How to Apply for Funza Lushaka Bursaries in South Africa

Many South African students dream of becoming teachers but struggle to afford university fees, accommodation, books, and daily expenses. This is where the Funza Lushaka Bursary Programme becomes one of the most important education funding opportunities in the country.

Check if you Qualify for this Bursary before you Apply

The Funza Lushaka Bursary is a government-funded teaching bursary designed to help students who want to study education qualifications and become teachers in South Africa’s public schools. Every year, thousands of students apply for this bursary because it can cover most major study costs.

If you want to become a teacher and need financial support, this guide explains exactly how the Funza Lushaka Bursary works, who qualifies, how to apply, required documents, important rules, and what happens after graduation.

Quick Overview

What Is the Funza Lushaka Bursary?

The Department of Basic Education created the Funza Lushaka Bursary Programme to help solve teacher shortages in South Africa.

The bursary mainly focuses on subjects where schools urgently need teachers, including:

• Mathematics
• Physical Sciences
• Technology
• African Languages
• Foundation Phase Teaching
• Special Needs Education
• Technical Subjects

Students funded through the programme are expected to teach at public schools after completing their studies. This means the bursary is not “free money” with no obligations attached. It is a professional teaching development programme linked to future employment in education.

What Does the Funza Lushaka Bursary Cover?

The bursary can help pay for:

• Registration fees
• Tuition fees
• Accommodation
• Meals
• Learning materials
• Books
• Small monthly allowance where applicable

The exact amount funded depends on:

• Your university
• Your study costs
• Available government funding
• Your approved budget

Funds are usually paid directly to the university.

Who Can Apply for Funza Lushaka?

The bursary is open to several categories of students.

You Can Apply If You Are:

• A South African citizen
• Interested in becoming a teacher
• Accepted or applying to study teaching at a recognised university
• Studying a Bachelor of Education (BEd)
• Studying a PGCE qualification
• Performing well academically

The Bursary Is Usually Open To:

• Current Grade 12 learners
• University students already studying teaching
• Graduates wanting to complete a PGCE
• Students changing qualifications into education

Teaching Qualifications That Usually Qualify

The bursary generally funds:

• Bachelor of Education (BEd)
• Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE)

Funding is normally provided only at approved universities in South Africa.

Important Academic Requirements

While requirements may slightly differ yearly, applicants generally need:

Grade 12 Learners

Strong results in:

• Mathematics
• Languages
• Subjects linked to teaching specialisations

University Students

• Good academic performance
• Passing most or all modules
• Satisfactory university progress

Students with poor academic records may struggle to get approval.

Required Documents for the Application

Before starting your application, prepare certified copies of:

• South African ID document
• Latest academic results
• Matric certificate (if completed)
• Proof of university admission or application
• Academic transcripts (for university students)
• Proof of residence if requested

Having clear, readable documents is very important because incomplete applications are often rejected.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Apply for Funza Lushaka Bursaries

Step 1: Visit the Official Application Portal

Go to: Funza Lushaka Bursary Portal

Avoid fake websites or social media pages claiming to process applications for payment.

Step 2: Register an Account

Create your profile using:

• Your ID number
• Email address
• Mobile number
• Password

Use an active email address and cellphone number because important updates are sent there.

Step 3: Verify Your Account

You may receive:

• An OTP code
• Email verification link

Complete verification before continuing.

Step 4: Log Into the System

Once verified:

• Sign in to your account
• Select the Funza Lushaka Bursary option

Step 5: Complete the Online Application Form

You will need to provide:

• Personal details
• Contact information
• Academic history
• University information
• Teaching specialisation choices

Be honest and accurate.

Step 6: Upload Supporting Documents

Upload all required documents in the correct format.

Common formats include:

• PDF
• JPEG
• PNG

Ensure documents are readable and not blurry.

Step 7: Review Your Application

Before submitting:

• Double-check your information
• Confirm uploaded documents
• Make sure your cellphone number and email are correct

Step 8: Submit Your Application

After submission:

• Save your reference number
• Take screenshots if possible
• Keep copies of uploaded documents

This helps if you need support later.

How Selection Usually Works

Applications are evaluated based on:

• Academic performance
• Priority teaching subjects
• Funding availability
• Provincial education needs

Meeting minimum requirements does not automatically guarantee funding because competition is high.

What Happens After Approval?

If approved, you may receive:

• A bursary agreement
• Funding confirmation
• Registration instructions

You must carefully read the contract before accepting.

Important Service Obligation Rule

One of the most important things students must understand is the work-back obligation.

After graduating, Funza Lushaka graduates are usually required to teach at public schools for the same number of years they received funding.

For example:

• 4 years funded = approximately 4 years teaching obligation

The government may place graduates where teachers are needed most.

What Happens If You Do Not Fulfil the Agreement?

If you fail to meet the bursary conditions, you may be required to repay the money.

This can happen if:

• You drop out
• You fail repeatedly
• You refuse placement
• You do not complete your teaching obligation

Always read the bursary contract carefully.

Tips to Improve Your Chances of Approval

1. Choose Priority Subjects

Students studying scarce teaching subjects may have stronger chances.

2. Perform Well Academically

Good marks matter a lot.

3. Apply Early

Do not wait for closing dates.

4. Upload Correct Documents

Missing documents can lead to rejection.

5. Use Official Information Only

Avoid scammers pretending to “sell” bursary spaces.

Common Reasons Applications Get Rejected

Applications may fail because of:

• Incorrect information
• Poor academic performance
• Missing documents
• Invalid ID numbers
• Ineligible qualifications
• Late applications

Universities Commonly Linked to Funza Lushaka

Students often study through institutions such as:

• University of Pretoria
• University of Johannesburg
• University of South Africa
• University of KwaZulu-Natal
• North-West University

Funding availability may differ by institution and programme.

Can NSFAS and Funza Lushaka Be Combined?

In many cases, students funded by Funza Lushaka are not simultaneously funded for the same qualification costs through National Student Financial Aid Scheme.

However, policies can change, so students should verify directly with their university financial aid office.

Important Warning About Scams

There are many fake bursary advertisements online.

Remember:

• The application is online through official government systems
• Nobody can “guarantee” approval
• You should never pay someone to apply for you
• Official departments do not sell forms

Always use official government websites.

Edupstairs Advice

The Funza Lushaka Bursary remains one of the best opportunities for South African students who genuinely want to become teachers. However, students should apply because they are passionate about education — not only because funding is available.

Teaching requires:

• Patience
• Leadership
• Communication skills
• Commitment to communities
• Long-term dedication

Before applying, think carefully about whether teaching is truly the career path you want to follow.

If you are serious about education careers, this bursary can completely change your future and reduce major financial pressure while studying. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

• Is Funza Lushaka a loan or a bursary?

It is a bursary with service obligations attached.

• Can private university students apply?

Funding mainly supports approved public universities.

• Can I apply while still in Grade 12?

Yes.

• Does Funza Lushaka pay accommodation?

Yes, approved study-related costs may be covered.

• Is there an age limit?

Requirements may change yearly, but many applicants are young students entering teaching qualifications.

• Can UNISA students apply?

Yes, eligible teaching qualifications at University of South Africa may qualify.

• How long does approval take?

Processing times vary depending on application volumes and verification.

• Can I choose where I will work after graduation?

Placement depends on government education needs.

You can also:

• View latest Internships
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• Visit the Edupstairs blog for daily updates

Disclaimer

This article is for informational and educational purposes only. Application requirements, funding rules, qualifying programmes and closing dates may change at any time. Always confirm details through official government platforms and university financial aid offices before applying.

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