The Funza Lushaka Bursary Programme is one of South Africa’s leading teacher education funding initiatives. Established by the Department of Basic Education (DBE), the bursary aims to encourage talented and committed students to pursue careers in teaching, particularly in subjects and phases where qualified teachers are in high demand.
Teaching is more than simply delivering lessons in a classroom. Teachers play a significant role in developing future generations by helping learners acquire knowledge, build confidence, develop values, and prepare for successful careers. Through the Funza Lushaka Bursary, deserving students receive financial support to complete approved teaching qualifications at participating public universities.
If you are planning to study education , understanding the eligibility requirements, funded programmes, and selection criteria is essential before submitting your application. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of the main requirements for prospective applicants.
What Is the Funza Lushaka Bursary?
The Funza Lushaka Bursary is a government-funded programme administered by the Department of Basic Education. It provides financial assistance to eligible students who wish to study towards a Bachelor of Education (BEd) degree in priority teaching subjects.
The primary objective of the programme is to increase the number of qualified teachers in South African public schools, particularly in areas where there is a shortage of educators. In return for receiving the bursary, graduates are expected to fulfil a service obligation by teaching at a public school after completing their studies.
Who Can Apply?
The bursary is open to South African citizens who intend to pursue a teaching qualification at an approved public university. Applicants must meet both the general eligibility requirements and the academic requirements set by the Department of Basic Education and the university where they intend to study.
Because the number of bursaries available each year is limited, meeting the minimum requirements does not automatically guarantee funding.
Criminal Record and Screening Requirements
Before applying, prospective applicants are encouraged to ensure that they meet the professional suitability requirements expected of future teachers.
Applicants should verify that they do not have disqualifying records by checking the relevant government registers, including:
- South African Police Service (SAPS) criminal record information.
- National Register for Sexual Offenders.
- National Register for Child Protection matters where applicable.
Individuals with certain criminal convictions may not qualify to study teaching or receive funding under the programme. Where legislation permits, applicants with older offences may be able to apply for expungement through the appropriate legal process before becoming eligible.
These screening measures help ensure that individuals entering the teaching profession meet the standards required to work with children and young people.
Age Requirement
First-time applicants are generally expected to be younger than 30 years of age when applying for the Funza Lushaka Bursary.
The age requirement forms part of the programme’s selection criteria and is intended to support students entering the teaching profession early in their careers.
Applicants should carefully review the current year’s application guidelines to confirm the applicable age requirements before submitting an application.
Online Applications Only
Applications for the Funza Lushaka Bursary are submitted electronically.
Paper applications are generally not accepted, meaning applicants must complete the official online application process within the published application period.
Applicants should ensure they have reliable internet access and prepare all required information before beginning the online application.
Incomplete applications or applications submitted after the closing date are generally not considered.
District-Based Recruitment Applicants
Some first-time applicants may be identified through district-based recruitment initiatives.
These applicants may be required to complete an initial screening process before submitting their online bursary application.
The purpose of this screening is to determine whether applicants satisfy the programme’s basic eligibility requirements before proceeding with the full application.
Even after successful screening, applicants must still complete the official online application before the closing date.
Applicants Who Cannot Apply
The Funza Lushaka Bursary does not fund every teaching qualification.
Applicants who already possess a recognised teaching qualification are generally not eligible for another Funza Lushaka bursary.
Similarly, the programme does not usually provide funding for:
- Higher Certificates in Education.
- Honours qualifications.
- Master’s degrees.
- Doctoral qualifications.
- Certain extended teaching programmes.
Prospective applicants should carefully review the latest funding guidelines before applying.
Only those who want to study teaching can apply for Funza Lushaka Loan Bursaries and study at the university of their choice in South Africa
Qualifications Currently Not Funded
Funding priorities change from time to time depending on national education needs.
Certain teaching qualifications and subject areas may not be funded during specific academic years.
For example, some postgraduate teaching qualifications may not be included in the current funding cycle, while subjects with an oversupply of qualified teachers may receive limited or no funding.
Applicants are therefore encouraged to review the official list of funded programmes before selecting their teaching specialisation.
Subjects That May Receive Limited Funding
The Department of Basic Education regularly analyses teacher shortages throughout the country.
Funding is generally directed towards priority teaching subjects where there is a greater demand for qualified educators.
Subjects with a relatively high number of unemployed qualified teachers may receive limited funding.
Similarly, certain specialist subjects with low learner enrolment in schools may not be prioritised.
Funding priorities may change annually depending on national workforce planning.
Selection Criteria
Meeting the minimum eligibility requirements does not guarantee that an applicant will receive a bursary.
Applications are evaluated using several important criteria.
These include:
- South African citizenship.
- A valid South African identity document.
- Strong academic performance.
- Meeting the age requirement.
- Acceptance into an approved Bachelor of Education programme.
- Selection of approved priority teaching subjects.
- Demonstrated commitment to a teaching career.
Selection panels also consider whether applicants display qualities associated with successful educators, including professionalism, integrity, enthusiasm, patience, leadership potential, and a genuine passion for working with children and young people.
Language Teaching Priorities
South Africa continues to promote multilingual education.
As a result, funding often prioritises prospective teachers specialising in South African Indigenous Languages and Afrikaans in provinces where shortages exist.
English teaching may also receive funding, although the number of bursaries available for this subject can vary according to provincial needs.
Applicants interested in language teaching should familiarise themselves with the latest provincial funding priorities before selecting their teaching subjects.
Teaching Qualifications Supported by the Programme
The Funza Lushaka Bursary primarily supports students enrolled in approved Bachelor of Education qualifications.
These qualifications include:
Bachelor of Education in Early Childhood Care and Education
This qualification prepares future teachers to work with young children in the early years of learning, including Grade RR and Grade R.
Students develop knowledge of child development, early literacy, numeracy, classroom management, and foundational learning strategies.
Bachelor of Education (BEd)
The traditional four-year Bachelor of Education degree remains the primary qualification funded through the programme.
Students may specialise in one of several teaching phases, including:
- Foundation Phase.
- Intermediate Phase.
- Senior Phase.
- Further Education and Training (FET).
Each phase prepares teachers to work with learners at different educational levels while specialising in approved subject areas.
Choosing Priority Teaching Subjects
Applicants are expected to select teaching subjects that align with national education priorities.
Priority subject areas are identified by provincial education departments and the Department of Basic Education based on teacher shortages across the country.
These subjects may include Mathematics, Physical Sciences, Technology, selected African Languages, and other high-demand teaching areas.
Choosing appropriate subject combinations is important because it improves future employment opportunities and supports national education needs.
Important Advice for Future Teachers
Graduates from other university faculties who intend to become teachers should carefully consider the teaching phase they wish to enter.
Certain teaching phases require specialised training that is best obtained through a full Bachelor of Education qualification rather than a shorter teaching programme.
Applicants interested in teaching senior school subjects should ensure they have completed appropriate academic subjects that align with the teaching specialisations required by universities.
Service Commitment After Graduation
Recipients of the Funza Lushaka Bursary are expected to fulfil a teaching service obligation after completing their qualification.
Graduates are generally required to seek employment within the South African public school system after graduation and provide evidence that they have applied for suitable teaching posts.
Employment opportunities are managed according to the recruitment processes of provincial education departments, and all qualified teachers compete fairly for available positions.
The Funza Lushaka Bursary remains one of South Africa’s most valuable opportunities for students who aspire to become professional teachers. By funding approved Bachelor of Education qualifications in priority subject areas, the programme helps strengthen the country’s education system while creating opportunities for talented young people to pursue rewarding teaching careers.
For students who are passionate about making a positive impact in classrooms and communities across South Africa, the Funza Lushaka Bursary offers an excellent pathway towards a fulfilling career in education.