Apply Now For Funza Lushaka Teaching Bursaries - Funza Lushaka Application

Do you want to study teaching and you're looking for a bursary? Good news! The Funza Lushaka Bursary programme is perfect for you and 2025 bursary applications are now open.

The Funza Lushaka bursary is probably the most popular bursary available as it covers multiple years and you can study many different subjects.

CLICK HERE TO APPLY NOW!

 

Funza Lushaka Teaching Bursary 2025

The Funza Lushaka Teaching Bursary was introduced by the South African government to ensure that there would be enough well-trained and motivated teachers to work at public schools.

The bursary is available to South African citizens who want to study teaching degrees at university and does not have to be paid back.

In return for receiving the bursary the recipients only have to work for the Department of Basic Education as a teacher for the same number of years as they were funded in their studies.

Applications for the Funza Lushaka teaching bursary in 2024 opened in October 2023 and must be done online before the 2nd of February 2024.

Because the Funza Lushaka bursary programme covers the Bachelor of Education (B.ed) and Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) courses, these are not supported by NSFAS. 

The benefits of Funza Lushaka are very similar to NSFAS as it covers tuition fees, accommodation, meais, books and study materials, and a living allowance to cover day to day expenses.

Unlike NSFAS there is a requirement to work back for the Basic Education Department.

Students can request to work as a teacher in a specific area however this cannot be guaranteed and they may have to move to a different province.

This is because teaching posts are funded by the provincial Education Departments and they make the decisions over which posts will be funded, and in which schools.

Steps to follow when making an Online Application for the Funza Lushaka Bursary Programme:

• Applicants who have criminal records, have been charged with misconduct or are dismissed from work are not qualified
• Higher Education Institution employees and their immediate families are not accepted
• Online application is a MUST. No hard copies are accepted by the programme.
• Printing of the completed online application is a MUST.
• Anyone who already has other teaching qualifications do not qualify

Two types of qualifications can be funded are:

Undergraduate studies or a 4-year Bachelor of Education degree (B Ed), specializing in Foundation Phase (Grade R – 3), Intermediate Phase (Grade 4 – 6), Senior Phase (Grade 7 – 9) and FET Phase (Grade 10-12); and

Graduate studies or One-year Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE). Combined qualifications are also acceptable such as combined specialization in the Foundation Phase (Grade R – 3) and Intermediate Phase (Grade 4 – 6), or the Intermediate Phase and Senior Phase, or the Senior Phase (Grade 7 – 9) and FET Phase (Grade 10 –12).

The priority areas are:

Foundation Phase (i.e. Grades R-3) – Foundation Phase (with preference for African Languages)

Intermediate and Senior Phase (i.e. Grades 4-9) – Preference will be given for a teaching major in TWO of the following:

• Languages
• Mathematics
• Natural Science & Technology

FET phase (i.e. Grades 10-12) – Preference will be given for a teaching major in TWO of the following:

• Accounting
• Agricultural Sciences
• Agricultural Technology
• Civil Technology
• Computer Applications Technology
• Economics
• Electrical Technology
• Engineering Graphics and Design
• Geography
• Information Technology
• Life Sciences
• Mathematics
• Mechanical Technology
• Physical Sciences, Languages, Technical Mathematics and Technical Science

Bursary Requirements - Who Is Eligible?

There are two teaching qualifications that are generally accepted routes into the teaching profession. Bursary recipients will receive similar benefits if they are doing either of the teaching qualifications, but it will have an impact on the number of years the bursary recipients will have to work back for their provincial education department.

To apply to the Funza bursary online you should meet the below minimum entry requirements:

• South African citizen
• Good academic performance
• Graduates who want to complete a teaching degree or want to become teachers (Postgraduate Certificate in Education) and have already been accepted at an accredited public University.
• Applicants who want to make a career change and become teachers in this country, show dedication and passion for a professional career in teaching, display interest in working with young people, are ready to face and handle difficult challenges and have personal integrity.
• Higher Education Institution employees, their spouse and their dependents/children are not eligible.
• Two of the priority area subjects must be included as a specialisation in the teaching qualification.

For 1st time entrants to university:

• Proof of admission to bachelor’s degree studies pass at matric/Grade 12 level.
• Minimum level 4 rating at matric level in the subject which the applicant will specialize to teach.
• A pass in Mathematics or Mathematical Literacy at Grade 12 level and a minimum level 4 pass in the Home Language, for students who intend to specialize in the Foundation Phase
• Average of at least 50% for students who have completed matric prior to 2008 when Mathematics was not compulsory
• At least level 4 pass in Mathematics, for students who wish to specialize in the teaching of Technology subjects, including CAT, and who do not have these subjects at matric level

For new applicants already at university:

• Passed all of the modules studied in the last/most recent year of study at the Higher Education Institution
• Minimum 55% average across all the modules studied in the last/most recent year of study at a Higher Education Institution
• Minimum 55% average in modules studied relevant to the priority area teaching specialization in the last/most recent year of study at university

For new applicants enrolling for PGCE:

• Successful completion of a recognized qualification to be admitted for a PGCE
• Must have majored in Psychology and an African Language for a PGCE in Foundation Phase Teaching
• Must have at least TWO recognized priority subjects at second-year level
• Must have adequate modules in the recognized priority subjects

For existing bursary holders:

• Passed at least two-thirds or 66.6% of all the subject modules studied in the last/most recent year of study at the university
• Passed at least two-thirds or 66.6% of the priority subject area modules studied in the last/most recent year of study at the Higher Education Institution
• Passed the priority subject
• Must be proceeding to the next level/year of study
• Must achieve at least 50% average across all subject modules

How to Apply and Application Details

1. You can only apply for the Funza Lushaka bursary programme online
    
2. Go to the e-Gov portal at www.eservices.gov.za
   • Register your online profile by providing your personal details (or login with your previous login details if you already have an account)
   • Enter the OTP (One Time Pin) you will receive on your preferred channel to complete the process
   • Once logged in, go to the e-Services menu and choose Funza Lushaka Bursary
   • Accept the Funza Lushaka terms and conditions to proceed
   • On the Dashboard menu, click on the 2022 Application button and follow the steps. completing all the required fields with accurate information.
   • Accept the confirmation declaration and receive feedback on the status of the application through email.
      
3. Print the completed online application and submit it to the university where you are accepted and registered.
    
4. Accompany the application form with certified copies of your ID and your academic records:
   • Certified copy of Grade 12 result or certificate, for 1st-year students coming out of Grade 12
   • Certified copy of the latest academic transcript, for students already at university
      
5. Accompanying documents must be submitted to the applicant’s university coordinator, otherwise, the application will be rejected.

Important Notes:

• There are limited places available you your funding is not guaranteed.
• There are no late Funza Lushaka bursary applications accepted so ensure that your submit your application well before the closing date.

Application Closing Date

Applications for the Funza Lushaka bursary programme for 2024 opened on 08 October 2023. 

Re-applications (for Existing/Returning Bursary Recipients): 30 November 2023

First-time applicant’s bursary deadline closes on 02 February 2024

Effectiveness of the Funza Lushaka Bursary Programme

The South African government had to take strong measures to intervene in the teaching market as the average age of teachers in government schools is around 55.

This means that many will be retiring in the next few years. 

The Funza Lushaka bursary was one of the main steps taken to ensure that there are enough young people entering the teaching profession.

A study conducted by the government's Department of Planning Monitoring and Evaluation has found that the Funza Lushaka Bursary Scheme is making an important contribution to the substantial increase in enrollment of students in teaching degrees.

They also found that it has been very successful in attracting quality students to become teachers.

The study also found that the bursary was effective in attracting high-achieving students who complete teaching degrees in good time and go on to take up government funded posts at public schools in South Africa.

Contact Details

If you have questions please ask your university Education Department who is responsible for the Funza Lushaka bursary programme.

You could also contact your Provincial Basic Education Department or the National Department of Basic Education. 

Phone enquiries: 012 357 3000
Email address: [email protected]

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I accept the bursary for fewer years than the full number of years of the degree I am studying?

A: Yes and then you will only be obliged to work back the number of years that you were funded by the Funza Lushaka bursary programme.

However you must start the placement in the year immediately after graduating.

Q: If I have another partial bursary already can I accept the Funza Lushaka bursary as well?

A: No you can only be accepted onto the Funza Lushaka bursary programme if it is the only bursary your are on.

Q: Is the funding for the whole degree or just a year.

A: The funding is awarded for one year at a time. You will need to reapply in November each year.

If you academic progress is satisfactory you will be funded again for the next year for your tuition fees, accommodation, etc.

Q: Can I be funded if I need to study for an additional year at university to complete my degree?

A: This may be possibly and you can apply to be supported for an additional, fifth, year at university to complete your degree. This will be considered on a case by case basis. If you are approved it will mean that you will be required to work back one additional year at a government school.

This will only be considered for students completing the Bachelor of Education.

Related Articles:

* 2024 Applications are now open for Funza Lushaka

* What Documents Do I Need To Apply For Funza Lushaka?

* Does Funza Lushaka Fund Part Time Studies?

* Who qualifies for the Funza Lushaka bursary

* Will I Have To Pay Back My Funza Lushaka Bursary?

* How To Apply For A Funza Lushaka Bursary

Related Videos:

How To Apply For The Funza Lushaka Bursary or

When Applications Are Open For The Funza Lushaka Bursary

All About Funza Lushaka Bursary

2024 Funza Lushaka Bursary Application Dates