list of district recruitment availability, there is no formal national list of districts still “open” for late applications via the district stream. 

However, districts with high needs or ongoing teacher shortages are more likely to recruit actively. These include:

1. Rural districts in provinces such as the Eastern Cape and KwaZulu‑Natal.
2. Under‑resourced rural districts in the Free State and Northern Cape.
3. Areas with significant teacher shortages in maths, science, languages, and indigenous language teaching.

You can reach out to the education offices in your area to check whether recruitment is ongoing before the closing date.

How to Check District Recruitment Status

Here’s how students and parents can find out whether a district is still recruiting:

1. Visit your provincial education department’s website and look for Funza Lushaka contact details.
2. Call or email the district education office closest to your home or place of study.
3. Ask for a Funza Lushaka district screening form or information on local recruitment.
4. If a district has additional closing dates or screening dates, make sure you complete those before applying online nationally.

Official provincial numbers and contacts are usually listed on each provincial education department website. 

For example, the Eastern Cape Department of Education and the Western Cape Education Department have dedicated bursary contact points. 

(You must check the provincial site directly for the most accurate contact list.)

When Is the Deadline for Funza Lushaka 2026?

The national closing date for new Funza Lushaka applications is 24 January 2026.

Returning or existing bursary holders must reapply by 30 November 2025. 

Any applications, national or district‑based, received after those dates will not be considered.

This means that even if a district is still recruiting, you must complete all district screening and then submit the online application through the e‑Services portal before the national closing date.

What Documents Are Required for the District Stream?

Whether you apply via the national route or the district‑based recruitment process, you will need:

1. Your South African ID and a certified copy.
2. Matric certificate or academic record showing your results.
3. Proof of university acceptance for your BEd or teaching programme.
4. Any district screening forms or provincial recruitment documents if you were recruited at the district level.

District officers may also ask for additional documentation when screening.

If you are unsure, always verify with your district education office.