About the Funza Lushaka Bursary Programme:
The Funza Lushaka Bursary Programme is designed to support students pursuing teaching studies in South Africa. Recipients of this bursary are required to teach at public schools for a period equal to the duration of the bursary received.
Funza Lushaka Bursary 2025-2026:
Applications for the Funza Lushaka teaching bursary must be completed online each year. Bursary recipients are assigned to public schools, and they cannot choose the school they are placed in, as assignments are based on priority.
The bursary covers various essential expenses, which may include tuition fees, accommodation (including meals), books, and learning materials. In some cases, a small allowance for monthly living expenses may also be provided.
Important Guidelines for the Online Application of Funza Lushaka Bursary 2025-2026:
- Applicants with a criminal record, charged with misconduct, or dismissed from work are not eligible.
- Employees of Higher Education Institutions and their immediate families are not accepted.
- Only online applications are accepted; no hard copies are allowed.
- It is mandatory to print the completed online application.
- Individuals with other teaching qualifications do not qualify.
- Two types of qualifications can be funded: Undergraduate studies or a 4-year Bachelor of Education degree (B Ed) and Graduate studies or a one-year Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE). Combined qualifications are also acceptable.
- Priority areas include Foundation Phase, Intermediate and Senior Phase, and FET Phase teaching specializations.
- Applicants must meet certain minimum entry requirements to be eligible.
Bursary Requirements and Eligibility:
To apply for the Funza Lushaka bursary online, you must meet the following minimum entry requirements:
- South African citizenship
- Good academic performance
- Must be accepted at an accredited public university for teaching studies
- Willingness to pursue a full-time qualification in teaching
- No other teaching qualifications
- Specific subject requirements depending on your teaching specialization
- Financial need
- Not employed
- First-year students are given preference
- Priority given to female and disabled students
How to Apply for the Funza Lushaka Bursary:
- Visit the e-Gov portal at www.eservices.gov.za.
- Register your online profile or log in if you have an existing account.
- Enter the OTP (One Time Pin) received to complete the registration process.
- Once logged in, go to the e-Services menu and select Funza Lushaka Bursary.
- Accept the Funza Lushaka terms and conditions.
- On the Dashboard menu, click on the Application button and follow the steps to complete the application.
- Accept the confirmation declaration and receive feedback on your application status via email.
- Print the completed online application and submit it to the university where you are accepted and registered.
- Include certified copies of your ID and academic records.
Closing Date of the Funza Lushaka Bursary:
- Re-applications (for Existing/Returning Bursary Recipients): November 30
- First-time applicants bursary deadline: January 16
Contact Details:
For inquiries or assistance, please contact your university’s Funza Lushaka academic and administrative coordinators or your provincial education department (PED). You can also contact the Department of Basic Education:
- Phone: 012 357 3000
- Email: inquiries.funzalushaka@dbe.gov.za
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Is there an age limit for bursary application?
- No, as long as the applicant is at least at Grade 12 level or higher.
- Are Advanced Certificate in Education (ACE) students accepted?
- No, the Funza Lushaka Bursaries are only offered to inexperienced teacher education students.
- Can distance education and part-time students apply for a bursary?
- Yes, provided they meet all other admission and application criteria.
- Can beneficiaries of other funding apply for a Funza Lushaka bursary?
- Yes, if they qualify and if the terms and conditions of the other bursary agreements allow.
- How much is a Funza Lushaka bursary worth?
- The total value of the bursary depends on the institution’s cost structures and covers necessary educational expenses.
- What does the bursary cover?
- The bursary covers tuition, accommodation (including meals), books, learning materials, and a small living allowance if possible.
- Can bursaries be awarded for fewer years than required to complete a multi-year program?
- Yes, students already studying at a university can be accepted for the bursary.
- Can a student who has other funding from another source receive a Funza Lushaka bursary?
- Yes, under certain conditions, such as full-cost bursary recipients forfeiting other funding or if the terms and conditions of other bursaries allow.
- Can a student receive a bursary for an extra year of study?
- Extensions for the bursary will be considered only for students pursuing the PGCE program. Additional study years for non-PGCE programs will be case-specific and may be at the student’s expense.
- Is the bursary renewable?
- Yes, the bursary is renewable upon annual application and submission of satisfactory academic reports until completion of the teaching qualification.
- Will the recipient be required to teach?
- Yes, after completing studies, bursary recipients must teach for a period equivalent to the bursary received.
- Must the bursary be repaid?
- Repayment may be required if recipients fail to meet certain conditions, such as not completing studies, not applying for a teaching post, or leaving a teaching post before the contracted service period ends.
- How much must be repaid for the bursary?
- The recipient would be required to repay the full amount of the bursary received with accrued interest compounded monthly in certain circumstances.
