Top Education & Teaching Bursaries For 2026 In South Africa

Interested in teaching? These bursaries are designed to support aspiring educators with financial assistance, training, and career placements—offered by reputable institutions invested in strengthening our education system.

1. Funza Lushaka Bursary Programme (Department of Basic Education)

Who They Are & Why They Offer It
The Department of Basic Education (DBE) funds the Funza Lushaka bursary to attract and train high-quality teachers in critical subject areas, addressing shortages and promoting professional teaching.

Deadline: New applicant deadline is 30 November 2024. Returning applicants close on 26 January 2025 for the 2025/2026 intake.
Requirements:
- South African citizen, under age 30 for first-time applicants
- Must be accepted for a B.Ed. undergraduate degree in priority subjects (e.g., Maths, Sciences, Indigenous Languages) at a public university
- Matric with endorsement, minimum Level 4 (50%) in two teaching subjects; specific phase requirements apply UniApplyForMe
How to Apply:
- Register and apply online via the Funza Lushaka portal from 1 October annually University of Pretoria
What’s Covered:
- Tuition, accommodation, meals, learning materials, and a living allowance; renewable annually based on academic performance; recipients must teach in public schools for each year funded UniApplyForMe
Apply Via: Funza Lushaka Bursary Portal
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2. SAMSTIP (Investec, ISASA & Department of Basic Education)

Who They Are & Why They Offer It
SAMSTIP is a joint initiative by Investec, ISASA, and the DBE, providing bursaries to students pursuing Maths and Science teaching qualifications, aiming to enhance instruction in critical STEM subjects.

Deadline: Currently not listed for 2026, but aligned with Investec’s programme dates closing on 30 September 2025 Investec.
Requirements:
- Matriculants with a bachelor’s exemption, ≥60% in Maths, Sciences, and English
- Applicants entering a B.Ed. or PGCE in Maths/Science at UNISA Investec
How to Apply:
- Apply via the Investec bursary page managed by StudyTrust where SAMSTIP is listed Investec
What’s Covered:
- Full tuition and textbooks at UNISA; plus academic enrichment, mentorship, and practical placements; aimed at producing competent Maths/Science educators Investec
Apply Via: Investec Tertiary Bursary Programme (SAMSTIP)

3. NSFAS – Funza Lushaka Administration

Who They Are & Why They Offer It
NSFAS, funded by the Department of Higher Education, administers the Funza Lushaka bursary alongside student loans. They aim to ensure equitable access to teacher training via bursary funding.

Deadline: NSFAS applications typically open between September and November in the preceding year (e.g., for 2026 intake) Wikipedia.
Requirements:
- South African citizens with limited household income (usually ≤ R350,000) and acceptance into public tertiary institutions for teaching programs
How to Apply:
- Apply online via the NSFAS portal during the window; options also available at institutional Financial Aid Offices Wikipedia
What’s Covered:
- Comprehensive funding including tuition, accommodation, study materials—without repayment for eligible students Wikipedia
Apply Via: NSFAS Official Portal
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4. Ninety One Changeblazers Bursary (Education Stream)

Who They Are & Why They Offer It
Ninety One is an investment management firm that supports high-potential learners from under-resourced backgrounds through their Changeblazers bursary, enabling future representation in fields like education.

Deadline: Applications for 2026 are now open Ninety One.
Requirements:
- Matriculants from under-resourced communities accepted for a teaching qualification among their eligible fields
How to Apply:
- Apply online via the Ninety One Changeblazers portal; details and downloadables available there Ninety One
What’s Covered:
- Full support: tuition, accommodation, meals, learning materials, private tutoring, career and wellbeing support, with extras like driver’s license assistance and graduation attire for high performers Ninety One
Apply Via: Ninety One Changeblazers Bursary

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) – Bursaries in South Africa 2026

1. What is a bursary?

A bursary is financial assistance given to students to help cover the costs of their studies. In South Africa, bursaries are usually offered by government departments, private companies, universities, and NGOs. Depending on the provider, a bursary may cover tuition fees only, or it may also include accommodation, textbooks, and living allowances. Unlike loans, most bursaries do not have to be repaid, although some come with conditions such as maintaining good grades or working for the sponsor after graduation.

2. Who qualifies for a bursary?

Eligibility depends on the bursary provider, but most bursaries require applicants to:

Be a South African citizen with a valid ID.
Be accepted or enrolled at a recognized university or TVET college.
Have good academic performance.
Show financial need (for need-based bursaries).
In some cases, demonstrate leadership potential or community involvement.

3. Do bursaries cover accommodation and living expenses?

Yes, some bursaries are full-cost bursaries, which means they pay for tuition, residence, meals, transport, and study materials. Examples include Sasol, Old Mutual, and some government bursaries. Others may only cover tuition or provide a partial contribution. Always read the bursary terms carefully to understand what is included.

4. Can I apply for more than one bursary?

Yes, students can apply for multiple bursaries at the same time. This increases your chances of being funded. If you are awarded more than one bursary, you will normally have to choose one. Some providers also ask you to declare whether you are receiving other financial assistance.

5. Do I have to pay back a bursary?

Most bursaries do not need to be repaid. However, some include a work-back obligation, which means you will have to work for the sponsoring company or government department for a certain number of years after graduation. This is common in bursaries from banks, law firms, and big corporations, and it ensures you gain practical work experience.

6. What happens if I fail my studies while on a bursary?

Most bursary contracts require students to maintain a minimum average, often around 60–65%. If you fail a module or do not meet the performance standard, your bursary funding could be suspended or cancelled. Some bursary providers allow students to repeat failed modules, but this depends on the contract terms.

7. When should I apply for bursaries for 2026?

Bursary applications for the 2026 academic year usually open between April and October 2025. Each bursary has its own deadline, so it’s important to keep track. Large organizations like Sasol, Nedbank, and Shoprite often open applications mid-year, while university bursaries may close later in the year.

8. Do bursaries guarantee me a job after graduation?

Not all bursaries guarantee employment, but many corporate bursaries (like those from banks, retailers, and law firms) include a job offer or internship after graduation. Government bursaries also sometimes place graduates in public service roles. Always check the bursary conditions to know whether a work placement is included.