Funza Lushaka Teaching Bursary

Bursary Details: 

Are you considering becoming a teacher? Not sure what the procedure or cost will be? Maybe you need some financial assistance.

The Funza Lushaka Busary Programme gives you the chance to make your teaching dream come true.

The Funza Lushaka Bursary Programme is a multi-year programme that promotes teaching in public schools.

Bursaries are available to enable eligible students to complete a full teaching qualification in an area of national priority.

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

Qualified recipients of the bursary must request placement in a province of their choice.

Funza Lushaka Bursary Programme 2020

Programmes to be funded.

Two types of qualifications can be funded.  These are shown below.

The qualification must include subjects which will allow the student to specialise as a teacher in at least two priority areas (see next section below).

Undergraduate studies

  • 4-year Bachelor of Education degree (B Ed), specialising in Foundation Phase (Grade R – 3), Intermediate Phase (Grade 4 – 6), Senior Phase (Grade 7 – 9) and FET Phase (Grade 10-12).

Graduate studies

  • One-year Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) for graduates whose degrees include at least one major in one of the two priority subjects.

Take note that some universities offer qualifications which combine specialisation in the Foundation Phase (Grade R – 3) and Intermediate Phase (Grade 4 – 6), or the Intermediate Phase and Senior Phase, or the Senior Phase (Grade 7 – 9) and FET Phase (Grade 10 –12). These combined qualifications are also acceptable.

Candidate Requirements: 

Admission criteria

Selection criteria include the following:

  • The bursary is only awarded to South African citizens with a valid South African ID number;
  • The applicant should demonstrate good academic ability;
  • Students must meet the minimum academic criteria for award of the bursary.

In 2020, the minimum academic criteria are:

For 1st time entrants to university:

  • An exemption, endorsement, or ‘admission to bachelor degree studies’ pass at matric/Grade 12 level.
  • At least a level 4 pass at matric level in the subject which the applicant will specialize to teach.
  • For students who wish to specialize in the Foundation Phase, a pass in Mathematics or Mathematical Literacy at Grade 12 level is required. In addition, at least a level 4 pass in the Home Language is required. If a student completed matric prior to 2008 when Mathematics was not compulsory, a student may still be considered based on an overall good performance (Average of at least 50%).
  • Students who wish to specialize in the teaching of Technology subjects, including CAT, and who do not have these subjects at matric level, must have at least a level 4 pass in Mathematics.
  • If the institution’s admission requirements are higher than the bursary requirement and vice versa then the higher requirement will apply.

For new applicants already at university

The student must have:

  • The student must have passed all of the modules studied in 2019 or the last year of study at the Higher Education Institution.
  • At least a 55% average across all the modules studied in 2019 or in the applicant’s last year of study at a Higher Education Institution.
  • The student must have at least 55% average in modules studied in 2019 or in the applicant’s last year of study at university which relate directly to the priority area teaching specialization.
  • These are minimum criteria. The Funza Lushaka bursary is a prestigious bursary that must be awarded firstly on the basis of academic ability. The criteria applied at particular institutions may be higher than those suggested here, but cannot be lower.
  • For new applicants enrolling for PGCE
  • The student must have successfully completed a recognized qualification that qualifies him/her to be admitted for a PGCE.
  • To be considered for a PGCE in Foundation Phase Teaching a student must have majored in Psychology and an African Language.
  • To be considered for PGCE in Intermediate Phase, Senior Phase and Further Education and Training Teaching the student must have majored in the subject he/she wishes to specialize in from the B. degree.
  • The student must have at least TWO identified priority subjects at second year level;
  • The student must have sufficient modules in the identified priority subjects to qualify to teach it as a subject at school.

Bursary Enquiries: 

The following must be read before making an application for a Funza Lushaka bursary for 2020.

Application Form: 

PDF iconFunza Lushaka Bursary Application Notes 2020.pdf

How to Apply: 

  1. Open the e-Gov portal at www.eservices.gov.za
  2. Login to e-Gov portal with your previous login details or Register a new account. (Once registered, login with your new login details)
  3. On the e-Services Menu select Funza Lushaka Bursary
  4. Enter the OTP received on the preferred channel
  5. Click Next on the Funza Lushaka landing page
  6. Accept the Terms and Conditions
  7. On the dashboard menu click on the 2020 application button
  8. Follow the steps to complete the required field with your information
  9. Accept the declaration to confirm the information captured

CLICK HERE TO: Information about the Bursary

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.

 

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