About the Funza Lushaka Bursary

The Funza Lushaka Bursary Programme is a national programme headed by the Department of Basic Education, funded by the National Treasury and administered by the National Student Financial Aid Scheme

There is no doubt that a solid education is an answer to many of our country’s problems, and as such, the government runs this scheme in order to make it easier for interested individuals to become teachers to help shape our youth.

The bursary is valid for one year at a time, successful bursary holders must re-apply each year if they wish to cover the entire duration of their studies.

Fields of Study

The Funza Lushaka Bursaries are awarded to full-time, part-time and distance education students who have been accepted to higher education institutions for the following degree types:

• Bachelor of Education (BEd)
• Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE)

Priority Area Subjects

Foundation Phase (Gr R-3, ages 5-9):

• Foundation phase specialization

Intermediate Phase (Gr 4-6; ages 10-12):

• African Language
• English Language
• Mathematics
• Natural Sciences
• Technology

Senior Phase (Gr 7-9; ages 13-15):

• African Languages
• English Language
• Mathematics
• Natural Sciences
• Technology

FET Phase (Gr 10-12; ages 16-18):

• Accounting
• African Languages
• Agricultural Science
• Agricultural Technology
• Civil Technology
• Computer Applications Technology
• Economics
• Electrical Technology
• Engineering Graphics and Design
• English Language
• Geography
• Information Technology
• Life Sciences
• Mathematics
• Mathematical Literacy
• Mechanical Technology
• Physical Science

Requirements for Application for the Funza Lushaka Bursary

Applicants for the Funza Lushaka Bursary must meet the following basic requirements in order to be considered:

• Must be a South African citizen with a valid ID
• Must have already been accepted to an appropriate field of study at a recognized higher education institution
• Must be committed to and enthusiastic about a professional teaching career with interests that include working with young people, readiness to face and overcome challenges
• Must have personal integrity

Academic Criteria

For individuals applying for the first time for a university

• Completion of matric with an exemption, endorsement or admission to a Bachelor Degree study
• Level 4 pass / 60% (SG) or 50% (HG) for a matric subject which leads to the priority area
• For those who wish to specialize in the foundation level:
  • A passing grade in Mathematics/Mathematics Literacy (if the individual matriculated before 2008 when Maths was not compulsory, an overall good performance—average of 50%—may still be considered)
  • Level 4 pass / 60% (SG) or 50% (HG) in home language
• For those who wish to specialize in technology subjects but did not take those subjects at a matric level, a pass in Maths or Math Literacy is needed

For individuals who are already at university or enrolling for PGCE:

• A passing grade for all modules studies in the last year of study at university
• Minimum of 55% average across all modules studied in the last year