Introduction: What Is the Funza Lushaka Bursary Programme?
The Funza Lushaka Bursary Programme is a government-backed initiative in South Africa designed to promote teaching as a career. Its core goal is to attract capable, committed young people into the teaching profession — especially in subject areas that are currently under-resourced in public schools. Recipients of the bursary are required to teach in a public school for the same number of years that they were funded.
The Purpose and Importance of Funza Lushaka
South Africa faces critical shortages of qualified teachers in priority subject areas and schooling phases. The Funza Lushaka programme seeks to remedy this by:
- Offering full-cost bursaries to cover tuition, accommodation, learning materials, and, in some cases, a small living allowance.
- Encouraging graduates to enter teaching in under-served subjects such as mathematics, science, Indigenous South African languages, and technology.
- Strengthening the quality of education by ensuring that teachers in priority fields are well trained and fairly supported.
- Ensuring that graduates give back by teaching in public schools for a period equivalent to their funded studies.
By linking funding to a service obligation, the programme aims to sustain educational capacity where it is most needed.
Who Is Eligible to Apply?
To qualify for the Funza Lushaka bursary, applicants must meet several eligibility criteria:
- Be a South African citizen with a valid ID number.
- Be under the age of 30 (for first-time applicants).
- Be accepted or provisionally accepted into an approved Bachelor of Education (BEd) or, in certain cases, a Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) programme.
- Specialise in two or more designated priority subject areas.
- Demonstrate academic competence and show commitment to the teaching profession.
- Not already hold a teaching qualification.
First-time applicants must not be older than 30, and any application submitted late will not be considered. The programme does not fund extended or part-time programmes unless they meet the minimum stipulated period.
Priority Subject Areas and Funded Qualifications
Funza Lushaka gives preferential support to teaching in subjects where teacher shortages have been identified. The priority areas include:
- Foundation Phase (Grades R–3) — with preference for South African Indigenous Languages
- Intermediate Phase (Grades 4–6) — with emphasis on languages, natural sciences and technology
- Senior and Further Education & Training (FET, Grades 7–12) — priority subjects include Mathematics, Physical Sciences, Computer Applications, Engineering Graphics and Design, Agricultural Sciences, and more
Not all teaching degrees or subjects qualify. For example, subjects considered oversupplied (such as Geography, History, Economics, Physical Education) are usually excluded from funding. Also, only PGCE programmes for the Senior Phase and FET (Grades 7–12) are funded under certain conditions.
How to Apply: Step-by-Step Process
Applying for the Funza Lushaka bursary is done online, and first-time applicants must follow these steps:
- Visit the e-Gov portal and register by supplying required personal information.
- Login using the username and password created during registration.
- In the e-Services menu, select the Funza Lushaka Bursary Scheme.
- Enter the one-time password (OTP) received via your preferred communication channel.
- Accept the Terms and Conditions.
- On your dashboard, click on the application button (e.g., “2026 application”) when open.
- Fill out all required fields accurately and completely.
- Review and accept a declaration confirming your details.
Apply Online: Funza Lushaka Bursary Programme
Important: The bursary application must be submitted online within the stipulated window. Late or incomplete applications will not be accepted.
What the Bursary Covers & Financial Details
The Funza Lushaka bursary is intended to relieve financial pressures on student teachers. It may include:
- Tuition fees
- Accommodation and meals
- Books and learning materials
- Teaching practice costs
- In some cases, a small living allowance
However, the total awarded amount is capped. If a higher education institution charges more than the capped value, the student must cover the difference themselves. The bursary is awarded annually (i.e. one academic year at a time), and recipients must reapply each year based on academic performance.
Service Commitment and Contractual Obligations
A core feature of the Funza Lushaka bursary is the service obligation:
- Alumni must teach in a public school for one year for each year they received funding.
- Teaching placements are managed by Provincial Education Departments, in accordance with educational needs and policies.
- Should a recipient fail to teach, leave the profession prematurely, or breach the contract, they may be required to repay the bursary in full with interest.
- Failure to meet academic progress, or to register for or complete priority subject modules, may also lead to forfeiture or repayment obligations.
Selection, Renewal & Distribution of Bursaries
Selection committees at higher education institutions, along with the Department of Basic Education, assess and allocate bursaries using national and institutional criteria. Distribution takes into account:
- Academic merit
- The number of positions and funding available
- Strategic subject and geographic priority areas
Not every accepted student is guaranteed funding; the programme is competitive. Once a student becomes a bursar, they must renew the bursary annually, submitting a new application by the deadline, along with proof of satisfactory academic progress.
Key Dates & Tips for Applicants
- Applications typically open in October and close in January of the academic year.
- First-time applicants must apply before they turn 30.
- Applicants should prepare all supporting documents (certified copies of ID, matric certificate, acceptance letter from a university) in advance.
- Ensure that your chosen teaching degree includes the required priority subject specialisations.
- Always submit your application before the deadline—late entries are not accepted.
Conclusion: Why Funza Lushaka Matters
The Funza Lushaka Bursary Programme is a powerful tool for shaping South Africa’s educational future. It not only empowers students from diverse backgrounds to pursue a teaching career, but it also helps ensure that South African classrooms do not suffer from critical teacher shortages in vital subject areas.
If you are passionate about education, meet the eligibility criteria, and are committed to serving in public schools, Funza Lushaka offers you the support you need to transform your calling into a career. Be sure to watch for the next application window, prepare thoughtfully, and apply early to maximize your chance of success.
