Funza Lushaka Bursary Guide for Teaching Students

What the Funza Lushaka Bursary Programme is

The Funza Lushaka Bursary Programme is a Department of Basic Education initiative that funds students who want to qualify as teachers in priority subject areas, and then work in public schools. It is one of the most established teaching-funding routes in South Africa and is linked to specific teaching specialisations rather than teaching study in general.

The programme exists to increase the supply of qualified teachers in subjects and phases where public schools struggle to recruit. For that reason, it funds teaching qualifications that include declared priority subjects, and funding comes with a service obligation: recipients are expected to teach in a public school after qualifying. The official Funza Lushaka portal sets out the current rules and is always the authoritative source.

Who the programme is aimed at

As general guidance, the programme is aimed at South African citizens who are studying towards, or accepted for, a recognised initial teacher education qualification, such as a Bachelor of Education degree or a Postgraduate Certificate in Education, with specialisations in priority subject areas. Selection is competitive, so meeting the minimum criteria does not guarantee funding.

The detailed eligibility rules, including academic requirements, age limits for some categories, which qualifications are funded and how returning recipients are handled, are published on the official portal each application cycle. Read the current official guidelines before assuming you qualify, because the criteria can change between cycles.

Priority subject areas

A defining feature of the programme is that funding is tied to priority subject areas, which are reviewed from time to time. Categories that have historically been prioritised include the examples below, but the current cycle's official list on the portal is the one that applies.

• Foundation Phase teaching
• African languages
• Mathematics
• Physical and natural sciences
• Technology and engineering-related subjects
• Computer applications and information technology subjects

What the bursary generally covers

The programme has generally covered the main costs of study for funded students, such as tuition, accommodation or an allowance, meals, and learning materials, up to limits set by the programme. The exact amounts, caps and what is included can change between cycles, so confirm the current coverage on the official portal rather than relying on figures quoted anywhere else, including here.

The service obligation after qualifying

Funza Lushaka is a service-linked bursary: funded students are expected to teach at a public school after graduating, typically for a period related to the number of years they were funded. Placement is arranged through provincial education departments. This is a central condition of the funding, and you should read the official terms carefully before accepting, just as you would with any work-back arrangement.

How applications work

Applications are made online through the official Funza Lushaka portal during an announced application window, with separate processes for new applicants and returning bursary recipients in some cycles. First-year students and senior students may face different criteria and priorities, so check which category applies to you.

• Create or update your profile on the official portal when the cycle opens
• Have your ID number, academic results and institution details ready
• Indicate your priority subject specialisations accurately, as they drive eligibility
• Submit before the closing date; late applications are generally not accepted
• Keep your login details safe for checking your application status later

What to do if you are not funded

Funza Lushaka is competitive, and many capable teaching students are not funded in a given cycle. If that happens to you, it is not the end of the road: NSFAS funds teaching degrees at public universities for qualifying students, and provincial education departments, universities, private funders and foundations also offer teaching-related support from time to time. Browse the bursaries section and filter by the Education field to see what else is currently open.