Learn everything about the Funza Lushaka Bursary Programme 2025 — eligibility, priority subjects, application process and service obligations
Introduction: Shaping the Next Generation of South African Educators
Education is one of the most powerful tools for building a better society. In South Africa, the demand for qualified teachers—especially in critical subject areas—has led to the creation of a groundbreaking initiative: the Funza Lushaka Bursary Programme.
This programme is not just a financial aid system—it’s a national investment in the future of education. Designed and managed by the Department of Basic Education (DBE) and the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS), the Funza Lushaka bursary offers capable and dedicated young people an opportunity to study teaching at approved universities—without worrying about financial burdens.
In return, recipients commit to giving back by teaching in public schools, strengthening the national education system, and shaping the lives of thousands of learners.
1. What Is the Funza Lushaka Bursary Programme?
The Funza Lushaka Bursary Programme is a government-funded scholarship aimed at promoting teaching as a respected and essential profession. It provides full-cost bursaries to students studying towards Bachelor of Education (BEd) or Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) degrees.
The primary goal of Funza Lushaka is to:
- Attract talented youth into the teaching profession.
- Address teacher shortages in critical subjects like Mathematics, Physical Sciences, and Indigenous South African Languages.
- Improve education quality in under-resourced schools.
- Strengthen public education by placing qualified, motivated teachers where they are most needed.
Each bursary recipient is required to teach in a public school for the same number of years that they received funding—a fair exchange that supports both the student and the education system.
2. The Purpose and Importance of Funza Lushaka
South Africa faces a growing challenge in education: many schools, especially in rural areas, lack qualified teachers in subjects essential for economic development.
The Funza Lushaka Programme directly responds to this issue by:
- Providing financial support for deserving students who wish to become teachers.
- Promoting specialisation in high-demand fields such as science, technology, and indigenous languages.
- Strengthening the overall quality of education by ensuring well-trained teachers enter the classroom.
- Building a sustainable workforce of educators for the future.
The programme ensures that financial constraints never prevent passionate young South Africans from becoming educators who inspire, lead, and uplift future generations.
3. Who Can Apply for the Funza Lushaka Bursary?
Eligibility for the bursary is designed to attract dedicated individuals who show both academic potential and a genuine passion for teaching.
Eligibility Criteria:
To qualify, applicants must:
- Be South African citizens with a valid ID number.
- Be under 30 years old (for first-time applicants).
- Be accepted or provisionally accepted into a BEd or PGCE programme at an approved university.
- Specialise in priority subject areas identified by the Department of Basic Education.
- Demonstrate academic competence and a commitment to education.
- Not already hold a teaching qualification.
Important Notes:
- First-time applicants must not be older than 30.
- Applications for extended or part-time programmes are not usually funded.
- Incomplete or late applications are automatically disqualified.
The selection process aims to identify students who are both capable and committed to making a long-term contribution to South Africa’s education system.
4. Priority Subject Areas and Funded Qualifications
Not all teaching subjects qualify for Funza Lushaka funding. The programme prioritises fields with critical teacher shortages, ensuring maximum impact in schools that need support most.
Foundation Phase (Grades R–3)
- Preference for teachers fluent in Indigenous South African Languages.
- Focus on literacy, numeracy, and early child development.
Intermediate Phase (Grades 4–6)
- Emphasis on Natural Sciences, Technology, and Languages.
Senior Phase & Further Education and Training (FET, Grades 7–12)
- Mathematics
- Physical Sciences
- Agricultural Sciences
- Computer Applications Technology
- Engineering Graphics and Design
- Accounting and Economics (under specific conditions)
Subjects Usually Not Funded
- Geography
- History
- Life Orientation
- Business Studies (in oversupplied regions)
Qualification Levels
- Bachelor of Education (BEd) degrees for Foundation, Intermediate, and FET phases.
- Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) for students with prior degrees in specific subject areas.
5. How to Apply for the Funza Lushaka Bursary (Step-by-Step)
The application process is 100% online via the e-Gov portal. Applicants are encouraged to complete it early to avoid last-minute delays.
Step 1: Registration
Visit the e-Gov Portal and create a personal profile with your ID, contact information, and password.
Step 2: Log In
Use your credentials to access your dashboard on the e-Services platform.
Step 3: Select the Funza Lushaka Bursary Scheme
Find and click on the “Funza Lushaka Bursary Scheme” option.
Step 4: Enter OTP
A one-time password (OTP) will be sent to your phone or email. Enter it to continue.
Step 5: Accept Terms and Conditions
Review and agree to the programme’s policies.
Step 6: Complete the Application Form
Select your preferred qualification, teaching phase, and subject specialisations.
Step 7: Review and Submit
Double-check your details before submitting the form. Late or incomplete applications will not be accepted.
6. What Does the Funza Lushaka Bursary Cover?
The bursary is comprehensive, designed to relieve all major study-related financial pressures. It covers:
- Tuition fees (full cost)
- Accommodation and meals
- Books and study materials
- Teaching practice costs
- Living allowance (varies by institution)
The bursary amount is capped annually, and if tuition fees exceed this limit, the student must cover the difference.
Recipients must also reapply each academic year, maintaining satisfactory academic progress to continue receiving funding.
7. Service Commitment: Giving Back Through Teaching
A unique feature of Funza Lushaka is its service obligation.
Recipients agree to teach in a public school for one year for every year that they received funding.
Key Points:
- Placement is handled by Provincial Education Departments.
- Graduates must teach in priority subject areas.
- If a bursary holder fails to meet the obligation—by leaving the profession early or refusing placement—they must repay the bursary with interest.
This system ensures that South Africa’s investment in its teachers directly benefits learners in communities that need them most.
8. Selection, Renewal, and Distribution of Bursaries
The Department of Basic Education and university selection committees assess applications based on:
- Academic performance
- Commitment to teaching
- Availability of funds
- Priority subjects and regions
Renewal Requirements:
- Students must pass all modules.
- Academic results must be submitted for renewal.
- Annual reapplication is required.
Each year, only a limited number of bursaries are awarded, so competition is high. Applicants are advised to apply early and ensure all supporting documents are certified and uploaded correctly.
9. Application Tips for Success
- Prepare certified copies of your ID, matric certificate, and university acceptance letter.
- Verify that your course includes priority subjects.
- Keep track of application deadlines (usually October–January).
- Write a clear motivation statement expressing your passion for teaching.
- Apply before your 30th birthday if you are a first-time applicant.
- Double-check your application details before submission.
These small steps can greatly improve your chances of success.
10. Why Choose Teaching as a Career?
Teaching is one of the most rewarding careers in the world. It allows you to:
- Inspire and shape the minds of future generations.
- Develop lifelong professional skills.
- Contribute to community and national development.
- Enjoy job stability and structured career progression.
In South Africa, qualified teachers—especially in priority subjects—are in high demand, which means job security and meaningful employment.
11. Impact of Funza Lushaka on South African Education
Since its launch, Funza Lushaka has changed thousands of lives.
Its impact includes:
- Training thousands of new teachers annually.
- Filling critical teacher shortages in rural and township schools.
- Enhancing the quality of teaching in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) subjects.
- Empowering students from low-income backgrounds to pursue higher education.
The programme has become a cornerstone of educational reform in South Africa, ensuring every child has access to qualified teachers.
12. Common Challenges and How to Overcome Them
1. Late Applications
Solution: Prepare documents early and set calendar reminders before deadlines.
2. Incorrect or Incomplete Forms
Solution: Carefully review all sections before submitting.
3. Academic Performance
Solution: Stay consistent, seek tutoring, and engage in study groups.
4. Placement Concerns
Solution: Remember that the placement is part of your bursary agreement — view it as an opportunity to make a difference.
13. How Funza Lushaka Promotes Equality
The programme ensures that students from all backgrounds have access to quality education opportunities.
By covering all major costs, it removes financial barriers for talented learners who might otherwise be unable to pursue university studies.
This makes teaching a profession of opportunity and diversity, strengthening inclusivity across the education sector.
14. Funza Lushaka vs. Other Bursaries
While other bursaries (like NSFAS or SETA-funded programmes) support a broad range of careers, Funza Lushaka focuses exclusively on teaching.
It offers:
- Full coverage of costs.
- A clear employment pathway.
- Guaranteed service placement.
- High long-term social impact.
For students who are passionate about education, Funza Lushaka is one of the most rewarding options available.
15. The Bigger Picture: Building South Africa’s Future
Education is the foundation of any thriving society. The Funza Lushaka Programme doesn’t just create teachers—it builds communities, strengthens schools, and prepares learners for the modern world.
Each bursary recipient represents a promise: that quality education will continue to reach every corner of South Africa, empowering generations to come.
Conclusion: Teaching the Nation Forward
The Funza Lushaka Bursary Programme is more than financial aid—it’s a commitment to the growth and success of South Africa.
It empowers young, talented individuals to pursue their passion for teaching while ensuring that the education system continues to thrive.
If you’re dedicated, hardworking, and passionate about making a difference, Funza Lushaka offers the opportunity of a lifetime — to learn, teach, and transform the nation one classroom at a time.
25 Benefits of the Funza Lushaka Bursary Programme: Building a Brighter Future for South Africa’s Teachers
Introduction: Empowering South Africa’s Future Educators
The Funza Lushaka Bursary Programme is one of South Africa’s most impactful education funding initiatives. Supported by the Department of Basic Education (DBE), it aims to encourage young, talented individuals to join the teaching profession, especially in areas where qualified teachers are in short supply.
Teaching is not just a career—it’s a calling. South Africa needs passionate educators who can guide, inspire, and empower learners to reach their full potential. The Funza Lushaka Bursary Programme makes this possible by removing financial barriers and creating opportunities for dedicated young people to study towards a Bachelor of Education (BEd) or a Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE).
Let’s explore the 25 major benefits of this programme—and how it’s transforming both lives and classrooms across the nation.
1. Complete Financial Support for Your Studies
One of the biggest advantages of the Funza Lushaka Bursary is that it offers full financial coverage for your studies. It takes care of:
- Tuition fees
- Accommodation and meals
- Books and study materials
- Practical teaching costs
- In some cases, a small living allowance
This ensures that students can focus entirely on their education without worrying about financial constraints.
2. Promotes Equal Access to Higher Education
Not every talented student can afford university tuition. The bursary breaks down financial barriers and gives deserving students—regardless of their background—equal access to study education. This contributes to greater equity and inclusivity in South Africa’s education system.
3. Focused on Priority Teaching Subjects
The programme specifically funds students in priority subject areas like Mathematics, Physical Science, Indigenous Languages, and Technology—subjects that are crucial for national development but often lack qualified teachers.
This targeted approach ensures that public schools get teachers where they are needed most.
4. Helps Address Teacher Shortages in Public Schools
Many rural and township schools struggle with a lack of qualified educators. Through its service obligation, Funza Lushaka bursars commit to teaching in these schools for a period equal to the years they were funded. This helps fill vital teaching positions and improve the quality of education in underserved areas.
5. Encourages the Spirit of Service
Teaching through the bursary programme isn’t just about getting a degree—it’s about giving back to your community. Recipients are required to serve in public schools, contributing to national growth and inspiring the next generation.
6. Strengthens South Africa’s Education System
By investing in high-quality teacher training, Funza Lushaka helps build a stronger and more sustainable education system. Well-trained teachers lead to better learning outcomes, which in turn contribute to social and economic development.
7. Builds a Skilled, Future-Ready Teaching Workforce
The bursary ensures that teachers entering the profession are qualified, skilled, and confident. It nurtures a new generation of educators who are ready to handle diverse classrooms and modern teaching challenges.
8. Supports Indigenous Language and Cultural Preservation
The programme places strong emphasis on South African Indigenous Languages. By supporting teachers in these fields, Funza Lushaka helps preserve linguistic diversity and strengthens cultural identity within the classroom.
9. Empowers Youth Through Education
Education is a powerful tool for empowerment. The bursary opens doors for young South Africans to pursue meaningful careers while uplifting their families and communities. It gives young people a real chance to make a difference.
10. Encourages Academic Excellence
To qualify for and maintain the bursary, students must maintain good academic performance. This incentive encourages hard work, discipline, and continuous self-improvement—all key traits of excellent teachers.
11. Reduces Student Debt
Unlike traditional student loans, Funza Lushaka is a bursary, not a loan—meaning recipients don’t have to repay the funds unless they breach the teaching commitment. This allows graduates to start their careers debt-free.
12. Boosts Graduate Employment Opportunities
Upon graduation, recipients are placed in public schools according to national and provincial needs. This ensures that students transition smoothly from studying to employment—a significant advantage in today’s job market.
13. Offers Structured Career Development
Funza Lushaka graduates don’t just enter any job—they enter structured teaching positions that align with their qualifications and career goals. The programme helps build a strong professional foundation right from the start.
14. Encourages Lifelong Learning and Professional Growth
Teachers who begin their careers under Funza Lushaka often go on to pursue further studies and leadership roles in education. The programme inspires a mindset of lifelong learning and continuous professional growth.
15. Promotes Leadership in Education
Many Funza Lushaka graduates become department heads, school principals, and educational policymakers. Their strong foundation and early exposure to service-based teaching prepare them for leadership roles.
16. Improves Educational Outcomes in Rural Areas
Rural schools often lack resources and qualified teachers. Funza Lushaka graduates fill these gaps, bringing modern teaching methods, passion, and energy to underprivileged communities—directly improving learner outcomes.
17. Builds National Unity Through Education
The bursary draws students from all provinces and backgrounds. When these future teachers work together in classrooms across the country, they help build unity, social cohesion, and mutual respect among diverse communities.
18. Supports Government’s Vision for Quality Education
The Funza Lushaka Programme aligns directly with South Africa’s National Development Plan (NDP), which emphasizes education as the foundation for economic and social progress. Every funded student helps move the country closer to this vision.
19. Provides Practical Teaching Experience
Students supported by the bursary participate in teaching practice during their studies. This hands-on experience allows them to apply theory to real-world classroom settings—building confidence and competence before graduation.
20. Strengthens University–School Partnerships
Because of its collaborative nature, the bursary fosters partnerships between universities and schools. These relationships improve teacher training quality, promote mentorship, and encourage community-based education.
21. Reduces Unemployment Among Graduates
With guaranteed placement in public schools, Funza Lushaka graduates rarely face the uncertainty of unemployment. This is especially important in a country where youth unemployment remains a major concern.
22. Encourages Gender Equality in the Teaching Profession
The bursary is open to everyone—men and women alike—but it plays a special role in empowering young women to become teachers and leaders. It ensures equal access to professional education opportunities.
23. Promotes Social Mobility
By supporting students from low-income households, Funza Lushaka helps break the cycle of poverty. A teaching qualification opens doors to stable employment, professional recognition, and upward social mobility.
24. Inspires a Generation of Learners
Teachers are role models. Funza Lushaka bursars often inspire their students to pursue higher education, dream big, and believe in their potential. The ripple effect of one teacher can transform an entire community.
25. Builds a Sustainable Future for South Africa
Ultimately, the Funza Lushaka Bursary Programme is an investment in the nation’s future. Every graduate contributes to shaping educated, capable, and responsible citizens who will lead South Africa into a brighter tomorrow.
Eligibility and Application Overview
To qualify, applicants must:
- Be South African citizens with valid IDs
- Be under 30 years old (first-time applicants)
- Be accepted into a BEd or PGCE programme at a recognized university
- Specialize in priority subjects
- Show academic ability and commitment to teaching
Applications are completed online via the e-Gov portal and typically open between October and January. Applicants must submit their forms and all supporting documents before the closing date.
Service Obligation and Contract Details
Recipients agree to teach in a public school for the same number of years they receive funding. This ensures the country benefits from their skills and maintains educational continuity.
If a bursar fails to complete the teaching commitment or leaves early, they may be required to repay the bursary amount with interest.
Tips for Successful Applicants
- Apply early – Don’t wait until the last week.
- Ensure your chosen qualification is approved under Funza Lushaka.
- Double-check all documents before submission.
- Write a strong motivational section showing your passion for teaching.
- Maintain good grades – bursary renewal depends on performance.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I choose which school I’ll teach at?
Placements are based on national needs, so you may not always choose your preferred location.
2. What happens if I fail a year?
You may have to reapply or risk losing the bursary, depending on the institution’s recommendation.
3. Can postgraduate students apply?
Yes, for the PGCE (Postgraduate Certificate in Education) in priority subjects.
4. Is the bursary renewable?
Yes. Recipients must reapply annually, showing satisfactory academic progress.
5. Can I work privately after completing the service period?
Yes. Once you have completed your teaching commitment, you can choose to work in private schools or other education-related fields.
The Impact of Funza Lushaka on South African Education
Since its introduction, the Funza Lushaka Programme has produced thousands of qualified teachers who now serve across the nation—from urban centres to rural schools. Its impact extends beyond financial aid—it’s building a generation of passionate educators who shape young minds daily.
These teachers are improving literacy, mathematics, and science outcomes; introducing innovative classroom techniques; and promoting inclusivity and understanding among learners of all backgrounds.
The ripple effect is enormous: better teaching leads to better learning, which leads to better opportunities—and a stronger, more prosperous South Africa.
Conclusion: A Pathway to Purpose and Impact
The Funza Lushaka Bursary Programme is more than a funding scheme—it’s a life-changing opportunity that turns dreams into reality. For every student who becomes a teacher, dozens of young learners gain hope, guidance, and inspiration.
By removing financial barriers, promoting excellence, and strengthening the nation’s educational foundation, Funza Lushaka is creating a legacy of empowered educators and brighter futures.
If you’re passionate about teaching and committed to making a difference, this bursary could be your key to a meaningful, rewarding career. Apply early, prepare well, and take the first step toward transforming South Africa’s classrooms—one learner at a time.