Considering a career in teaching? The Funza Lushaka Bursary programme can help you achieve your goals! This South African bursary is specifically designed to support students pursuing teaching qualifications.
What does the Funza Lushaka Bursary cover?
- Financial Aid: The bursary assists with tuition fees and living expenses for qualifying students.
- Focus on Educators: It supports those enrolled in either a Bachelor of Education (BEd) or a Postgraduate Certificate of Education (PGCE).
Funza Lushaka Bursary Applications For 2026
Applications are open now if you would like to apply for funding to study to be a teacher next year.
How to Prepare for the Funza Lushaka Bursary
While you wait for the official announcement, you can take proactive steps to prepare:
- Check Eligibility: Review the Funza Lushaka eligibility criteria to ensure you qualify.
- Consider Additional Funding: Although the bursary is facilitated by NSFAS, applying for a separate NSFAS bursary is recommended, as Funza Lushaka has limited spots.
- Stay Informed: Keep an eye on the Department of Basic Education website for the official announcement on the 2025 application period.
Funza Lushaka Bursary Programme Requirements
These are the requirements you need to meet to access the Funza Lushaka Bursary.
- Must be 30 years old or younger
- Have no other teaching qualifications
- Must be a South African citizens with a valid South African ID number
- Good academic ability
- An exemption, endorsement, or ‘admission to bachelor degree studies’ pass at matric/Grade 12 level.
- At least a level 4 pass at matric level in the two subjects which the applicant will specialise to teach.
- For students who wish to specialise in the Foundation Phase, a Level 2 pass in Mathematics or Level 4 pass in Mathematical Literacy at Grade 12 level is required. In addition, a t least a level 4 pass in the Home Language is required.
- For students who wish to specialise in the Intermediate Phase, a Level 4 pass in Mathematics and a level 4 in a Home Language subject and/or a Level 4 pass in Science Subjects at Grade 12 level is required. In addition, at least a level 4 pass in the Home Language is required.
- Students who wish to specialize in the teaching of Technology subjects, including CAT, IT, and other Technical stream subjects and who do not have these subjects level, must have at least a level 4 pass in Mathematics or Technical Mathematics.
- Must be accepted into an approved B.Ed. degree or PGCE programme to specialise in two or more of the priority subject areas.
- Must be committed to teach in any school to which a student may be placed by a Provincial Education Department (PED)
