Funza Lushaka Bursary 2025 Online Application Guide

The Funza Lushaka Bursary is a government initiative aimed at encouraging young South Africans to pursue teaching as a career. It provides financial support for students studying towards a Bachelor of Education (B.Ed.) degree. If you’re interested in applying for the 2025 bursary, this guide will walk you through the steps in a simple, straightforward way. Let’s get started!

How to Apply for Funza Lushaka Bursary 2025 (Step-by-Step Guide)

1. Open the e-Gov portal at www.eservices.gov.za.
2. Register by filling in your personal information.
3. Login using the username and password you created.
4. On the e-Services Menu, select Funza Lushaka Bursary Scheme.
5. Enter the OTP sent to your preferred communication channel.
6. Accept the Terms and Conditions of the bursary.
7. On your dashboard, click on the 2025 application button.
8. Complete the required fields with your personal and academic information.
9. Accept the declaration to confirm the information is correct.

Requirements to Apply for Funza Lushaka Bursary

1. Age Limit: First-time applicants must be under 30 years old as of 1 October 2025. This means if you are 29 or turning 30 by then, you’re eligible.
2. Police Clearance: You’ll need a police clearance record from your local South African Police Service (SAPS) station. Make sure you’re not listed in the National Register for Sexual Offenders or the National Register for Child Offenders. If you have a criminal record that’s more than 10 years old, you can apply for expungement.
3. No Teaching Qualification: If you already have a teaching qualification, you are not eligible for the bursary.
4. Online Application Only: No hard-copy applications will be accepted, and not applying online will disqualify you.
5. District-Based Applicants: First-time applicants from district-based recruitment must submit a Teacher Screening form before applying online.

About the Funding

The Funza Lushaka Bursary covers most of your essential study-related costs:

• Tuition fees
• Accommodation and meals
• Books and study materials
• Teaching practice costs
• A small monthly allowance for living expenses (if possible)

The amount of bursary funding is capped, meaning if your university’s fees exceed this cap, you’ll need to cover the difference yourself.

Other Important Info

• No Funding for PGCE: Funza Lushaka does not cover Postgraduate Certificates in Education (PGCE).
• Subjects Not Funded: Certain subjects like History, Geography, and Accounting won’t be funded due to an oversupply of teachers in those fields.
• Priority Subject Areas: The bursary is aimed at students specialising in priority subjects identified by the Department of Basic Education, such as Indigenous South African Languages (except English and Afrikaans), Mathematics, and Physical Sciences.

Remember, once you receive the bursary, you’ll be required to teach at a public school for the same number of years that you were funded. Make sure you’re ready to commit!

FAQs

When is Funza Lushaka opening for 2025?

The Funza Lushaka Bursary application for 2025 is expected to open on 1 October 2024. This is the general opening date each year, but it’s always important to keep an eye on the official Funza Lushaka website or announcements from the Department of Basic Education to confirm the exact date.

When does Funza Lushaka respond to applications?

Funza Lushaka usually begins responding to applications from March to April of the following year. The exact timing depends on the processing of applications and availability of funds, so it’s important to regularly check your application status online during this period.

Does Funza Lushaka fund UNISA students?

No, Funza Lushaka does not fund UNISA students. The bursary only funds students studying full-time at contact universities. UNISA, being a distance education institution, does not qualify for Funza Lushaka funding.

How do I check my Funza Lushaka application status in 2025?

You can check your Funza Lushaka application status by following these steps:

1. Go to the e-Gov portal at www.eservices.gov.za.
2. Login using your username and password.
3. Navigate to the Funza Lushaka Bursary section on your dashboard.
4. Your application status will be displayed there. Keep an eye out for any updates regarding your application, especially from March to April 2025.

Does Funza Lushaka fund private institutions in 2025?

No, Funza Lushaka does not fund private institutions. The bursary only supports students studying full-time at public universities in South Africa.

How much is the Funza Lushaka monthly allowance for 2025?

The Funza Lushaka bursary provides a small monthly allowance to cover living expenses, but the amount can vary depending on the university and the overall cost of study. For 2025, the specific monthly allowance is not fixed but is typically between R800 to R1,500 depending on the bursary’s capped amount and university costs.

Does Funza Lushaka fund Rosebank College?

No, Funza Lushaka does not fund Rosebank College. As Rosebank is a private institution, it is not eligible for Funza Lushaka funding, which is limited to public universities only.

How long does Funza Lushaka take to respond?

Funza Lushaka typically takes about 3 to 6 months to respond to applications. Responses are usually sent between March and April 2025, once the selection and verification process is completed.

Does Funza Lushaka fund part-time students in 2025?

No, Funza Lushaka does not fund part-time students. The bursary is specifically for full-time students enrolled at public universities in South Africa.

What documents do I need to apply for the Funza Lushaka bursary in 2025?

To apply for the Funza Lushaka bursary in 2025, you will need the following documents:

1. A certified copy of your South African ID.
2. A certified copy of your Matric certificate or Grade 12 results.
3. Proof of university acceptance into an approved teaching qualification (B.Ed. or related).
4. Academic results if you’re currently studying at a university.
5. Proof of income from parents or guardians (if required).
6. Police clearance certificate to verify that you have no criminal record (for first-time applicants).

Who qualifies for the Funza Lushaka bursary in 2025?

To qualify for the Funza Lushaka bursary in 2025, applicants must meet the following criteria:

1. Be a South African citizen with a valid South African ID.
2. Be accepted into a Bachelor of Education (B.Ed.) or teaching qualification at a public university.
3. Specialise in teaching subjects identified as priority areas (such as Mathematics, Physical Sciences, and Indigenous Languages).
4. Must demonstrate good academic ability.
5. Be below the age of 30 (first-time applicants).
6. Agree to teach at a public school after graduating as part of the service obligation.

Does Funza Lushaka fund PGCE students?

No, Funza Lushaka does not fund Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) students in 2025. The bursary only funds undergraduate B.Ed. degrees.

Does Funza Lushaka have an age limit?

Yes, Funza Lushaka has an age limit. First-time applicants must be below the age of 30 as of 1 October 2025. This means applicants must be 29 years old or younger when applying.

Does Funza Lushaka pay for registration fees?

Yes, Funza Lushaka covers registration fees as part of the bursary funding. However, this is subject to the capped amount provided by the bursary. If the registration fees exceed the capped amount, you may need to cover the difference.

What is the closing date for Funza Lushaka bursary applications in 2025?

The closing date for Funza Lushaka bursary applications in 2025 is expected to be around January 2025. The exact date may vary slightly each year, so it is essential to check the Funza Lushaka website or the Department of Basic Education for updates.

Does Funza Lushaka fund honours students in 2025?

No, Funza Lushaka does not fund honours students in 2025. The bursary is specifically for undergraduate studies, such as a Bachelor of Education (B.Ed.) degree. It does not cover postgraduate qualifications, including Honours, Master’s, or Doctoral degrees.

What are the requirements for the Funza Lushaka bursary in 2025?

The requirements for the Funza Lushaka bursary in 2025 are as follows:

1. South African citizenship with a valid South African ID.
2. Acceptance into an approved B.Ed. degree or teaching qualification at a public university.
3. Specialisation in two or more priority subject areas (e.g., Mathematics, Physical Sciences, and Indigenous Languages).
4. For first-time applicants, be under the age of 30 as of 1 October 2025.
5. Demonstrate good academic ability, with at least a bachelor’s pass in Matric/Grade 12.
6. Agree to teach at a public school upon graduation as part of the service obligation.
7. No criminal record; a police clearance may be required.

What does the Funza Lushaka bursary cover?

The Funza Lushaka bursary covers most of the essential expenses for students in 2025, including:

1. Tuition fees at the university.
2. Accommodation (including meals, where applicable).
3. Books and learning materials.
4. Teaching practice costs.
5. A small monthly living allowance (subject to the university’s cost structure and bursary cap).

How do I upload documents for my Funza Lushaka application?

To upload documents for your Funza Lushaka application in 2025, follow these steps:

1. Log in to the e-Gov portal at www.eservices.gov.za.
2. Navigate to the Funza Lushaka Bursary section.
3. On your dashboard, you will find an option to upload supporting documents.
4. Click on the upload option and select the relevant documents (e.g., ID, academic records, proof of university acceptance).
5. Once uploaded, ensure that you receive confirmation that the documents have been successfully submitted.

Does Funza Lushaka fund students who already have degrees?

No, Funza Lushaka does not fund students who already have degrees. The bursary is only available for students pursuing their first qualification in teaching, specifically a Bachelor of Education (B.Ed.). If you already hold a degree, you will not be eligible for Funza Lushaka funding.

How much does the Funza Lushaka bursary pay for 2025?

The Funza Lushaka bursary for 2025 does not have a fixed amount. It covers the full cost of tuition, accommodation, books, and other essential expenses. However, the total bursary is capped, meaning that if university costs exceed the capped amount, students may need to pay the difference. The monthly living allowance varies depending on the university, typically ranging between R800 to R1,500, subject to availability of funds.