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Funza Lushaka Bursary 2025 Online Application

Published

4 months ago

January 25, 2025

Funza Lushaka Bursary 2025 Online Application. The Funza Lushaka Bursary Programme is a vital initiative by South Africa’s Department of Basic Education (DBE) aimed at developing qualified teaching professionals. Designed to address the critical shortage of educators in priority subject areas, this bursary offers financial aid to students pursuing specific teaching qualifications. Here’s everything you need to know about the 2025 Funza Lushaka Bursary application process, eligibility, and benefits.

About the Department of Basic Education

The DBE oversees South Africa’s education system from Grade R to 12, along with adult literacy programmes. Previously part of the National Department of Education, the DBE now operates independently to focus on creating a sustainable and inclusive education system. The department’s mission is to improve the quality of life for all South Africans through an accessible and effective education system, fostering peace, prosperity, and democracy.

Funza Lushaka Bursary 2025

The bursary is available for undergraduate studies in teaching qualifications that focus on at least two Priority Subject Areas identified by provincial and national education departments.

Eligible Qualifications:

Bachelor of Education (B.Ed.) in:
- Foundation Phase (Grade R–3)
- Intermediate Phase (Grade 4–6)
- Senior and Further Education and Training Phase (Grade 7–12)
Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Care and Education (B. Ed. ECCE) for ECD Grade RR–R.

Exclusions:

Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) will not be funded.
Subjects like History, Geography, Accounting, Economics, Business Studies, and Physical Education are excluded due to oversupply.
Low-demand subjects such as Religious Studies, Music, Dance, and Art will not be considered.
English and Afrikaans are excluded from Indigenous Language funding.

Eligibility Requirements

Applicants must meet the following criteria:

Be a South African citizen with a valid ID number.
Be 30 years old or younger (for first-time applicants as of 1 October 2024).
Be accepted into an approved B.Ed. programme at a public South African university.
Have a strong academic record and meet the Matric subject requirements for teaching specialisations.
Be willing to teach in a public school as allocated by the Provincial Education Department (PED).
Have no prior teaching qualifications or criminal record.

How to Apply for the Funza Lushaka Bursary?

Follow these 9 steps to complete your online application:

Visit the e-Gov portal at www.eservices.gov.za.
Register by providing your personal information.
Log in with your username and password.
Select “Funza Lushaka Bursary Scheme” from the e-Services menu.
Enter the OTP sent to your preferred channel.
Accept the terms and conditions.
Click on the “2025 Application” button on the dashboard.
Complete the required fields with your details.
Accept the declaration to confirm your submission.

Expenses Covered by the Bursary

The bursary provides comprehensive financial support, including:

Tuition fees
Accommodation and meals
Books and learning materials
Teaching practice expenses
A monthly living allowance (if budget allows)

Note: Bursaries are awarded annually, and recipients must reapply each year based on academic performance.

Service Contract

Graduates funded by the Funza Lushaka Bursary are required to:

Apply for public school teaching positions within six months of graduating.
Serve in a public school for one year for each year of bursary funding received.

Conclusion

The Funza Lushaka Bursary is an excellent opportunity for aspiring teachers to pursue their passion while contributing to South Africa’s education sector. By addressing the demand for skilled educators, the programme plays a critical role in building a brighter future for the nation.