The core Funza Lushaka requirements are South African citizenship, acceptance to an approved teaching qualification at a public university, academic results meeting the intake standard, and acceptance of the obligation to teach in a public school after qualifying.
This page covers the eligibility conditions themselves. The service obligation is what distinguishes Funza Lushaka from an ordinary bursary, and it is enforceable, so understanding it is the most important part of applying.
Eligibility Requirements at a Glance
To be eligible you must satisfy all of the following.
- South African citizenship with a valid identity document
- Acceptance or application to an approved initial teacher education qualification at a public university
- Academic results meeting the standard set for the intake
- Study towards a phase and subject combination the programme supports
- Willingness to accept placement at a public school by a provincial education department
- Acceptance of the service obligation and its repayment terms
Income and Affordability Requirements
Eligibility rests on the service commitment and on your study choices rather than principally on a household income threshold. Financial need can be considered, but it is not the gateway test that it is for NSFAS.
Because the bursary funds full study costs, the value is substantial, and the corresponding obligation is correspondingly serious. Recipients who do not take up a teaching post are generally required to repay.
Credit and Financial Requirements
Bursaries do not assess your credit record and applying does not affect it. What they do assess is academic performance, both to award funding and to continue it.
Academic progression conditions apply each year. Recipients who fail to progress can lose funding and may still carry a repayment obligation for the years already funded.
Documents and Verification Required
Applications normally require the following.
- A certified copy of your identity document
- Your matric results or latest academic transcript
- Proof of household income, such as payslips or an affidavit where there is no formal income
- Proof of acceptance or application to an approved institution
- A completed application form and any required motivation
- Supporting documentation for a disability, where applicable
How to Apply and Improve Approval Readiness
Apply online during the published window, separately from your university application. Both are required, and the university application should be in place first.
Choose a priority subject and phase if you can. Demand for mathematics, science, technology and African language teachers has been consistent, and applications in those areas are more competitive to fund but more likely to succeed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who qualifies for Funza Lushaka?
South African citizens accepted to an approved teacher education qualification at a public university, who meet the academic standard and accept the service obligation.
What happens if I do not teach afterwards?
Recipients who do not take up a teaching post are generally required to repay the bursary.
Does Funza Lushaka cover all costs?
It is designed to fund full study costs. Confirm exactly what is covered for your intake with the programme.
Can I apply if I am already studying?
Applications are generally open to students continuing an approved teaching qualification as well as to new entrants. Confirm for the current intake.
Confirm current eligibility conditions, covered costs and the service obligation terms with the Funza Lushaka programme before accepting an award. See NSFAS requirements, loan requirements and browse all finance and funding requirements.