The Funza Lushaka Bursary is an initiative of the Department of Basic Education aimed at making funds available to support students pursuing teaching qualifications. The bursary programme is the response of government of South Africa to the shortage of qualified educators. It prioritizes subjects that are considered as scarce with the aim of producing more educators in this skills area.
[ez-toc]FIELDS COVERED BY THE FUNZA LUSHAKA BURSARY
The bursary provides funding for students who are pursuing a Bachelor of Education (BEd) or Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE). Both qualifications must be in the following priority areas:
1. Foundation Phase (Grades R–3)
- Early Childhood Development
- Language and Literacy Teaching
2. Intermediate & Senior Phase (Grades 4–9)
- Mathematics
- Natural Sciences
- Technology
3. Further Education & Training (FET) Phase (Grades 10–12)
- Mathematics
- Physical Sciences
- Agricultural Sciences
- Life Sciences
- Accounting
- Economics
- Geography
- Languages (African, English, and Sign Language)
FUNZA BURSARY REQUIREMENTS
- Only South African citizens are funded
- Applicants must demonstrate strong academic performance in priority subjects
- Applicants must intend studying towards a BEd or PGCE
- Studies must be undertaken at a recognised institution of higher education
- Graduates of the Funza Lushaka Bursary must commit to educate in South African public schools
- Applications from individuals who have been charged with any misconduct, with criminal record or fired from work will not be considered.
- Employees who work for Higher Education Institutions and their spouses cannot apply for this bursary.
- The applicant must satisfy requirements for the national selection criteria for the Funza Lushaka bursary programme for 2025. Click here to read the national selection criteria.
STEP-BY-STEP GUIDE TO APPLY
- STEP 1 – Visit the official Funza Lushaka Bursary Application 2025 online page
- STEP 2 – Fill in your information to register an account
- STEP 3 – Use the combination of your username and password to log in
- STEP 4 – Click on “Funza Lushaka Bursary Scheme” from the menu
- STEP 5 – Enter the OTP sent to you and accept the Terms and Conditions
- STEP 6 – Click on “2025 application” and fill in the needed information
- STEP 7 – Read and accept the declaration
APPLICATION DEADLINE
- 26 January 2025 – returning applicants.
- 30 November 2024 – first time applicants.
Late applications received after the deadline will not be considered.
BURSARY PROVIDER’S CONTACT DETAILS
If you have queries relating to this bursary opportunity, please contact Funza Lushaka Bursary administrators posted in each University. Alternatively, you may contact the Department of Basic Education on:
- Telephone number: 012 357 3000
- Email address: inquiries.funzalushaka@dbe.gov.za
In case you have missed the deadline for the Toyota Bursary, don’t worry! Explore our list of Bursaries OPEN All Year Round and apply asap!
Grads24 regularly update bursary listings to bring you the latest opportunities—this article was last updated in February 2025.
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About the Author:
Mr. Percy Mncwango is a seasoned education writer with over 10 years of experience in creating high-ranking articles that provide valuable guidance for students seeking university funding. As a graduate of the University of Cape Town Business School, Percy combines deep knowledge and personal experience to help students succeed. He has received bursaries from Nampak, Telkom, and the Institute of Directors of South Africa (IoD). Percy’s educational background, which includes Richtec TVET, Mangosuthu University of Technology, and UCT GSB, equips him with a unique perspective that enriches his SEO-optimized content and resonates with aspiring scholars.