Funza Lushaka is a government bursary that funds full teacher training at public universities in exchange for a commitment to teach in a public school after qualifying. It is a service-linked bursary rather than a general study bursary, and that service obligation is the defining feature.
The bursary prioritises subject areas where the schooling system has shortages, which has consistently meant mathematics, science, technology and African languages. Applying to study a priority subject substantially improves your prospects.
Eligibility Requirements at a Glance
Funza Lushaka applications are assessed on the following.
- South African citizenship with a valid identity document
- Acceptance or an application to study an approved teaching qualification at a public university
- Study towards a priority subject area, which materially affects your prospects
- Academic results meeting the standard for the intake
- A commitment to teach in a public school for a period matching the years funded
- Placement by a provincial education department after qualifying
Income and Affordability Requirements
Funza Lushaka is not primarily means-tested in the way NSFAS is. Its central condition is the service commitment rather than household income, though financial need can form part of the assessment.
The service obligation is a genuine legal commitment. Recipients who do not take up a teaching post are generally required to repay the bursary, so treat it as a contract rather than a grant and read the terms before accepting.
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.
Continued funding depends on meeting academic progression requirements each year. Failing to progress can end the bursary and can trigger the repayment obligation, so understand the academic conditions before you accept.
Documents and Verification Required
Applications normally require the following.
- A certified copy of your South African identity document
- Your matric results or latest academic transcript
- Proof of acceptance or application to an approved teaching qualification at a public university
- A completed online application
- Supporting documentation where the application requires it
How to Apply and Improve Approval Readiness
Applications are made online during the published application window, which is separate from your university application. You need to do both.
Improve your prospects by choosing a priority subject specialisation and a phase where there is demand. Placement after qualifying is handled by provincial education departments, and you may not be able to choose your province, which is worth understanding in advance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to teach after receiving Funza Lushaka?
Yes. The bursary carries a commitment to teach in a public school for a period matching the years funded, and not doing so generally triggers repayment.
Which subjects are prioritised?
Areas of shortage, consistently including mathematics, science, technology and African languages. Confirm the current priority list for your intake.
Can I choose where I teach?
Placement is handled by provincial education departments and you may not be able to choose your province. Understand this before accepting.
Is Funza Lushaka means-tested?
Its central condition is the service commitment rather than household income, though financial need can form part of the assessment.
Confirm the current priority subject list, application dates and service obligation terms with the Funza Lushaka programme and the Department of Basic Education before applying. See NSFAS requirements, loan requirements and browse all finance and funding requirements.