Funza Lushaka Bursary 2023 – 2024

About Funza Lushaka

The Funza Lushaka Bursary Programme is a programme to support teaching studies and available to qualified students to complete a teaching degree in South Africa. Bursary recipients are then required to teach at public schools equivalent to the duration of the bursary received.

Funza Lushaka Bursary 2023

Application for the Funza Lushaka teaching bursary must be done online each year.

Bursary recipients are required to teach at a public school they are assigned to and they cannot choose the school they are assigned since the assignment is according to priority.

The bursary amount given will cover most of the recipient’s necessary expenses that may include tuition fees, accommodation including meals, books and learning materials, and if possible a small allowance for monthly living expenses.

Funza Lushaka Bursary

Important guidelines for the Online Application of Funza Lushaka Bursary 2023:

  • Applicants who have criminal record, have been charged with misconduct or are dismissed from work are not qualified
  • Higher Education Institution employees and their immediate families are not accepted
  • Online application is a MUST. No hard copies are accepted by the programme.
  • Printing of the completed online application is a MUST.
  • Anyone who already has other teaching qualifications do not qualify

Two types of qualifications can be funded are:

Undergraduate studies or a 4-year Bachelor of Education degree (B Ed), specializing in Foundation Phase (Grade R – 3), Intermediate Phase (Grade 4 – 6), Senior Phase (Grade 7 – 9) and FET Phase (Grade 10-12); and

Graduate studies or One-year Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE). Combined qualifications are also acceptable such as combine specialization in the Foundation Phase (Grade R – 3) and Intermediate Phase (Grade 4 – 6), or the Intermediate Phase and Senior Phase, or the Senior Phase (Grade 7 – 9) and FET Phase (Grade 10 –12).

The priority areas are:

Foundation Phase (i.e. Grades R-3) – Foundation Phase (with preference for African Languages)

Intermediate and Senior Phase (i.e. Grades 4-9) – Preference will be given for a teaching major in TWO of the following:

  • Languages
  • Mathematics
  • Natural Science & Technology

FET phase (i.e. Grades 10-12) – Preference will be given for a teaching major in TWO of the following:

  • Accounting
  • Agricultural Sciences
  • Agricultural Technology
  • Civil Technology
  • Computer Applications Technology
  • Economics
  • Electrical Technology
  • Engineering Graphics and Design
  • Geography
  • Information Technology
  • Life Sciences
  • Mathematics
  • Mechanical Technology
  • Physical Sciences, Languages, Technical Mathematics and Technical Science

Bursary Requirements and Eligibility

In order to apply to the funza bursary online you should meet the below minimum entry requirements:

  • South African citizen
  • Good academic performance
  • Graduates who want to complete a teaching degree or want to become teachers (Postgraduate Certificate in Education) and have already been accepted at an accredited public University.
  • Applicants who want to make a career change and become teachers in this country, show dedication and passion for a professional career in teaching, display interest in working with young people, are ready to face and handle difficult challenges and have personal integrity.
  • Higher Education Institution employees, their spouse and their dependents/children are not eligible.
  • Two of the priority area subjects must be included as a specialisation in the teaching qualification.

For 1st time entrants to university:

  • Proof of admission to bachelor’s degree studies pass at matric/Grade 12 level.
  • Minimum level 4 rating at matric level in the subject which the applicant will specialize to teach.
  • A pass in Mathematics or Mathematical Literacy at Grade 12 level and a minimum level 4 pass in the Home Language, for students who intend to specialize in the Foundation Phase
  • Average of at least 50% for students who have completed matric prior to 2008 when Mathematics was not compulsory
  • At least level 4 pass in Mathematics, for students who wish to specialize in the teaching of Technology subjects, including CAT, and who do not have these subjects at matric level

For new applicants already at university:

  • Passed all of the modules studied in the last/most recent year of study at the Higher Education Institution
  • Minimum 55% average across all the modules studied in the last/most recent year of study at a Higher Education Institution
  • Minimum 55% average in modules studied relevant to the priority area teaching specialization in the last/most recent year of study at university

For new applicants enrolling for PGCE:

  • Successful completion of a recognized qualification to be admitted for a PGCE
  • Must have majored in Psychology and an African Language for a PGCE in Foundation Phase Teaching
  • Must have at least TWO recognized priority subjects at second-year level
  • Must have adequate modules in the recognized priority subjects

For existing bursary holders:

  • Passed at least two-thirds or 66.6% of all the subject modules studied in the last/most recent year of study at the university
  • Passed at least two-thirds or 66.6% of the priority subject area modules studied in the last/most recent year of study at the Higher Education Institution
  • Passed the priority subject
  • Must be proceeding to the next level/year of study
  • Must achieve at least 50% average across all subject modules

How to Apply and Application Details

  1. Funza Lushaka Online application is a must

  2. Go to the e-Gov portal at www.eservices.gov.za
    1. Register your online profile by providing your personal details (or login with your previous login details if you already have an account)
    2. Enter the OTP (One Time Pin) you will receive on your preferred channel to complete the process
    3. Once logged in, go to the e-Services menu and choose Funza Lushaka Bursary
    4. Accept the Funza Lushaka terms and conditions to proceed
    5. On the Dashboard menu, click on the 2022 Application button and follow the steps. completing all the required fields with accurate information.
    6. Accept the confirmation declaration and receive feedback on the status of the application through email.

  3. Print the completed online application and submit it to the university where you are accepted and registered.

  4. Accompany the application form with certified copies of your ID and your academic records:
    • Certified copy of Grade 12 result or certificate, for 1st-year students coming out of Grade 12
    • Certified copy of the latest academic transcript, for students already at university

  5. Accompanying documents must be submitted to the applicant’s university coordinator, otherwise, the application will be rejected.

IMPORTANT NOTICE:

  • New applicants are advised to also pursue other funding opportunities such as NSFAS.
  • The outcome of the selection process will be available from the University no later than 30 April each year.
  • Late applications will not be considered.
  • Should applicants need to make changes in their application details, they have access to the online bursary application by going to “Update personal details”. Updating application details is only allowed before the application closing date. Changing institutions and areas of specialization will not be allowed and doing so will subject an application to rejection.
  • Application for the bursary is not a guarantee that a student will obtain it.

 

Application Closing Date

Applications for the Funza Lushaka bursary for 2023 opened on 17 October 2022

Re-applications (for Existing/Returning Bursary Recipients): 30 November 2022

First-time applicants bursary deadline closes on 16 January 2023

 

Contact Details

Please contact your university’s Funza Lushaka academic and administrative coordinators. Alternatively, you can also your provincial education department (PED) or contact the Department of Basic Education here:

Phone: 012 357 3000
Email: inquiries.funzalushaka@dbe.gov.za

Department of Basic Education South Africa


FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:

Are there any age limit for bursary application?

No, as long as the applicant is currently at least at Grade 12 and forward level.

Are Advanced Certificate in Education (ACE) students accepted?

No. Funza Lushaka Bursaries are only offered to inexperienced teacher education students.

Can distance education and part-time students apply for a bursary?

Yes, provided they meet all other admission and application criteria.

Are beneficiaries of other funding eligible to apply for a Funza Lushaka bursary?

Yes, if they qualified and if the terms and conditions of the other bursary agreements allow.

How much is a Funza Lushaka bursary worth?

The total value of a bursary depends on the institution’s cost structures. Funza Lushaka bursaries will pay for the recipient’s necessary educational expenses.

What does the bursary cover?

Expenses paid for by the Funza Lushaka bursary include tuition, accommodation including meals, books and learning materials. A small living allowance for monthly expenses may also be provided, if possible. The funding allocation to the bursar holder is limited at a certain value. Other expenses that exceeds the capped bursary value should be shouldered by the recipient’s own funds.

Can bursaries be awarded for fewer than the number of years required to complete a multi-year programme?

Yes. Students already studying at a university of any level can be accepted for the bursary.

Can a student who has other funding from another source receive a Funza Lushaka bursary?

Yes, in the following conditions:

  • Full-cost Funza Lushaka bursary requires students to forfeit other funding
  • The terms and conditions of the other bursary agreement allows funding from multiple sources
  • The Funza Lushaka bursary conditions for placement on completion of studies take priority

Can a student receive a bursary for an extra year of study?

Extension of bursary will only be allowed for students who wish to pursue the PGCE programme. Additional year of study for non-PGCE programme will only be considered on a case to case basis, otherwise, additional time required will be paid for by the student’s own expense.

Is the bursary renewable?

Yes, bursary is valid for only one academic year and should be renewed upon the recipient’s annual application and submission of satisfactory academic reports until completion of qualification as a teacher.

Will the recipient of a bursary be required to teach?

Yes, after completion of studies, successful applicants are required to teach for a period equivalent to bursary received. Each year of service will repay one full-time year of bursary-assisted studies.

Must the bursary be repaid?

Repayment of funza lushaka bursary will only be required if:

  • The recipient fails to complete the studies
  • The recipient cannot comply with minimum bursary conditions and requirement
  • Student registers for a course of study that is not in a designated priority area
  • Recipient fails to apply and take up a teaching post at a public school
  • Recipient leaves a teaching post before the end of the contracted service period

How much must be repaid for the bursary?

The recipient as mentioned above, will be required to repay the full amount of the bursary received with accrued interest compounded monthly.

Are Funza Lushaka bursary recipients allowed a “gap year” or proceed to complete further studies immediately after qualifying?

No. Students must accept a teaching post immediately after qualifying. Bursary extension will not be given to a qualifying student.

101 Comments

  1. Greetings
    I am an undergraduate student,I passed my matric last with a bachelor and I would like to apply for the bursary

  2. Matlhatsi Rammila says:

    Hi. I’m struggling to apply can anyone help me

  3. anyone know whats going on with the funza lushaka bursary?? i applied last year and have still heard nothing.

  4. Rarang Queentilian says:

    I applied for funza lushaka bursary last year(2019) online and I went to register in Central University of technology (CUT) using my reference number. Surprisingly, I qualify for funza lushaka bursary But I have not received any funding yet.

  5. Innocent Sonnyboy says:

    Im struggling to find a bursary I am student @ SWGC Goerge Tabor Campus

  6. Mpumelelo Silere says:

    Hi there,I have completed Travel and Tourism N4-N6 at College of Cape Town. I would like to change my career to reaching, is it possible though?

  7. I feel so blessed to have been given funza lushaka at age 27. God is good and has been. May he carry us through these present times

  8. Am still doing grade 12 and I want to do teaching course in 2021. I want to apply for Funza Lushaka

  9. Gillian Waites says:

    Hi There, I am struggling to register for the bursary. A username and password error pops up overthought i reset my password and my username. Could someone please guide me.

    1. Nonkululeko says:

      Hello
      I’m also having the same problem as Gillian.

    2. NonhleParis says:

      ME TOO I HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM

  10. KP MPHAHLELE says:

    Having difficulties locating the Funza Lushaka Bursary option on the e-Service menu

  11. Jennefer Kometsi says:

    Good day.
    Please assist.

    I applied for Funza but I am struggling to re-log in to attach my documents (matric certificate).
    I am a first time applicant

    1. Please change the browser and try to re-upload it again.

    2. Cheslo Samwill Paultin says:

      Me too

  12. when will 2020 applications open?

    1. It’s already open for 2020 application.

      1. BoitumeloO says:

        how can i apply for 2020?

      2. but i am having difficulties assessing the bursary application

  13. Boitumelo says:

    Hi I’m interested in teaching can anyone tell me if this bursary is still open. I would like to study in 2020

  14. Zinhle Ncayiyana says:

    I am a third year student currently with Isxhosa and Music majors, do I qualify for Funza lushaka bursary? I want to apply.

    1. It depends on Fundza Lushaka-
      “Applicants must note that these above are minimum criteria. Meeting these criteria does not mean automatic acceptance for the bursary. There are a limited number of bursaries available, and the best students will be selected for the bursary.”

  15. Hy I hv a diploma in Legal assistant n I hv completed my studies but I would like to pursue a career in teaching will fundza lushaka be able to fund me because Im eager to learn but I dnt hv money to pay for my fees

    1. Please follow the above instructions and apply.

      1. Hi Sam .. the online system its giving us problem at the last step of filling the information … when we press last button to submit its giving us sever error .. please assist us before its too late ..since yesterday ..im trying but same thing is happening … i even try to call for help no one is pick up the call. I will really appreciate if you help

        1. I hope your problem is solved now at this moment!

  16. I like to do teaching as my career,would u please send me information on how to apply for this bursary as soon as posssible.

    1. Please follow the above instructions.

  17. Hi am doing my first year in teaching…I’m interested in funza lushaka bursary I would like to know when the applications for 2020 will be open…I really need it pls help.

    1. The application process is open now. Be an early bird and APPLY NOW!

    2. londolanimurada@gmail.com says:

      It is open ,now you can apply

    3. Dimakatso says:

      How did u apply and wr r u doing ur studies

  18. LIHLE MBILANA says:

    Hi am LIHLE MBILANA and am interested to study teaching the foundation phase am 29 years old

    1. Apply now, bursary application for 2020 is open now.

  19. Snethemba says:

    Can you please also assist with the open date and the closing date of 2020 application form for Funza lushaka bursary

    1. The 2020 application for Funza bursary is open now. The closing date is not specified yet

      1. I want to learn in 2020

  20. Snethemba says:

    Hi am Snethemba Maphisa wishing to apply for Funza lushaka bursary for 2020 , I already have NPDE IN teaching major with Mathematics and English. Can you please help I really need bursary.

    1. The application process is open now for 2020. Be an early bird and APPLY NOW! Please follow the above instructions to apply online.

  21. Anlie Charka says:

    Good day!

    I would just like to enquire about when the applications will open for 2020?

    Thank you
    Anlie

    1. Funza Lushaka bursary application for 2020 is open now. Be an early bird and APPLY NOW!

  22. Hiy I’m doing foundation phase I’ll be doing second year in 2020 with NWU distance learning I’m unemployed interested in Funza Lushaka what requirements needed

    1. Please check out the above bursary requirements and eligibility section.

  23. Helena Avilahama says:

    Hi I am interested to study as a teacher I am 32 years old help please

  24. ADRI PRINSLOO says:

    I HAVE NEVER HEARD OF FUNZA LUSHAKA BURSARIES, ONLY SAW ON FB LAST NIGHT SOMEONE TALKED ABOUT IT. IS IT TOO LATE TO APPLY FOR THE 2019 ACADEMIC YEAR?

    1. Sorry to say that it’s not possible now to apply for the 2019 academic year. But the application for 2020 just opened. You can apply now for the 2020 academic years 🙂

  25. hy am doind second year this year .. i applied for fundza last yr “2017” and i was not funded . so do i reapply of i should apply as a new applicant?…and is it going to accept me for next year because ill be doing my third yr?

    1. Apply as re-applications.

  26. Hi Chris it’s open you can apply now I also applied for funza Lusaka on 6 October 2019 and I got my reference number

    1. Dudu Mokoena says:

      When is funza lushaka opening date for 2020 application?

  27. Hi can anyone help me to apply for fundza Lusaka bursary for 2019…it keeps saying system close… But the applications they say it’s open on 05 October 2018…i can’t apply…. Please my number is 0718266073

    1. It’s open and you can apply now.

  28. Moneilweng Patience Khantsi says:

    I’m also experiencing the same problem, I thought it was only me who couldn’t access the site.

  29. Is anyone else experiencing issues with the website loading? I am getting This site can’t be reached message – looks like it is experiencing too much traffic!

  30. julia P Sindane says:

    Hi iam 43 years old. And interested to get teaching bursary under foundation phase teacher for 2019 PLS I need help

  31. Am an undergraduate doing 2nd year, i tried to apply since the 1st October this year 2018 but the system keeps on saying ” Applications for 2019 funding will open on 05th oct 2018″ and today is the 7th, so i need help on how to apply or where i can get help with the application. I tried it several time and i don’t even know what to do anymore. Pls! I beg for help.
    Regards.

  32. julia P Sindane says:

    Hi iam interested to study as a teacher in foundation phase for 2019PLS I need HELP

  33. Moseyone Augusta Ramoshaba says:

    Hi I am interested on that busary for teaching. Funza lushaka🤔 how can i apply for the busary.i would like to start on that teaching phase next year 2019.

  34. Moseyone Augusta Ramoshaba says:

    Hi I’m 42yrs I am interested on that busary for teaching.i would I apply.plesse help me.

  35. Patience Khantsi says:

    Hi. I applied for Fundza Lushaka bursary earlier this year but my application was declined. Should I apply as a first-time applicant or should I apply as a re-applicant?

    1. Please, apply as a re-applicant

  36. julia P Sindane says:

    Hi iam very interested to study as a teacher in foundation phase for 2019 I will appreciate very much if get busary PLS. Help to apply on line

  37. Ntombovuyo says:

    I’m very interested I want to complete my National Professional Diploma in Education and I’m 38 year ,can I qualify for this
    bursary?

  38. I’m struggling to apply can someone help me please, I’m doing grade 12 this year

    Whatsapp me :0793777062

    1. am a qualified teacher …..dont worry i will help you …..its easy do not panic

  39. Troom murudu says:

    How do i apply at funza
    Because i am interested in studying teaching and i had already applied at vasity

  40. Iam interested in studying foundation phase teaching next year 2019

  41. Does the bursary cover the registration fee??

  42. Nokuthula Radebe says:

    Wow I’m so relieved 2 hear dat bursary applications 4 Teaching will stat on October, coz I thought the closing date its on this coming Friday! I was ALREADY! a bit stressed not knowing how am I going 2 pay for my studies next year. Thanx SAM u myd ma dy

  43. hi, I need help. How do I apply for a bursary I want to study for 2019 which is next year

    1. Please visit https://allbursaries.co.za/ and read the process of how you can apply for a bursary and after that use this website search or categories option to find your study related bursaries that are open for the new application for 2019 – 2020 academic year.

      1. Zinhle Madonsela says:

        Hi

        Tried applying now and it’s closed still for 2019

        I assumed by 00h00 on the 1st the 2019 applications will be opened?

    2. I interested to sturding foundation phase teaching, I need help to how should I apply for this bursary

      1. Please follow the above “How to Apply and Application Details” section.

  44. Florence Myeki says:

    Thanks I was worried about my Age

  45. Libokanyo William Sibaya says:

    Hi… This is Willy, age 43. Public servant for more than 10 years. A graduate with BA(Law) Degree from Uovs. Intending to persue PGCE with UNW next year(2019) provided my application for the bursary is successful…
    076 533 189 3

  46. I want to study teaching next year i want to apply this bursary .my qualification for grade 12 its higher education so I go to tvet collage I have n6 im going to get my diploma janaury 2018 I’m doing internship now. Do you think I can Qualify for this bursary. Please help I want to study

    1. To get an answer on your query please contact at 012 357 3000

  47. Lebohang Molelekoa says:

    Can I qualify for the busary if I apply for the first time with my June results?

  48. Malete mokwena says:

    Am 41year old i like can i qualify for this busary

  49. zizipho princess ntshitshi says:

    i want to further my studies please help me with a bursay

  50. Gugu Dhladhla says:

    please help am interested in studying foundation phase teaching, please help me how should i apply fo a bursary

    1. This bursary will open on 01 October and after that, you can apply for this bursary by following the ways that we mentioned above. It must need to be done via online. Thanks.

  51. Gugu Dhladhla says:

    am interested in studying foundation phase teaching next year 2019

  52. Babalwa mncedi says:

    I want t further my studies next year please help me out

  53. I matriculated in 2014 but now I want to do teaching am I qualified to study teaching now and will I get the bursary to fund my studies

    1. Please check the bursary requirements and eligibility section.

  54. sizeka qotoyi says:

    i am interested in studying education next year, i wish i can get this busary program

  55. i cant get application form please help am intrested

      1. Higher Education Instutition Empoyees. Does that mean students who parent are teachers cant apply?

  56. Angesteen says:

    Hi is there a age requirement when applying for bursary

    1. There is no age requirement for applying this bursary. You can also confirm the info by calling at 012 357 3000.

    2. Mr K Wayise says:

      Yes but I some bursaries,you must not be older than thirty four years .

    3. Do I qualify for this bursary if I have maths(2), English FAL(5), Xhosa(6), Physical Sciences(3), L.O(5), Life Science(5), Agric Sciences(5)?

  57. refilwe zulu says:

    im over 35 and i would like to ask if this busary suit all ages

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