This search runs into two different things with similar names, and it is worth being explicit rather than guessing. The Funza Lushaka Bursary Programme is the government bursary for students training to become teachers in priority subject areas. FundZa is a separate non-profit literacy organisation.
The bursary is what most people are looking for, and it is covered here. If you meant something else, confirm the exact name and the responsible body before applying anywhere.
Eligibility Requirements at a Glance
What the teaching bursary programme generally requires.
- South African citizenship and a valid South African ID
- Acceptance or registration for an approved initial teacher education qualification
- Study at a public university offering the qualification
- Specialisation in a priority subject area identified by the Department of Basic Education
- Meeting the academic requirements for the qualification and for continued funding
- A genuine commitment to teach, since the bursary carries a service obligation
- Full disclosure of any other funding held
- Application through the official channel by the closing date
- Acceptance of the bursary agreement and its conditions
Documents and Supporting Evidence Required
It carries a service obligation, and that is the central fact. A recipient is required to teach at a public school for a period corresponding to the years of funding received, at a school to which the provincial education department places them. This is not optional and it is not negotiable by preference — placement is determined by where teachers are needed.
Failing to serve triggers repayment. A graduate who does not take up or complete the teaching service becomes liable to repay the bursary, generally with interest. People accept this bursary without reading that clause and are then surprised. Read it before signing.
Priority subject areas drive selection. The subjects and phases funded are set by the Department of Basic Education according to where teachers are scarce — typically mathematics, sciences, technical subjects, African languages and foundation phase teaching. The current list is published and revised; check it before choosing a specialisation.
Teaching is a registered profession. A teacher at a public school must register with the South African Council for Educators under the SACE Act 31 of 2000, which includes a criminal record check. A relevant conviction is a serious obstacle, so deal with it before committing years to the qualification.
Continued funding depends on academic progress. Failing to meet the progression requirement can end the bursary partway through the degree, leaving both a debt and an unfinished qualification.
Consider whether you want to teach. The obligation is real, the placement may be far from home, and the profession is demanding. It is an excellent route for someone who wants it and a costly mistake for someone who takes it only for the funding.
Application Requirements and Steps
What is generally required with the application.
- Certified copy of your South African ID
- Your National Senior Certificate or latest academic results
- Your university admission or registration letter for an approved qualification
- Confirmation of the subject specialisation and phase
- Proof of any other funding held or applied for
- A completed online application in the official system
- Contact details that reach you throughout the cycle
- Banking details in your own name, where an allowance is paid
- Acceptance of the bursary agreement, signed
Costs, Processing Times and Key Conditions
Applying is free. Government bursaries carry no application fee. Anyone charging you to apply, to be shortlisted or to secure an award is defrauding you, and bursary fraud targeting school leavers is widespread.
Closing dates are firm and generally fall well before the academic year. Late applications are not considered. Diarise the opening date as well as the closing date.
Apply for university admission separately and first. The bursary funds a place; it does not create one. A bursary application without an admission is of no use.
What is covered varies — tuition, accommodation, books and a modest living allowance are typical, but the exact coverage is set in the bursary conditions and any gap is yours to fund. Get the coverage in writing.
Payment timing lags registration. Plan for the first weeks of the academic year without funds in hand, which is the practical reality that catches first-year students out.
Placement follows graduation and is handled by the provincial education department. Understand that you may be placed anywhere in the province, including rural schools, and budget for relocation.
Keep every document — the agreement, the award letter, proof of study and later proof of service. Repayment disputes years afterwards are decided on records.
Where and How to Apply
Apply through the official government bursary channel and confirm the current requirements, priority subject list and closing dates with the Department of Basic Education. Only the official source is reliable.
Talk to the university’s education faculty and financial aid office about which qualifications are approved and which specialisations are currently funded.
Apply for NSFAS in parallel if you may qualify, and to institutional and provincial bursaries. Applications are free and a single application is a single point of failure.
Read the service obligation and the repayment clause before signing anything, and ask specifically what happens if you fail a year, change qualification, or do not complete the service.
Never pay for a bursary, a place on a list, or a “processing fee”. Verify any advertisement against the official website — fraudulent bursary adverts use personal numbers, messaging groups and urgent deadlines.
Never send your ID or bank details to an unverified party. Students are a primary target for identity theft and money-mule recruitment.
Free help with applications is available at public school career offices, university financial aid offices and community youth centres.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to teach afterwards?
Yes. The bursary carries a service obligation to teach at a public school for a period corresponding to the years funded, with placement by the provincial education department.
What if I do not take up the teaching post?
You become liable to repay the bursary, generally with interest. Read that clause before signing rather than after graduating.
Which subjects are funded?
Priority areas set by the Department of Basic Education where teachers are scarce, typically mathematics, sciences, technical subjects, African languages and foundation phase. The list is published and revised.
Does it cost anything to apply?
No. Government bursary applications are free. Anyone charging to apply or to secure an award is defrauding you.
Bursary criteria, priority subject lists, coverage, service obligations and closing dates are set by the Department of Basic Education and are revised annually. Confirm current requirements through the official government bursary channel before applying.