How to Apply for the Funza Lushaka Bursary 2025

The Funza Lushaka Bursary Program is a vital initiative aimed at addressing the shortage of qualified teachers in South Africa.

This comprehensive guide aims to walk you through the entire process of applying for the Funza Lushaka bursary, from understanding the eligibility requirements to checking your application status.

What is the Funza Lushaka Bursary?

The Funza Lushaka Bursary Program is a multi-year initiative that promotes teaching as a profession. It provides funding or bursaries for students studying to become teachers in priority subject areas.

The bursary covers various educational expenses, including tuition fees, accommodation, books, and other study materials.

Check Out: How to Apply for TTI Bursary.

Purpose and Benefits of the Bursary

Educational Support: Covers tuition fees, accommodation, and study materials.
Skill Development: Encourages the development of teaching skills in priority subject areas.
Employment Guarantee: Bursary recipients are placed in teaching positions upon graduation.

Funza Lushaka bursary requirements

To be eligible for the Funza Lushaka bursary, applicants must:

Be a South African citizen.
Have a strong academic record.
Be enrolled or intending to enroll in a Bachelor of Education (B.Ed.) or a Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) at a recognized higher education institution.
Commit to teaching in a school identified by the Department of Basic Education.
If you have a criminal record, have been charged with misconduct, or have been dismissed from work, you are not eligible to apply for this bursary.
The allocation of Funza Lushaka bursaries to Higher Education Institution employees, their spouses, and their dependents/children is not permissible.
Non-disclosure of the information required in point 6 above will be treated as fraud.
Applicants must be 30 years old or younger to qualify for the Funza Lushaka Bursary.
To qualify, you must complete the online application. No hard-copy applications will be accepted.
If you already have a teaching qualification, you do not qualify for the Funza Lushaka Bursary.
Two types of qualifications can be funded: a. Undergraduate studies:
- 4-year Bachelor of Education degree (B.Ed.), specializing in one of the following: Foundation Phase (Grade R – 3), Intermediate Phase (Grade 4 – 6), or Senior and Further Education and Training Teaching (Grade 7-12).
- b. Graduate studies:
One-year Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) for graduates whose degrees reflect two priority subjects, where one module/course was completed or studied at the third-year level, while the second priority subject was completed or studied at the second-year level.
Only the PGCE for the Senior Phase and Further Education and Training Teaching (SPFET) (Grade 7-12) will be funded through the Funza Lushaka Bursary Scheme.
No PGCE for Foundation and Intermediate Phases will be funded.

How to Apply for the Funza Lushaka Bursary

Applying for the Funza Lushaka bursary involves several steps, which are outlined below:

Research and Prepare: Gather all necessary documents, including academic transcripts, proof of residence, and ID copies. Research the specific requirements for your chosen field of study.
Open the e-Gov Portal: Go to the e-Gov portal at eservices.gov.za.
Register: Provide your personal information to register on the portal. Note: All first-time applicants must be 30 years or younger to apply for the Funza Lushaka Bursary.
Login: Use the username and password created during registration to log in to the system.
Select the Funza Lushaka Bursary Scheme: On the e-Services Menu, select the Funza Lushaka Bursary Scheme.
Enter the OTP: Enter the One-Time Pin (OTP) received on your preferred channel.
Accept the Terms and Conditions: Read and accept the terms and conditions of the bursary program.
Start Your Application: On the dashboard menu, click on the 2025 application button. Follow the steps to complete the required fields with your information.
Confirm and Submit: Accept the declaration to confirm that the information captured is accurate. Submit your completed application.

Important Dates and Deadlines

The application period opens in August and closes in February.
Check the Funza Lushaka website for the exact dates and any updates.

Once you have submitted your application, you can track its progress through the Funza Lushaka bursary portal.

How to Access the Funza Lushaka Bursary Portal

Visit the Funza Lushaka Website: Navigate to the Funza Lushaka bursary section on the official website.
Login to Your Account:
- Enter your username and password.
- If you are a new user, you may need to create an account.

Checking Your Funza Lushaka Bursary Status

After logging into the portal, you can check the status of your application.

How to Check Your Application Status

Login to the Funza Lushaka Portal.
Navigate to Application Status.
Your application status will be displayed, indicating whether your application is under review, approved, or rejected.

What to Do If Your Application Status Is Delayed

Contact Funza Lushaka Support: If your status has not been updated for an extended period, contact Funza Lushaka for assistance at 012 357 3000 or email them at inquiries.funzalushaka@dbe.gov.za.
Ensure All Documents Are Submitted: Double-check that you have submitted all required documents.

Funza Lushaka Bursary Selection Criteria

The Funza Lushaka Bursary Scheme selection criteria include the following;

The bursary is only awarded to South African citizens with a valid South African ID number.
The applicant should demonstrate good academic ability.
Applicants should be 30 years and below to qualify for the Funza Lushaka Bursary.
Allocation of Funza Lushaka bursaries to Higher Education Institution employees, their spouses, and their dependents/children is not permissible.
The Funza Lushaka bursary does not fund extended programs.
The applicant must be accepted into an approved B.Ed. degree or PGCE program to specialize in two or more of the priority subject areas.
The applicant must show commitment to a teaching career, including interest in working with young people, enthusiasm for a professional career in teaching, and readiness to face and surmount difficult challenges with integrity.
The applicant must be committed to teaching in any school to which a student may be placed by a Provincial Education Department (PED).

For 1st Time Entrants to the University

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 specialize in teaching.
For Foundation Phase specialization, a Level 2 pass in Mathematics or Level 4 pass in Mathematical Literacy at Grade 12 level, and at least a Level 4 pass in the Home Language.
For Intermediate Phase specialization, a Level 4 pass in Mathematics at the Grade 12 level, and at least a Level 4 pass in the Home Language.
For Senior FET specialisation, a level 4 pass in one National and one Provincial Priority subject, or two from the Provincial Priority subjects.
For Technical subjects including CAT, if not taken at matric level, at least a level 4 pass in Mathematics or Technical Mathematics.
The higher requirement applies if the institution’s admission requirements are higher than the bursary requirements.

For New Applicants Already at the University

The student must have passed all modules studied in the year before the bursary application at the Higher Education Institution, especially Funza Lushaka Priority subjects.
At least a 55% pass average across all modules studied in the applicant’s last year of study.
At least a 66.5% pass average in modules related directly to the priority subject area of teaching specialization.

For New Applicants Enrolling for PGCE

NO Funza Lushaka Bursary will be awarded for PGCE – Foundation and Intermediate Phases.
The student must have completed a recognized qualification that includes two teaching subjects qualifying for a PGCE.
Funza Lushaka Bursary will be awarded for PGCE for ONLY Senior Phase and Further Education and Training Teaching (SPFET) (Grade 7-12).
To be considered for PGCE in SPFET, the student must have two priority subjects with one studied at the third-year level and the other at the second-year level, or both at the second or third-year level.

Additional Information

Meeting the minimum criteria does not guarantee acceptance for the bursary; the best students will be selected.
The bursary is awarded for one academic year at a time and re-award depends on academic performance.
There is no automatic promise of financial support for a fifth year of study; re-award is based on good academic performance and availability of funds.
Recipients must teach one year for every year they receive the bursary.
Funza Lushaka bursaries cover most essential expenses, including tuition fees, accommodation, meals, books, learning materials, teaching practice, laptops, and a small allowance for monthly living expenses. The total value differs from institution to institution.
Recipients must teach at a public school for the same number of years they received the bursary. Non-adherence to bursary conditions may require repayment of the bursary with interest.
Applicants must have an email address and a contactable cell phone number for communication purposes throughout their studies.

Application Process

Applications must only be made after being allocated a valid student number and accepted/provisionally accepted at the university.
Apply online at www.funzalushaka.doe.gov.za before the closing date.
Ensure accurate information is captured, especially the priority subject areas.
Students may update personal details or make changes to their applications before the system closes.
Students changing institutions after submitting their application will not be considered for selection. Update admission status or change institutions while the system is still open.
Applying for the bursary does not guarantee receipt.

Communications About the Bursary

Direct all inquiries to the Funza Lushaka academic and administrative coordinators at your university.
Do not communicate directly with NSFAS, DBE, or the Department of Higher Education and Training.
For inquiries, phone 012 357 3000 or email inquiries.funzalushaka@dbe.gov.za.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the Funza Lushaka Bursary Programme?

The Funza Lushaka Bursary Programme is a multi-year initiative to promote teaching as a profession. Bursaries are available to enable selected students to complete a teaching qualification in identified priority subject areas. Recipients of these bursaries are required to teach at a public school for the same number of years that they received the bursary.

How are roles and responsibilities for the Funza Lushaka program separated?

This national program is administered at each public higher education institution (HEI), funded by the National Treasury, and managed by the Department of Basic Education (DBE).

The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) administers the financial aspects through the Student Financial Aid office at each HEI. Provincial Coordinators implement teacher recruitment programs, respond to queries, and manage the selection of district-recruited applicants.

Who is eligible to apply?

Academically gifted learners in Grade 12.
Graduates below the age of 30 who want to complete a teaching qualification or enroll for a PGCE.
People below the age of 30 who want to make a career change to teaching.
Unemployed individuals below the age of 30 who want to become teachers.

How does a student apply?

Prospective bursars must first gain admission to a higher education institution (HEI). Applications can be submitted online at funzalushaka.doe.gov.za.

Where can prospective students find out more about the bursary program?

Information is available at funzalushaka.doe.gov.za and education.gov.za. Financial details and service obligations can be obtained from Student Financial Aid offices, and information on teaching as a profession can be provided by staff in the Faculty or School of Education at HEIs.

How does an institution determine whether a student’s academic program complies with the selection criteria?

The program aims to boost recruitment into teaching in priority subject areas. Faculty or School of Education staff can assist in determining a student’s teaching priority subjects according to the Funza Lushaka Policy.

What are the national priority subject areas?

Foundation Phase (Grades R-3): Preference for South African Indigenous Languages, Neurodevelopment Needs, Braille, SASL.
Intermediate and Senior Phase (Grades 4-9): Preference for teaching major in Languages, Mathematics, and Natural Science & Technology.
FET phase (Grades 10-12): Preference for teaching major in subjects like Accounting, Agricultural Sciences, Technology, Life Sciences, Mathematics, Physical Sciences, and more.

What programs will be funded?

Bachelor of Education (BEd).
Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) in Senior Phase and FET teaching.

Are there official quotas for the distribution of bursaries by program, year of study, or priority area?

Yes, distribution is determined by the Department of Basic Education based on identified priority subject areas annually.

Are first-year students eligible?

Yes, first-year students in the appropriate programs are eligible for the bursary.

Are Advanced Certificate in Education (ACE) students eligible?

No, bursaries are available only to unqualified, initial teacher education students.

Are distance education and part-time students eligible for a bursary?

Yes, provided they are eligible in all other respects and complete the qualification within the minimum stipulated time.

Are recipients of other bursaries eligible to apply for a Funza Lushaka bursary?

Yes, but if a student is offered both a Funza Lushaka Bursary and another bursary, they must choose to decline the other bursary.

What does the bursary cover?

It covers tuition fees, accommodation including meals, books, learning materials, and a small allowance for monthly living expenses. The allocation is capped, and any additional costs must be covered by the student.

The Funza Lushaka bursary is an excellent opportunity for aspiring teachers to gain financial support and secure a teaching position upon graduation.

By following this guide, you can navigate the application process effectively and increase your chances of being awarded this valuable bursary.

For more detailed information, visit the official Funza Lushaka website or contact the relevant support services.

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