Funza Lushaka

The Funza Lushaka Bursary Programme is a multi-year programme to promote teaching as a profession. Bursaries are available to enable selected students to complete a teaching qualification in identified Subject priority areas.

Recipients of these bursaries will be required to teach at a public school for the same number of years that they received the bursary.

Funza Lushaka BursaryFunza Lushaka RequirementsFunza Lushaka Contact Details
Funza Lushaka LoginFunza Lushaka Allowance AmountFunza Lushaka Teaching Bursary
Funza Lushaka Status CheckFunza Lushaka ApplicationFunza Lushaka Email Address
Funza Lushaka Online ApplicationFunza Lushaka Closing DateFunza Lushaka Opening Date
Funza Lushaka Bursary ApplicationFunza Lushaka Rejection reasons 7Funza Lushaka Website

To access, register and apply for the Funza Lushaka Bursary the following 9 easy steps should be followed:

NOTE: All first time applicants must be 30 years or younger to apply for Funza Lushaka Bursary.

  1. Open the e-Gov portal at www.eservices.gov.za
  2. Register by providing personal information
  3. Login to the system using user name and password created when registering
  4. On the e-Services Menu select Funza Lushaka Bursary Scheme
  5. Enter the OTP received on the preferred channel
  6. Accept the Terms and Conditions
  7. On the dashboard menu click on the 2026 application button
  8. Follow the steps to complete the required field with your information
  9. Accept the declaration to confirm the information captured

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

The programme

1. What is the Funza Lushaka Bursary Programme?

The Funza Lushaka Bursary Programme is a multi-year programme to promote teaching as a profession. Bursaries are available to enable selected students to complete a teaching qualification in identified Subject priority areas. Recipients of these bursaries will be required to teach at a public school for the same number of years that they received the bursary.

Roles and responsibilities

2. How are roles and responsibilities for the Funza Lushaka programme separated?

This is a national programme which is administered each public higher education institution (HEI). It is funded by National Treasury and managed by the Department of Basic Education (DBE).

The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) financially administers the programme on behalf of DBE through the Student Financial Aid office at each HEI.

Provincial Co-ordinators implement district and community based teacher recruitment programmes in collaboration with – district co-coordinators. Provincial Co-ordinators respond to queries from applicants in their respective provinces and districts and assist them to apply online for the bursary. Provincial Co-ordinators manage the provincial selections of the district recruited applicants.

Selected students must meet the admission criteria of the academic programme at the HEI to which they apply, and must meet the national selection criteria for the Funza Lushaka bursary. Selection of bursars is undertaken at each HEI in accordance with the selection criteria and the funds allocated to each HEI.

Once qualified, bursary recipients are placed by a provincial education department.

Applications and eligibility

3. Who is eligible to apply?

Any academically gifted, young –

  • learners, currently in Grade 12;
  • graduates below the age of 30 who want to complete a teaching qualification or enrol for a PGCE;
  • people below the age of 30 who want to make a career change and become teachers; and
  • unemployed people below the age of 30 who want to become teachers.

4. How does a student apply?

Prospective bursars must first gain admission at a higher education institution (HEI). Applications may be submitted online at www.funzalushaka.doe.gov.za .

5. Where can prospective students find out more about the bursary programme?

Information on the Funza Lushaka Bursary Programme can be accessed from www.funzalushaka.doe.gov.za and www.education.gov.za .
Student Financial Aid offices will give details of financial matters, service obligations, etc.
Staff in the Faculty or School of Education at HEIs will provide information on teaching as a profession, academic programmes and an individual’s eligibility for admission.

6. How does an institution determine whether a student’s academic programme complies with the
selection criterion?

The bursary programme is designed to boost recruitment into teaching, in priority subject areas. In most cases, Faculty or School of Education staff will be able to assist students with the Funza Lushaka priority subjects to determine a student’s teaching priority subjects guided by the Funza Lushaka Policy.

7. What are the national priority subject areas?

Foundation Phase (i.e. Grades R-3): Foundation Phase (with preference for South African Indigenous Languages) Neurodevelopment Needs, Braille, SASL.

Intermediate and Senior Phase (i.e. Grades 4-9): Preference will be given for a teaching major in TWO of the following: Languages, Mathematics, and Natural Science & Technology
FET phase (i.e. Grades 10-12): Preference will be given for a teaching major in TWO of the following: Accounting; Agricultural Sciences; Agricultural Technology; Civil Technology; Computer Applications Technology; Electrical Technology; Engineering Graphics and Design; Geography; Information Technology; Life Sciences; Mathematics; Mechanical Technology; Physical Sciences, Languages,Maritime studies, Coding and Robitics, Technical Mathematics and Technical Science.

8. What programmes will be funded?

Bachelor of Education (BEd);
Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) in Senior Phase and FET teaching;

9. Are there official quotas for the distribution of bursaries by programme, year of study or priority area ?

Yes, the distribution by programme will be determined by the Department of Basic Education depending on identified priorities subject areas annually.

10. Are first-year students eligible?

Yes, first-year students in the appropriate programmes are eligible for the bursary.

11. Are Advanced Certificate in Education (ACE) students eligible?

No. Bursaries are available only to unqualified, initial teacher education students.

12. Are distance education and part-time students eligible for a bursary?

Yes, provided they are eligible in all other respects and complete the qualification within the minimum stipulated time.

13. Are recipients of other bursaries eligible to apply for a Funza Lushaka bursary?

Yes, but a student who has been offered both a Funza Lushaka Bursary and another bursary must choose to decline the other bursary.

Selection matters

14. Who sits on a Funza Lushaka bursary selection committee?

The composition of the selection committee is stipulated in the Funza Lushaka Policy and must include academic members of the Faculty or School of Education, a representative of the relevant provincial education department (PED), a representative of the financial aid office and an official/officials representing the DBE.

15. What selection criteria should be applied?

The selection criteria are stipulated in the Funza Lushaka Policy. The following is a summary:

  1. The bursary is only awarded to South African citizens with a valid South African ID number.
  2. Allocation of Funza Lushaka bursaries to Higher Education Institution employees, their spouse and their dependents/children is not permissible.
  3. Bursary applicants must already have been accepted into a either BEd or PGCE qualification at an accredited public University.
    The applicant must also meet the national selection criteria for the Funza Lushaka bursary.
  4. The bursary will only be awarded if two of the priority area subjects are included as a specialisation in the teaching qualification.
  5. The applicant should demonstrate good academic ability.
  6. The applicant must show commitment to a teaching career, which includes: interest in working with
    young people; enthusiasm for a professional career in teaching; readiness to face and surmount difficult challenges with integrity.

Please note that you are responsible for paying your registration fee, while awaiting for the outcome of the bursary application

16. Will late applications be considered?

No, late applications for a bursary will not be considered.

Money matters

17. Are HEIs being allocated a specific number of bursaries or a specific allocation of funds for
bursaries?

Yes. HEIs receive bursary funding from the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS). Each HEI will disburse bursary funding in accordance with its cost structure.

18. Are more funding available than those initially allocated to an
institution for a particular academic year?

No. However, If institutions are unable to use all the funds allocated to them, the balance will be redistributed to institutions that requires more funding. This will only be done after the end of the normal registration period.

19. How much is a Funza Lushaka bursary worth?

Institutions have different cost structures, so the total value of a bursary differs from institution to institution.
Funza Lushaka bursaries should cover essential expenses.

20. What does the bursary cover?

Expenses covered may include tuition fees, accommodation including meals, books and learning materials, and if possible a small allowance for monthly living expenses. The allocation to any individual student is capped at a specific value. Where the HEI charges more than the capped value the bursars will have to top up from own funds. Applicants are therefore encouraged to apply at HEIs with the most affordable rates.

21. May a student accept a bursary for fewer than the number of years required to complete a
programme?

Yes. However, the student would have to avail himself/herself for placement immediately after qualifying.

22. Can a student accept less per annum than the total amount on offer?

Yes. However, the recipient’s service obligations remain a full year of service for every year for which he/she
has received a bursary.

23. Can a student who has another bursary receive a Funza Lushaka bursary?

No.

24. Can a student receive a bursary for an extra year of study?

Yes. Funding for an additional year of study (i.e. 5th year) ) is not automatic and will be considered on a case by case basis. In cases where support is provided for an additional year, the service obligation for the student is extended by a year. Any additional time required will be at the recipient’s own cost. The additional year of study is only applicable to bursary holders following the Bachelor of Education. .

25. Who pays for costs incurred over and above the allocated bursary amount?

The bursary holder.

26. Is the bursary renewable?

Yes, A Funza Lushaka bursary holder is required to re-apply for the bursary annually before the end of November. The bursary is awarded for one academic year at a time upon proof of academic progress.

27. How will a student’s accomodation and living expenditure be paid?

In accordance with the HEIs normal practices.

Funza Lushaka bursary agreement

28. Must the recipient of a bursary receive a copy of the bursary agreement?

Yes. The agreement must be explained to the bursar before he/she signs it,and a signed copy must then be
given to the recipient.

29. For how many years will the recipient of a bursary be required to teach?

Funza Lushaka bursary holders will be required to teach one year for every year for which they have received a bursary. Each year of service shall repay one full-time year of bursary-assisted studies.

30. If a student migrates from an NSFAS loan to a Funza Lushaka bursary, will the years pertaining
to the NSFAS loan become part of the service contract?

No. The NSFAS loan and the bursary have different conditions.

31. Must the bursary be repaid?

No. However, the bursary may have to be repaid if the recipient fails to make academic progress; registers for a course of study that is not in a designated priority area; fails to apply for a teaching post with a PED at a public school, fails to follow the stipulated processes; fails to take up a teaching post with a PED at a public school; leaves a teaching post with a PED before the end of the contracted service period; or otherwise fails to meet a requirement of the bursary agreement

32. How much must be repaid?

The recipient will be required to repay the full amount of the bursary received in terms of the programme, with
accrued interest.

33. Will interest have to be paid on the amount owing?

Yes. Interest shall be compounded monthly at the rate of interest determined by NSFAS from time to time.

34. Who determines the placement of newly qualified teachers in terms of the programme?

Qualified recipients of bursaries will be placed by the PEDs to teach in a public school. Offers of employment will be made, subject to the Employment of Educators Act, 1998, and the South African Schools Act, 1996, as amended as well as the SACE Act.

35. Are Funza Lushaka bursary recipients eligible for school governing body (SGB) posts at public
schools?

No. A bursar may only accept a school governing body (SGB) post after the bursar has fulfilled his/her
contractual obligations to a PED.

36. Are Funza Lushaka bursary recipients able to take a “gap year” or proceed to complete further
studies immediately after qualifying?

No. Students are required to accept a teaching post immediately after qualifying – an extension will not be granted to a qualifying student even for further studies.

37. Are foreign students eligible for a Funza Lushaka bursary?

No, NSFAS will not enter into a contract with a foreign student or a student that holds a temporary resident
permit.

Need Information or Confused about Something ?

Ask a Question

 


Sponsored Guide


Complete Guide to NSFAS Online Loan Application for South African Students (2025)

If you are a South African student looking to pursue higher education but are facing financial difficulties, the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) is one of the most accessible funding options available. NSFAS provides financial aid in the form of bursaries and loans to qualifying students at public universities and TVET colleges in South Africa.

This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about the NSFAS loan application process, from eligibility requirements to application steps and frequently asked questions.


📌 What is NSFAS?

The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) is a government-funded financial aid scheme aimed at helping students from low- and middle-income households to access tertiary education without the burden of upfront fees.

NSFAS offers both bursaries and income-contingent loans:

  • Bursaries: For eligible students who meet academic and household income criteria (especially for TVET and university students).
  • Loans: For students who do not meet all bursary criteria or who are pursuing postgraduate qualifications not funded under bursary schemes.

✅ Who Qualifies for an NSFAS Loan?

To qualify for an NSFAS loan (especially for postgraduate students or programs not funded under the bursary system), you must:

  • Be a South African citizen.
  • Be financially needy, with a household income of less than R350,000 per year.
  • Have a valid South African ID.
  • Be enrolled or accepted to study at a public university or TVET college.
  • Not be funded through another bursary program that covers all expenses.
  • Maintain satisfactory academic progress (returning students).

📚 Courses Funded by NSFAS

NSFAS primarily funds undergraduate qualifications, but certain postgraduate programs (e.g., PGCE, postgraduate diplomas in education, and professional courses like LLB) may be considered under the NSFAS loan scheme, not bursaries.

If you’re studying:

  • Undergraduate degree or diploma: You are likely eligible for a full NSFAS bursary.
  • Postgraduate study: You may qualify for a loan, depending on the course and funding availability.

📄 Required Documents for NSFAS Application

When applying, make sure you have the following documents scanned and ready:

  1. Certified copy of your South African ID or Smart Card.
  2. Parent(s) or guardian(s) ID documents.
  3. Proof of income (latest payslips, UIF, or affidavit if unemployed).
  4. Consent Form signed by your parent(s)/guardian(s) to allow NSFAS to verify income.
  5. Proof of registration or acceptance at a public institution.
  6. Academic transcripts (for continuing or postgraduate students).

🖥️ How to Apply for an NSFAS Loan Online

Step-by-Step NSFAS Online Application Process (2025)

  1. Visit the NSFAS Website

    Go to: https://www.nsfas.org.za

  2. Create an Account

    • Click on “MyNSFAS” and register your profile.
    • You’ll need a valid email address and South African cellphone number.
    • Choose a strong password and verify your account via email or SMS.
  3. Login and Start the Application

    • After registration, log in to your MyNSFAS account.
    • Click on “Apply” to begin a new application.
  4. Fill in Your Personal Details

    • Input your ID number, name, surname, and other details exactly as they appear on your ID.
    • Provide household income information and living arrangements.
  5. Upload Required Documents

    • Upload all supporting documents in PDF or JPEG format.
    • Each document must be clear and under the size limit specified.
  6. Submit Your Application

    • Review your application for accuracy.
    • Click “Submit” and wait for a confirmation message.
  7. Track Your Application

    • Log in regularly to check your application status.
    • You will be notified via SMS and email at each stage of the process.

🗓️ Important NSFAS Dates (2025)

  • Application Opening Date: September 1, 2025
  • Application Deadline: January 31, 2026
  • Appeals Period: February 2026 (if rejected)
  • Disbursement: After registration and approval

Note: Dates are subject to change; always confirm on the official NSFAS website.


💸 What Does the NSFAS Loan Cover?

NSFAS funding typically includes:

  • Tuition fees
  • Registration fees
  • Accommodation (if living away from home)
  • Meals and transport
  • Learning materials (e.g., textbooks)

For loans, repayment is only required once you start working and earn above a threshold (around R30,000 annually, but subject to change).


🔄 NSFAS Loan Repayment

Repayments are:

  • Income-contingent – you only repay when you can afford to.
  • Administered by DHET (Department of Higher Education and Training).
  • Interest-bearing, but interest rates are low and favorable.

You can also apply for a partial loan conversion to a bursary if you perform well academically.


🔁 How to Appeal a Rejected NSFAS Application

If your application is rejected, you may submit an appeal via your MyNSFAS portal:

  1. Log into your MyNSFAS account.
  2. Click on “Track Funding Progress”.
  3. If rejected, click on “Submit Appeal”.
  4. Upload any missing or corrected documents.
  5. Provide a clear explanation or motivation.

📱 NSFAS Contact Information


📝 Final Tips Before Applying

  • Apply early to avoid system overload near the deadline.
  • Use your own email and cellphone number (do not use someone else’s).
  • Double-check that all your documents are certified and legible.
  • Keep a copy of your submission confirmation for reference.

By following this guide, you can confidently apply for NSFAS funding and move one step closer to achieving your academic and career dreams—without the burden of immediate financial pressure.