The Funza Lushaka Bursary is targeted towards anyone wanting to become a qualified teacher in South Africa, studying either towards a Bachelor of Education (BEd) or a Postgraduate Certificate of Education (PGCE).
The Funza bursary is facilitated by the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS). However, applicants are encouraged to apply for a NSFAS bursary as well as limited Funza Lushaka bursaries are available every year.
Now, as the 2025 academic year approaches, many are eagerly awaiting the 2025 Funza Lushaka applications period.
2025 Funza Lushaka Bursary Applications
Recently, a social media post reading the following has been making the rounds:
Funza Lushaka Teaching Bursary 2025 Open Now ... Department of Education is looking for 4 761 Matriculation to be trained as Teachers.
It then continues to list what the bursary covers and 2025 application dates.
However, the BankSETA has clarified that this is fake news and that prospective applicants and students should "be careful" of such messages and clicking any links asking for information.
The Department of Basic Education (DBE) has not yet announced 2025 application dates. However, 2024 Funza Lushaka Bursary applications for new students opened in October last year and should be similar for the 2025 cycle.
To prepare for the upcoming cycle, you can check if you meet the Funza Lushaka eligibility criteria.
Funza Lushaka Bursary Programme Requirements
These are the requirements you need to meet to access the Funza Lushaka Bursary.
- Must be 30 years old or younger
- Have no other teaching qualifications
- Must be a South African citizens with a valid South African ID number
- Good academic ability
- An exemption, endorsement, or ‘admission to bachelor degree studies’ pass at matric/Grade 12 level.
- At least a level 4 pass at matric level in the two subjects which the applicant will specialise to teach.
- For students who wish to specialise in the Foundation Phase, a Level 2 pass in Mathematics or Level 4 pass in Mathematical Literacy at Grade 12 level is required. In addition, a t least a level 4 pass in the Home Language is required.
- For students who wish to specialise in the Intermediate Phase, a Level 4 pass in Mathematics and a level 4 in a Home Language subject and/or a Level 4 pass in Science Subjects at Grade 12 level is required. In addition, at least a level 4 pass in the Home Language is required.
- Students who wish to specialize in the teaching of Technology subjects, including CAT, IT, and other Technical stream subjects and who do not have these subjects level, must have at least a level 4 pass in Mathematics or Technical Mathematics.
- Must be accepted into an approved B.Ed. degree or PGCE programme to specialise in two or more of the priority subject areas.
- Must be committed to teach in any school to which a student may be placed by a Provincial Education Department (PED)
Another crucial aspect of the Funza Lushaka bursary is that it encourages students to specialise in critical areas of specialisation where there are not enough teachers.
