Funza Lushaka Bursary Programme 2026 — Applications Open

About the Funza Lushaka Bursary

If you want to pursue a career in teaching but cannot afford the fees, the
Funza Lushaka Bursary can help. This government-funded programme supports future teachers by covering their study costs.
The bursary funds two main qualifications:

• Bachelor of Education (B.Ed.) degree
• Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) for Senior Phase and FET Teaching

Covered costs usually include tuition, accommodation (with meals), study materials, and a modest monthly living allowance.

General Eligibility Requirements

You may qualify for a Funza Lushaka Bursary if you meet any of the following conditions:

• You are a South African citizen with a valid ID.
• You achieved strong academic results in Grade 12.
• You are below the age of 30 and want to make a career change.
• You are below 30, unemployed, and passionate about teaching.
• You are committed to teaching and willing to be placed in a school by a Provincial Education Department (PED).

Academic Requirements

For 1st-Year Applicants

• Matric/Grade 12 pass with exemption, endorsement, or admission to Bachelor studies.
• Minimum Level 4 pass in at least two subjects you intend to specialise in for teaching.
• Foundation Phase: Level 2 in Maths, Level 4 in Mathematical Literacy, and Level 4 in your Home Language.
• Intermediate Phase: Level 4 in Mathematics, Home Language, and/or Science subjects.
• CAT/IT/Technical subjects: Level 4 in Mathematics or Technical Mathematics.

For Current University Students (new applicants)

• Passed all your previous year’s modules.
• Overall average of at least 55% across all modules.
• At least 66.6% average in major subject modules related to your teaching specialisation.

Programmes Funded

For 2026, Funza Lushaka funds the following qualifications:

• 4-year Bachelor of Education (B.Ed.) in Foundation, Intermediate, Senior & FET Phases
• 4-year Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Care and Education (B.Ed. ECCE) for Grade RR–R
• Note: The PGCE may not be funded in certain years — always confirm on the official Funza Lushaka website.

Monthly Allowance & Expenses Covered

The bursary covers most essential student costs, including:

• Tuition fees
• Accommodation and meals
• Learning materials (such as textbooks)
• A monthly living allowance

There is a maximum funding cap. If your institution’s fees exceed this limit, you will need to cover the difference yourself.

Repayment Conditions

Funza Lushaka bursaries are service-linked, not repayable in cash if you fulfill the teaching obligation.
You are required to teach in a public school for the same number of years you received funding. For example:

• 4 years of funding = 4 years of mandatory teaching in a public school.

If you fail to meet this obligation, you will need to repay the bursary (minus the years you have already served), with interest applied as per NSFAS rules.

How to Apply

1. Visit the eGov portal.
2. Click Login/Register, then select Register and fill in your details.
3. Accept the terms, verify your details, and complete your registration.
4. Login, go to the Funza Lushaka Bursary Scheme service.
5. Enter the OTP, accept the declaration, and complete the online form.
6. Submit before the deadline (26 January 2026).

Required Supporting Documents

After completing your online application, submit certified copies of the following documents (with a printout of your online application) to your university’s Funza Lushaka office:

• South African ID
• Matric certificate
• Latest academic transcripts (if already studying)
• Full academic records (for continuing students)

Selection is not guaranteed, even if you meet all requirements — bursaries are awarded based on merit and availability.