Funza Lushaka Bursary South Africa 2025
The Funza Lushaka Bursary, initiated by the South African government, is a well-known program designed to help with the shortage of skilled and qualified teachers. By covering tuition fees, accommodation, textbooks, and providing a monthly stipend, this bursary significantly reduces the financial burden faced by students in education. The application dates for the 2025 Funza Lushaka Bursary have officially been released.
This guide will help you explore Funza Lushaka Bursary 2025 in detail, from the fields and expenses covered to the step-by-step application process. Therefore, continue reading to gain a comprehensive understanding of Funza Lushaka Bursary 2025.
Understanding Funza Lushaka Bursary 2025
The Funza Lushaka is a government-funded program in South Africa designed to encourage teaching as a career. It offers financial assistance to qualified students pursuing teaching degrees in priority subject areas. This bursary program takes care of key expenses, such as tuition, accommodation, meals, and more, allowing recipients to concentrate on their studies without financial stress.
However, it’s worth noting that the bursaries are granted for one academic year at a time, requiring students to reapply each year. Funza Lushaka’s vision is to improve the education system to make life better for all South Africans and build a peaceful, prosperous, and democratic country.
What Does Funza Lushaka Bursary 2025 Cover?
The bursary is given to students based on their academic performance to help train qualified teachers in important subjects. You can now apply for the Funza Lushaka bursary for the 2025 academic year. However, before applying, remember what fields Funza Lushaka bursary 2025 covers:
A 4-Year Bachelor of Education (B.Ed) Degree
It focuses on the following subjects and phases:
Foundation Phase (Grade R to Grade 3): Preferably focusing on South African Indigenous Languages, Neurodevelopmental Needs, Braille, or South African Sign Language (SASL).
Intermediate Phase (Grade 4 to Grade 6): It is preferable to major in two of the following subjects:
- Languages
- Mathematics
- Natural Science & Technology
Senior and Further Education and Training (Grade 7 to Grade 12): Ideally majoring in two of the provided subjects:
- Accounting
- Agricultural Science
- Agricultural Technology
- Civil Technology
- Electrical Technology
- Computer Application Technology
- Engineering Graphics and Design
- Information technology
- Life Sciences
- Geography
- Mathematics
- Mechanical Technology
- Physical Sciences
- Languages
- Maritime Studies
- Coding and Robotics
- Technical Mathematics
- Technical Science
Expenses Covered by Funza Lushaka Bursary
The Funza Lushaka bursary helps students by covering a variety of essential expenses. These expenses are discussed below:
- Tuition fees
- Books and learning materials
- Accommodation
- Meals
- Teaching practice
- A small allowance for monthly living expenses
Note that bursaries are given for one academic year, and students have to reapply each year. Renewing the bursary isn’t guaranteed and depends on the student’s academic results.
After graduating, bursary recipients need to apply for teaching jobs in public schools within six months. Students are required to teach for one year for every year of funding they receive.
Funza Lushaka Bursary Eligibility Requirements
To apply applicants must meet certain requirements. Keep in mind that the application will not be considered if all the requirements are not met. The criteria are as follows:
- Applicants must be South African citizens.
- A valid South African ID number is required.
- First-time applicants must be 30 years old or younger as of 1 October 2024.
- Applicants must be accepted into an approved B.Ed degree program specializing in two or more priority subject areas. Note extended programs are not covered.
- Applicants must be admitted to a public university in South Africa.
- A strong academic record is required.
- You must be willing to teach at a school chosen by the Provincial Education Department (PED).
- Applicants must have a genuine interest in working with young people, and be passionate about a professional teaching career.
- Applicants must not hold any other teaching qualification.
- Applicants must not have a criminal record.
- Read the Funza Lushaka Bursary details before applying.
The following criteria must also be met by first-time university applicants:
- You must have passed Matric with an exemption, endorsement, or qualification for bachelor’s degree admission.
- Applicants must have obtained at least Level 4 (50%) in Matric for two subjects you plan to specialize in teaching.
- Students specializing in the Foundation Phase must have achieved at least level 2 (30%) in Mathematics or level 4 (50%) in Mathematical Literacy, along with a minimum level 4 (50%) pass in their Home language in Matric.
- Students specializing in the Intermediate Phase must have obtained at least level 4 (50%) in Mathematics and a minimum level 4 (50%) in their Home Language in Matric.
- Students specializing in the Intermediate Phase must choose two of these subjects;
- Indigenous South Africa languages
- Natural Science and Technology
- If they completed Mathematics in Matric
- Applicants specializing in the Intermediate Phase must focus on indigenous South African languages and Natural Science and Technology if they have a level 4 pass in Language, Physical Science, and Life Science, as well as 5 (60%) in Mathematics Literacy in Matric.
- Students specializing in the Senior/FET phase must have a Matric pass with endorsement or a Grade 12 pass with bachelor’s degree admission, along with a minimum level 4 (50%) in two priority subject areas.
- Students specializing in the Senior/FET phase for Technical subjects, including Computer Applications Technology (CAT) must have obtained at least a level 4 pass in Mathematics or Technical Mathematics in Matric.
How to Apply for Funza Lushaka Bursary?
Applicants must complete and submit their application through the official website to be eligible for the Funza Lushaka Bursary. Here’s how you can apply for Funza Lushaka Bursary 2025:
- The first step is to go to the e-Government official website (eservices.gov.za/). The website has a user-friendly interface and provides clear instructions to guide applicants through the application process.
- The next step is to create an account for yourself by providing your personal details and agreeing to the Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy.
- After creating an account, sign in using your username and password.
- Navigate to the e-services menu and pick the ‘Funza Lushaka Bursary Scheme’ option.
- Next input the OTP you received in the required box.
- Afterward, select the 2025 Application’ button on the dashboard.
- Provide the necessary information and review and accept the declaration to confirm your details.
(Only online applications will be considered. Hard copies will not be accepted. )
Keep In Mind
- Make sure you have a valid student number when applying (You’ll get this once you’re accepted or provisionally accepted at university).
- Make sure your information is correct, you can edit your online application before submitting it.
- Make sure the subject areas you list on your application are the ones you’ll be specializing in.
- The academic year refers to the level you’re at.
- Once you have successfully applied for the bursary, you can’t change institutions.
- Just because you apply for the bursary doesn’t mean you’ll automatically receive it.
- You must submit your supporting documents to the Funza Lushaka office at your university.
Closing Date:
- 26 January 2025 (for re-applications or students who are existing or returning bursary recipients)
- 30 November 2024 (For new applications)
- Wrap Up
In conclusion, you can apply for the Funza Lushaka Bursary 2025 through the official online portal, ensuring you meet all eligibility requirements and submit the necessary documentation before the deadline. Make sure to apply for the application before the closing date or your application will not be considered.
