Funza Lushaka Bursary: Easy Online Application 2025

If you want to become a teacher in South Africa but can’t afford to pay for your studies, the Funza Lushaka Bursary 2025 is one of the best ways to fund your education. This government bursary pays for your tuition, learning materials, accommodation, and even a small living allowance. In return, you’ll teach at a public school once you graduate.

The application process is fully online, but many students get rejected because they don’t follow the instructions properly or miss important deadlines.

In this guide, we’ll show you:

• Who can apply and what you need
• What the bursary covers
• Step-by-step instructions to apply online
• Key deadlines and documents
• Answers to common questions

Applications for the 2025 academic year are closed and will soon reopen for 2026. If you qualify, don’t wait until the last minute. Use this guide to apply correctly to give yourself the best chance of getting funded in 2026.

To get the Funza Lushaka Bursary, you must meet both general and academic requirements. These are set by the Department of Basic Education to make sure only suitable candidates are funded.

General Requirements:

You must:

• Be a South African citizen with a valid ID number
• Be 30 years old or younger if applying for the first time
• Be accepted to study at a recognized public university
• Be willing to teach in a public school after you graduate (placement is done based on national needs)
• Have no criminal record
• Have no charges related to misconduct or fraud
• Be ready to sign a contract agreeing to teach for the same number of years you are funded

Academic Requirements:

You must also meet one of the following, depending on your situation:

If you’re a first-time university student (just finished Matric):

• You must have been accepted into a Bachelor of Education (BEd) program
• You need good results in:
  • Mathematics (Level 4) or Maths Literacy (Level 6)
  • English (Level 4)
  • And at least one teaching subject at Level 4

If you’re already at university:

• You must be enrolled in a teaching qualification (BEd or PGCE)
• You need an average of at least 55% in your last year of study
• You must be studying priority subjects (covered later in this guide)

If you’re applying for a PGCE (Postgraduate Certificate in Education):

• Your undergraduate degree must include subjects that are in high demand for teaching
• You must have passed those subjects with good marks

Who Gets Preference?

• Applicants from rural or disadvantaged communities.
• Applicants studying to teach African languages or STEM subjects.
• First-time bursary applicants (although returning students can reapply if they meet the criteria).

The Funza Lushaka Bursary is a fully-funded opportunity that pays for most of the costs related to your teaching qualification. This means you can study without worrying about money, as long as you meet the conditions of the bursary.

What’s Included:

• Tuition Fees: The full cost of your university courses is paid directly to the institution.
• Accommodation: If you stay in a university residence or approved housing, the cost is covered.
• Meals: A set allowance is provided to help with your daily food needs.
• Books and Study Materials: You’ll receive funding for textbooks and other learning tools.
• Teaching Practice Costs: Some travel and practical teaching costs may be included.
• Monthly Living Allowance (stipend): You’ll receive a small amount of money each month to cover personal needs.

What’s Not Included:

• Fees for extra subjects not related to your qualification
• Repeat modules if you fail a subject
• Private accommodation above the approved rate

Do You Have to Pay It Back?

You don’t repay the bursary in money, but you must teach in a public school for the same number of years you received funding. If you received the bursary for 4 years, you must teach for 4 years. If you fail to do this, you’ll have to pay the money back.

The Funza Lushaka Bursary doesn’t cover any teaching qualification. It’s designed to fill skills gaps in public schools by funding students who want to teach in priority subjects. These are the subjects where South Africa urgently needs more qualified teachers.

Foundation Phase (Grades R-3)

• Early Childhood Development
• Literacy and Numeracy
• African Languages

Intermediate Phase (Grades 4-6)

• Mathematics
• Natural Science and Technology
• African Languages

Senior Phase and Further Education & Training (Grades 7-12)

You must specialise in two of the following high-demand subjects:

• Mathematics
• Physical Sciences
• Accounting
• Agricultural Sciences
• Life Sciences
• Technology
• Geography
• Computer Applications Technology (CAT)
• Information Technology (IT)
• Languages (especially African languages, English First Additional Language, and more)
• Economics

Can You Choose Other Subjects?

No. If your subjects are not on the priority list, you won’t qualify for funding under Funza Lushaka. Always confirm with your university’s education faculty or the bursary office before applying.

The Funza Lushaka Bursary is a full-cost bursary, which means it can cover all your major study expenses but only if your university fees are in line with standard rates at public institutions.

Here’s what the bursary typically includes:

Tuition Fees

• Full coverage of your annual tuition at a public university.
• Registration fees are also included.

Accommodation

• Either university residence fees or a stipend for private accommodation.
• The amount is based on what your university charges.

Meals

• Meal allowances may be included for students staying in residence.
• Some universities offer this as part of a combined accommodation and food package.

Textbooks and Learning Materials

• Annual allowance to cover prescribed textbooks and study materials.

Teaching Practice Travel

• Funds to cover transport costs to and from your school during your teaching practice.

What’s Not Covered

• Funza Lushaka does not cover study at private colleges or overseas universities.
• It won’t pay for non-teaching degrees or non-priority subjects.

How Much Is the Funza Lushaka Bursary Worth?

The bursary amount varies per student, depending on:

• The university’s fees
• Your living arrangements
• Whether you need travel or additional support

Follow these simple steps to complete your Funza Lushaka application on the official government portals:

Step 1: Create or Log In to Your e-Gov Account

• Visit the official e-Services portal: www.eservices.gov.za
• If you already have an account, log in using your ID number and password.
• If you do not have an account, click “Register”, enter your ID details, email, phone number, and choose a password.

Step 2: Locate the Funza Lushaka Bursary Application

• After logging in, find the “Applications” menu.
• Select “Bursaries”, then click “Funza Lushaka Bursary Programme – 2025”.
• Read the bursary instructions carefully before clicking “Apply Now”.

Step 3: Fill Out the Online Form

You will need to provide:

1. Personal information: Full names, ID number, date of birth, contact details.
2. Academic details: Matric results or university marks.
3. University information: Campus, qualification (BEd or PGCE), major subjects.
4. Residential information: Are you studying away from home?
5. Declaration: Confirm you agree to the bursary conditions.

Step 4: Upload Supporting Documents

Prepare and upload the following in PDF or JPG format:

• Certified copy of South African ID
• Grade 12 certificate or university transcript
• Proof of acceptance into your teaching qualification
• Latest results or academic record
• Proof of residence (for rural/disadvantaged area preference)

Step 5: Review & Submit

• Use the “Preview” button to check your entries and documents.
• Check for missing fields or errors and fix them immediately.
• When everything is correct, click “Submit Application”.
• You’ll get a confirmation email and reference number. Save both of them.

Step 6: After Submission

• Take a screenshot of your final submission and confirmation page.
• Log in weekly to check the status of your application.
• Watch your email and SMS for bursary updates or required actions.
• If selected, ensure you follow the instructions for signing your bursary agreement.

Once you submit your Funza Lushaka bursary application online, there’s a waiting process. But behind the scenes, a lot is happening.

Here’s what to expect:

1. Application Review

• Your application goes through a pre-screening process.
• They check:
  • If your information is complete
  • Whether you qualify based on the priority subjects
  • If your supporting documents are valid

2. Selection by the University’s Faculty of Education

• Your university’s education faculty plays a key role.
• They review all Funza Lushaka applications from their campus.
• They shortlist candidates based on academic results, subject choice, and teaching commitment.

3. Provincial and National Review

• Final selection is done by the Provincial Education Department (PED) and Department of Basic Education (DBE).
• They look at the demand for teachers in your province and whether your application meets national goals.

4. Status Notification

• You will be notified via email or SMS about the outcome.
• If approved:
  • You’ll be asked to sign the bursary agreement contract.
  • Once signed, your bursary benefits will be activated.

5. When Will You Get Funding?

• After signing, payment is made directly to your university.
• You will receive allowances (if applicable) for things like:
  • Accommodation
  • Meals
  • Textbooks

6. What If You’re Not Selected?

If your application is unsuccessful, you can:

• Apply again the next year (even if you’re in second or third year)
• Look for other bursaries for education students
• Consider improving your academic performance or changing subjects to match the priority list

The Funza Lushaka Bursary is very competitive, especially for popular teaching subjects. Follow these proven tips to increase your chances of success.

1. Choose a Priority Subject

The bursary only funds specific teaching subjects that are in demand across South Africa. These include:

• Foundation Phase (Grades R-3)
• Intermediate and Senior Phase (Maths, Natural Science, Technology)
• FET Phase (Grades 10-12): Mathematics, Physical Science, Accounting, IT, Languages

2. Apply as Early as Possible

Don’t wait for the deadline. The system may be slower closer to the closing date, and some universities start screening early.

Best time to apply for Funza Lushaka Bursary? As soon as the portal opens in October.

3. Make Sure Your Academic Results Are Strong

You don’t need to be a top achiever, but:

• For first-time university students: aim for Bachelor’s pass (NSC)
• For current university students: maintain a 65%+ average

The better your marks, the higher your chances of being shortlisted.

4. Ensure Your Documents Are Complete

Many applicants are rejected for missing or incorrect documents.

Your application must include:

• Certified ID copy
• Matric certificate or latest results
• Proof of university acceptance or registration
• Proof of residence (especially for NSFAS applicants)

Make sure documents are clear, not older than 3 months, and uploaded in the correct format.

5. Show a Strong Commitment to Teaching

The panel wants people who are serious about becoming teachers.

In your motivation (if asked), show:

• Why you want to teach
• What subjects you’re passionate about
• How you plan to make a difference in schools

6. Register in the Correct Qualification

To qualify, you must be registered for one of the following:

• Bachelor of Education (B.Ed) – Foundation, Intermediate, Senior, or FET Phase
• PGCE (Postgraduate Certificate in Education) – only if your undergraduate degree includes priority subjects

You can’t be funded for general BA, BSc, or other non-teaching degrees.

Receiving the Funza Lushaka Bursary comes with a service obligation, it’s not just free money. Once you graduate, you’ll be required to teach at a public school for the same number of years you received funding.

How the Payback Works

For every year of bursary funding, you must teach for one year. This is called the service contract.

Where Will You Be Placed?

The Department of Basic Education will place you in a school where your skills are needed – usually in rural, township, or high-need urban schools.

You cannot choose the school. Placement depends on vacancies and subject demand.

What If You Don’t Want to Teach After Graduating?

If you choose not to work at a public school or you don’t complete your studies, you’ll have to repay the bursary with interest.

This includes:

• Tuition
• Accommodation
• Books
• Any other support received

What You Must Do After Graduation

1. Inform the university coordinator and Funza Lushaka bursary office when you complete your degree.
2. Update your contact details on the online system.
3. Wait for placement communication from the provincial department.
4. Accept the job offer and report to the assigned school.