Funza Lushaka Bursary Programme

✅ What is it? Funza Lushaka Bursary Programme

The Funza Lushaka Bursary Programme is run by the Department of Basic Education (DBE) in partnership with the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS).
It’s a multi‐year bursary meant to attract high-quality students into teaching in public schools, especially in priority subject areas and phases.
Recipients are required to teach in a public school for the same number of years as they received the bursary.

Tuition fees for the qualifying programme (e.g., a Bachelor of Education (BEd) or a relevant teaching qualification). South African Department of Education+2Careers Portal+2
Accommodation/transport (depending on circumstances), meals, learning materials, etc. South African Department of Education+2Matrichub+2
A living‐allowance or stipend is also included (depending on institution & circumstances). SACE+1

Undergraduate: 4-year BEd degree. Specialisations include Foundation Phase (Grade R–3), Intermediate Phase (Grades 4–6), and Senior / Further Education & Training (Grades 7–12).
Some years/additions: a Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) for Senior Phase / FET (Grade 7-12) may also be eligible.
Important: The qualification must include priority subject areas (subjects in demand) as defined by the education system.

Priority subjects: For example, mathematics, natural sciences, technology, selected indigenous languages, etc.
Exclusions: Some subjects deemed to be oversupplied (e.g., history, geography, accounting, business studies) may not be funded through this bursary.

Here are some of the main eligibility conditions:

Must be a South African citizen with a valid ID number.
New applicants usually must be 30 years or younger at the time of first application.
Must be accepted (or provisionally accepted) into an approved BEd or eligible teaching qualification at a recognised public university.
Must specialise in at least two priority subject areas (for applicable programmes).
Must show commitment to teach in a public school post‐qualification.
Applicants must not already have a teaching qualification (unless specific conditions apply).

Visit the portal: via the e‐Government site: www.eservices.gov.za → register and log in. Funza Lushaka+1
Select the Funza Lushaka bursary application for the relevant year.
Fill in your personal details, accept terms & conditions. Funza Lushaka
Upload/provide necessary supporting documentation (ID, admission/acceptance proof, academic records, etc.).
Submit before the closing date.
After awarding, you’ll need to apply for renewal each year (if applicable) and meet the academic performance requirements.

Having applied / meeting minimum criteria does not guarantee the bursary — there are limited bursary awards.
The bursary is award
After you finish your qualification, you must teach in a public school for the same number of years you received the bursary. If you don’t, you might have to repay the bursary. NSFAS
If the university tuition is higher than the bursary cap for that institution, you may need to top up from your own funds.
It’s strongly advised to also apply for alternative funding (e.g., NSFAS) because selection is competitive. Mandela University Education