Can I apply for Funza Lushaka if I want to teach at a private school?

No. Funza Lushaka bursars are obligated to teach in public schools for the duration of the work-back period. Teaching at a private school does not fulfil the work-back requirement.

What subjects are most in demand under Funza Lushaka?

Mathematics, Physical Sciences, Life Sciences, Accounting, and official languages are consistently among the most prioritised subjects. Availability varies by province each year.

Can I change my teaching specialisation after receiving the bursary?

Changes to your teaching specialisation require approval from the DBE. It is important to choose a realistic and committed specialisation when applying.

What happens after I complete my work-back period?

After completing the work-back, you are free to teach at any school, public or private, or to pursue further studies. Many Funza Lushaka graduates continue in the public education system and build long careers there.

How do I know if my university is on the approved list for Funza Lushaka?

All 26 public universities in South Africa offering approved BEd or PGCE programmes are eligible for Funza Lushaka funding. The full list is available on the funzalushaka.gov.za website.

Last updated: June 2026— Information is subject to change. Always verify with the relevant government department.

Funza Lushaka Bursary 2026: Complete Guide for South African Students

The Funza Lushaka Bursary Programme is a government-funded initiative administered by the Department of Basic Education (DBE) that provides full bursaries to South African students studying towards a teaching qualification. The programme aims to address the shortage of qualified teachers in public schools, particularly in priority subjects such as mathematics, sciences, and languages. Thousands of bursaries are awarded annually.

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About the Department of Basic Education Bursary

Funza Lushaka, which means 'to grow our children' in isiZulu and Sesotho, is one of South Africa's largest public bursary programmes. Launched in 2007, the programme has funded tens of thousands of student teachers at universities across the country and helped place qualified teachers in South Africa's public school system. The Department of Basic Education administers the bursary in partnership with the Department of Higher Education and Training, Provincial Education Departments, and institutions of higher learning. The programme is specifically designed to produce teachers qualified in subjects where there is a national shortage, including mathematics, physical sciences, accounting, English, and indigenous languages. Unlike corporate bursaries, Funza Lushaka is a government-funded, means-tested programme open to a large number of students each year. The bursary comes with a binding work-back obligation: graduates must teach in a public school for one year for every year they received the bursary.

What the Bursary Covers

Full tuition and registration fees
Accommodation (residence fees or private accommodation allowance)
Meals or food allowance
Prescribed textbooks and study materials
Personal care allowance
Teaching practice transport allowance

Eligibility Requirements

Citizenship: South African citizen
Study level: Bachelor of Education (BEd) or Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) at an accredited South African university
Fields of study: Foundation Phase Teaching (Grades R-3), Intermediate Phase Teaching (Grades 4-6) - Mathematics and Sciences, Senior Phase and FET Teaching - Mathematics, Senior Phase and FET Teaching - Physical Sciences, Senior Phase and FET Teaching - Life Sciences, Senior Phase and FET Teaching - Accounting, Senior Phase and FET Teaching - English, Senior Phase and FET Teaching - Afrikaans, Senior Phase and FET Teaching - Official African Languages, Senior Phase and FET Teaching - Technology or Engineering Graphics & Design
Academic average: Minimum 50% in English and Mathematics (or Mathematical Literacy) in Grade 12; higher marks required for mathematics and science teaching specialisations
Financial need: Financial need is a core eligibility criterion; the bursary is means-tested based on household income
Work-back obligation: One year of teaching in a public school per year of Funza Lushaka bursary funding received; placement is arranged by the Provincial Education Department

When to Apply

Applications open in September each year and close in November. The online application portal is administered by the Department of Basic Education at funzalushaka.gov.za.

How to Apply — Step by Step

Visit funzalushaka.gov.za and create an account on the online application portal.
Complete the online application form with your personal details, academic history, and preferred teaching phase and subject.
Upload certified copies of all required documents.
Submit your application before the November deadline.
Applications are assessed by the DBE and shortlisted applicants are notified of provisional offers.
Confirm acceptance of your bursary offer and register at an approved university to activate the funding.

Documents Required

South African ID document
Grade 12 certificate or most recent results (certified copy)
Proof of acceptance at an accredited university for a BEd or PGCE programme
Proof of household income (parents' payslips, SASSA grant letter, or affidavit for unemployed parents)
Proof of current residence (utility bill or official letter)
Tertiary academic transcript (for continuing students)

Tips and Additional Information

Funza Lushaka bursars are placed in public schools by their Provincial Education Department upon completion of their studies. While you may indicate a preference for a specific province or region, placement is ultimately at the discretion of the province based on available posts. The work-back obligation is legally binding and failure to comply can result in legal action and repayment of the full bursary amount. The programme has been instrumental in improving teacher supply in rural and under-resourced schools.

Contact Details

Official website: https://www.funzalushaka.doe.gov.za
Phone: 012 357 3000
Queries can also be directed to your Provincial Education Department bursary office. The national office is in Pretoria.

Frequently Asked Questions

Disclaimer: CitizenHelp is an independent information resource and is not affiliated with any government department. This content is for general guidance only. Always verify with official sources before taking action.