🌟 Funza Lushaka Bursary Application Process (Full Guide)
The Funza Lushaka Bursary Programme is one of South Africa’s most important government initiatives to promote teaching as a profession and address the shortage of qualified teachers in key subject areas. Funded by the Department of Basic Education (DBE), this bursary helps academically deserving students who wish to become teachers by covering their study costs. In return, recipients must commit to teaching in public schools for the same number of years they received financial support.
This guide explains in detail who qualifies, how to apply, and what to expect once you are awarded the bursary.
🎓 Purpose and Importance of the Funza Lushaka Bursary
The Funza Lushaka Bursary Programme was created to encourage talented young South Africans to enter the teaching profession, especially in priority subject areas where there are shortages. These include Mathematics, Languages, Natural Sciences, and Technology.
By funding teacher education studies, the programme ensures that the education system has well-qualified, passionate teachers. In return, bursary recipients serve in public schools, often in rural or disadvantaged areas, thereby improving access to quality education.
The bursary covers a range of expenses such as:
- Full tuition fees at an accredited higher education institution (HEI).
- Accommodation and meals, whether on campus or in private residence.
- Learning materials and textbooks required for your course.
- A modest living allowance to assist with day-to-day costs.
In exchange, every recipient signs an agreement committing to teach in a public school for the same number of years they receive the bursary. For example, if you are funded for four years, you must teach for at least four years.
✅ Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for the Funza Lushaka Bursary, you must meet the following criteria:
- Citizenship:
You must be a South African citizen with a valid South African ID. - Age limit:
First-time applicants must be 30 years old or younger when applying. - Academic requirements:
- You must have passed your Matric/Grade 12 with results that meet university entrance requirements.
- For teaching specialisations such as Mathematics, Science, or Languages, you must have achieved at least Level 4 (50%) or higher in those subjects.
- Continuing university students must show good academic progress in their current studies.
- Study programme:
You must be enrolled in, or provisionally accepted for, one of the following teaching qualifications:- A Bachelor of Education (BEd) degree — 4 years full-time.
- A Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) — 1 year full-time (for students who already have a suitable undergraduate degree).
- Priority subject areas:
Your qualification must include teaching specialisations in priority subjects, which vary by phase:- Foundation Phase (Grades R–3): Languages, Early Childhood Development, Mathematics Literacy.
- Intermediate Phase (Grades 4–6): Languages, Mathematics, Natural Science and Technology.
- Senior/FET Phase (Grades 7–12): Mathematics, Physical Science, Agricultural Sciences, Accounting, Economics, Technical subjects, and African languages.
- No prior teaching qualification:
Applicants who already hold a teaching qualification are not eligible. - Good character and commitment:
You must have a strong passion for teaching and demonstrate a desire to make a positive difference in education. Applicants with criminal records or previous misconduct are disqualified.
🖥️ Step-by-Step Application Process
Applying for the Funza Lushaka Bursary is done online via the South African e-Government portal. Follow these steps carefully:
Step 1: Secure university acceptance
Before applying, ensure that you have applied for and been accepted (or provisionally accepted) into a BEd or PGCE programme at a recognised higher education institution. You’ll need your student number for the bursary application.
Step 2: Visit the official portal
Go to the e-Services website or visit funzalushaka.doe.gov.za.
Step 3: Register an account
Create a personal profile on the e-Services platform by providing your name, ID number, email, and phone number. You’ll also create a password for login.
Step 4: Log in and access the bursary application
Once registered, log in to your profile. On the menu, select “Funza Lushaka Bursary Scheme” to begin your application.
Step 5: Verify your details
An OTP (One-Time Password) will be sent to your phone or email to confirm your registration. Enter this to continue.
Step 6: Complete the application form
Fill out the online form with accurate details, including:
- Personal information and contact details.
- Academic information and your chosen HEI.
- The teaching phase and subjects you plan to specialise in.
- Your motivation for choosing teaching as a career.
Step 7: Accept the terms and declaration
You will be required to accept the declaration of correctness and confirm that all information provided is accurate and truthful.
Step 8: Submit your application
After checking that all information is correct, submit the online form. You’ll receive confirmation of your submission.
Step 9: Submit supporting documents
After submitting your online application, you must provide the following certified documents to your university’s Funza Lushaka administrator:
- South African ID copy.
- Latest academic results or Matric certificate.
- Proof of university acceptance or registration.
- Proof of residence.
Step 10: Wait for selection results
Applications are processed through a selection committee that evaluates each candidate’s academic results, chosen specialisations, and motivation.
📅 Application Periods and Deadlines
The Funza Lushaka Bursary applications open annually, typically in October, and close in January of the following year.
For the 2026 academic year, the application opened on 7 October 2025 and will close on 24 January 2026 for new applicants. Returning bursary holders usually have an earlier closing date, such as 30 November 2025.
Late or incomplete applications will not be accepted, so it is essential to apply well before the closing date.
🧾 After Applying: What Happens Next?
Submitting an application does not automatically guarantee that you will receive the bursary. The selection process is competitive and considers factors such as:
- Academic performance.
- Choice of priority subjects.
- Commitment to teaching, especially in under-resourced schools.
If your application is successful, you’ll receive a formal award letter outlining the bursary conditions. You’ll be required to sign a contractual agreement that legally binds you to teach in a public school for the same number of years you were funded.
If you fail to meet the service obligation — for example, by not taking up your teaching post or leaving before your contract ends — you will be required to repay the full bursary amount with interest.
💡 Helpful Tips for a Successful Application
- Apply early: Online systems often experience delays near the deadline. Submitting early avoids stress and mistakes.
- Be accurate: Double-check all personal and academic details before submitting.
- Focus on priority subjects: Choose subjects that are listed as priority areas — these are more likely to be funded.
- Keep documents ready: Have all certified copies (ID, results, proof of acceptance) ready for upload or submission.
- Maintain good grades: Once funded, you must pass all modules each year to continue receiving the bursary.
- Stay committed: The bursary is for students who are genuinely passionate about teaching and public service.
🌍 Conclusion
The Funza Lushaka Bursary Programme is more than just financial support — it’s a national investment in the future of South African education. It gives young people the opportunity to become qualified teachers, contribute to community development, and inspire the next generation of learners.
By following the application process carefully, meeting all requirements, and demonstrating your commitment to education, you can improve your chances of being selected for this life-changing bursary.
If you wish to apply or learn more, visit the official website at www.funzalushaka.doe.gov.za.
