Quick Answer: Funza Lushaka for BEd Students
The Bachelor of Education is the undergraduate route into teaching, normally a four-year degree that qualifies you to teach on completion. Funza Lushaka can fund it where your intended phase and subject specialisation fall within the priority areas for that cycle.
Because a BEd runs over several years, funding is considered year by year rather than granted once for the whole degree, and continued support depends on academic progression. Requirements.co.za is an independent information website. It does not administer the Funza Lushaka bursary, admit students to programmes, or award funding.
Who This Requirement Applies To
This guide is for school leavers and undergraduate students intending to qualify as teachers through a BEd at a participating public university.
If you already hold a bachelor degree in another field, the postgraduate route applies instead. See Funza Lushaka for PGCE Students.
Eligibility Requirements
Two separate sets of requirements apply, and meeting one does not satisfy the other. The university decides admission to the degree; the bursary decides funding.
Applicant type
- University admission to the BEd, which has its own subject and score requirements set by the institution.
- A phase and subject specialisation within the current priority areas, which is what makes the study fundable.
- South African citizenship.
- A participating public university offering the approved programme.
- Academic progression for each subsequent year of funding.
Documents You May Need
Documents establish both your admission to the degree and your eligibility for the bursary.
Required proof
- South African identity document.
- School results, and university results for continuing students.
- Proof of application, admission or registration for the BEd.
- Documents specified by the application system for that cycle.
Steps to Apply or Prepare
Choose your phase and subject specialisation with the priority areas in mind, since this determines whether the degree can be funded at all.
Apply to the university for admission to the BEd, and apply separately for the bursary within its own window.
Maintain academic progression each year, and reapply or confirm continued funding as the cycle requires. The bursary carries a service obligation. See Funza Lushaka Service Obligation before accepting an award.
Costs, Processing Times and Validity
There is no charge to apply for the bursary. What it covers, and the priority phase and subject areas, are set for each cycle and published officially. Admission requirements for the degree are set by each university and differ between institutions.
Common Mistakes and Delays
Common mistake
- Choosing a specialisation that is not in the priority areas and assuming funding will follow.
- Treating admission to the BEd as securing the bursary.
- Changing specialisation mid-degree without checking the effect on funding.
- Assuming the award covers all four years without any further action.
Where to Confirm Official Requirements
Confirm the current criteria, priority areas and dates through the official Funza Lushaka channel and the Department of Basic Education, and confirm programme admission requirements with the university. The Official Requirements Sources South Africa page links to the responsible bodies.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Funza Lushaka fund a full BEd?
It can fund study towards a BEd where the specialisation qualifies, but funding is normally considered year by year and depends on continued progression rather than being granted once for the whole degree.
Which BEd specialisations qualify?
Those falling within the priority phase and subject areas for that cycle. These are reviewed, so confirm the current list before choosing your specialisation.
Do I apply to the university and the bursary separately?
Yes. Admission and funding are separate processes with separate deadlines.
What if I change specialisation?
It may affect eligibility, since funding depends on the priority areas. Check before changing.
Where can I confirm BEd funding requirements?
Confirm the bursary criteria officially and the degree admission requirements with the university.