Funza Lushaka Bursary 2025- Online Application for Aspiring Teachers

The Funza Lushaka Bursary is a well-regarded financial aid initiative established by the South African government to address the pressing need for skilled and qualified educators. The Funza Lushaka Bursary provides complete financial support for students in education, including tuition, housing, books, and a monthly stipend, which reduces their financial burden immensely.

There are a range of options, including B.Ed. programmes in Math, Science, Technology, Languages, early childhood development, and postgraduate teaching certifications like the PGCE. This programme promotes teaching as a desired career choice. It also guarantees job prospects for recent graduates in public schools, allowing them to kickstart their teaching careers and improve education standards in South Africa.

This article will extensively examine the Funza Lushaka Bursary’s specifics, various advantages, diversity of programmes, and application process.

What is Funza Lushaka Bursary?

The Funza Lushaka Bursary is a multi-year programme in South Africa aimed at promoting teaching as a profession. Funded by the government, it provides financial support to eligible students who wish to pursue a teaching qualification in priority subject areas.

This bursary programme covers various essential expenses, ensuring recipients can focus on their studies without the financial burden. However, it is important to note that this bursaries are awarded for one academic year at a time, and students must reapply annually. 

Fields Covered By Funza Lushaka Bursary 

The Funza Lushaka Bursary Programme is designed to help reduce the shortage of skilled teachers in South Africa. It provides financial support to students studying to become teachers in specific fields. The bursary is awarded based on academic performance to train qualified educators for key subjects in the education system. It is inviting students to apply for the Funza Lushaka Bursary Programme, for the 2025 academic year

As a result, this bursary is for students who pursue the following qualifications:

1. 4-year Bachelor of Education degree (B.Ed.)

The Funza Lushaka Bursary Programme offers financial support for students pursuing a Bachelor of Education (B.Ed.) degree, specialising in the following phases and subjects:

Foundation Phase (Grade R to Grade 3): Preferably majoring in South African Indigenous Languages, Neurodevelopment Needs, Braille, or South African Sign Language (SASL).

Intermediate Phase (Grade 4 to Grade 6): Preferably majoring in two of these subjects: Languages, Mathematics, and Natural Science & Technology.

Senior and Further Education and Training Teaching (Grade 7 to Grade 12): Preferably majoring in two of the following subjects:

• Accounting
• Agricultural Sciences
• Agricultural Technology
• Civil Technology
• Computer Applications Technology
• Electrical Technology
• Engineering Graphics and Design
• Geography
• Information Technology
• Life Sciences
• Mathematics
• Mechanical Technology
• Physical Sciences
• Languages
• Maritime Studies
• Coding and Robotics
• Technical Mathematics
• Technical Science

2. One-year Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE)

The Funza Lushaka Bursary also supports students pursuing a one-year Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE), specifically for:

• Senior and Further Education and Training (Grade 7 to Grade 12)

Expenses Covered by Funza Lushaka Bursary 

The Funza Lushaka Bursary offers financial assistance to students, covering a range of essential expenses. This ensures that the students have the necessary support throughout their studies. Here are the expenses covered by the bursary:

• Tuition fees
• Books and study materials
• Accommodation
• Meals 
• Teaching practice
• Living allowance

Upon graduation, the bursary recipients are required to teach at a public school designated by the Provincial Education Department (PED) for a period equal to the duration of funding received.

Application Note For The Funza Lushaka Bursary 

Before applying for the Funza Lushaka Bursary, students should take note of several key points to ensure their application is accurate and complete. The following guidelines will help streamline the process:

• To apply, you must have a valid student number, which you will receive once you are accepted or provisionally accepted by a university.
• Review all the Funza Lushaka Bursary Information before you start the application process.
• Carefully select the priority subject areas on your application, ensuring they align with the specialisation you will pursue.
• The term “academic year of study” refers to your current year in the BEd programme (e.g., B Ed 1 is first year, B Ed 2 is second year, etc.).
• You are not allowed to change institutions after submitting your bursary application.
• Ensure that you submit all supporting documents to the Funza Lushaka office at your university.
• Make sure all information in your application is accurate. You can modify your details before final submission if necessary.
• Keep in mind that applying does not guarantee that you will receive the bursary.

How to Apply Onilne for Funza Lushaka Bursary?

Applications must be submitted online at: Funza Lushaka Bursary Programme

To be eligible for the Funza Lushaka Bursary, the aspirant must complete and submit the application via the authorised website. Here are the specific instructions you need to follow in order to submit your application successfully:

• Step 1: Visit the e-Government portal at www.eservices.gov.za .
• Step 2: Create a user profile by providing your personal information and setting up an account.
• Step 3: Make sure to check the boxes requiring your agreement to the terms and conditions of applications.
• Step 4: After creating your profile, sign in again with the username and password you chose during the signup process.
• Step 5: Log in and choose the Funza Lushaka Bursary programme on the e-Services menu.
• Step 6: Enter the OTP or One Time Password.
• Step 7: Please review and agree to the Terms and Conditions.
• Step 8: Find the 2025 application button on your dashboard and click on it.
• Step 9: Fill in all the required fields with the correct information.
• Step 10: Verify that your supplied details are accurate by reviewing and agreeing to the statement.

Once applicants have set up their account and signed in, they must complete the Funza Lushaka Bursary application, ensuring all sections are filled and reviewed properly. Collect all necessary supporting materials, like academic transcripts and IDs, and submit them as part of your application. These documents should be properly scanned and easily readable to prevent any delays in the application process. After you have uploaded your application, frequently monitor your account for any updates or requests for additional information in order to stay informed and promptly address any inquiries from the bursary administrators.

Click here to check out teaching bursaries in South Africa.

Essential Documentations Required for Funza Lushaka Bursary 2025

To apply for the Funza Lushaka Bursary in 2025, you must submit various documents in support of your application. Some common examples of these are:

• Certified copy of your ID document.
• Certified copies of your academic records or transcripts.
• Proof of registration at a higher education institution.
• Proof of income for your parents or guardians (if applicable).
• Completed and signed consent form for verification of information provided.

Make sure to have all documents certified and scanned with clarity before uploading them on the online application portal. Begin your application process early to prevent any last-minute problems. Carefully read all the guidelines provided on the website to understand and adhere to the prerequisites. Also, make sure to gather the proper documents ahead of time. In case of any issues, you should reach out to the Funza Lushaka support team for help. By adhering to these guidelines and completing the tasks on time, you can increase your chances of being awarded the bursary.

Funza Lushaka Bursary Eligibility Criteria

• Being a citizen of South Africa is mandatory.
• A valid South African ID is required.
• If you are a first-time applicant(on 1st October 2024), you have to be under the age of 30.
• You cannot be an employee of a Higher Education Institution (or a spouse, dependent, or child of an employee of a Higher Education Institution).
• You are required to possess no other teaching certifications.
• Your work records should be clear from any dismission (Firing of an employee).
• It is important that you do not have any charges of misconduct or a criminal record.

Academic and Personal Requirements of Funza Lushaka Bursary

• Applicant must be approved for admission to pursue a BEd degree or PGCE programme, with a focus on a minimum of 2 priority subject areas (extended courses are excluded).
• You must have a confirmed enrolment at a public university in South Africa.
• You need to have excellent academic credentials.
• To excel in teaching, you must be dedicated, excited, have a real passion for working with youth, and be ready to face challenges honestly.

Financial and Commitment Obligations for Bursary Recipients

• You must be willing to teach at any school as selected by the Provincial Education Department (PED).
• You must have passed Matric with an exemption, approval, or bachelor’s degree admission.
• You must have achieved a minimum of level 4 in Matric for 2 subjects you intend on specialising in teaching.

Funza Lushaka Bursary Closing Date

Always be mindful and note down the important dates and deadlines for submitting your application. This helps you review the application thoroughly before submitting it and avoid mistakes.

The deadlines for the Funza Lushaka Bursary are:

• 30 November 2024 (for re-applications/ existing or returning bursary recipients).
• 26 January 2025 (for new applications).

Applications must be submitted before the specified dates to be considered; therefore, submitting your application before the deadline is crucial.

Funza Lushaka Bursary Contact Detail

For any questions regarding the Funza Lushaka Bursary programme, please reach out directly to your university’s Funza Lushaka academic and administrative coordinators.

Alternatively, you can contact the Department of Basic Education at:

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

Conclusion

The South African government accredited the Funza Lushaka Bursary programme, addressing the shortage of qualified teachers and educators. It seeks to improve the quality and standard of education in South African public schools. The bursary provides complete payment for tuition, housing, books, and a monthly stipend, allowing students to focus on their studies. The application process is easy and straightforward, with uncomplicated prerequisites. This bursary programme guarantees job placements for recent graduates as an additional advantage. By meeting all the requirements and successfully securing this bursary, learners can commit to a rewarding profession in education and positively contribute to the upcoming generations of South Africa.

Please visit our website for more information on how Regenesys career counsellors can support your educational and professional growth by providing you with a proper bursary quotation.

Funza Lushaka Bursary 2025 – FAQs