Funza Lushaka Bursary Programme
Transform lives through education with South Africa's premier teaching bursary. Full funding for aspiring teachers committed to making a difference in public schools across the country.
Eligible Fields of Study
Department of Basic Education supports students in the following disciplines
Eligibility Requirements
- ✓ South African citizen
- ✓ Academic excellence (minimum 60% average)
- ✓ Mathematics minimum 50% (60% for Maths teaching)
- ✓ English minimum 60% (70% for language teaching)
- ✓ Studying towards teaching qualification
- ✓ Commitment to teach in public schools
- ✓ No other government funding
- ✓ Clean criminal record
- ✓ Medical fitness certificate
What's Included
- ✓ Full tuition fees coverage
- ✓ Registration and examination fees
- ✓ Monthly living allowance (R10,000)
- ✓ Textbooks and learning materials
- ✓ Laptop/tablet allowance
- ✓ Teaching practice support
- ✓ Professional development workshops
- ✓ Mentorship during studies
- ✓ Teaching placement assistance
Work Commitment
Recipients must teach in public schools for the same number of years they received the bursary
How to Apply
Steps to complete your Department of Basic Education bursary application
- 1
Complete online application at www.funzalushaka.doe.gov.za
- 2
Submit certified academic transcripts
- 3
Provide certified ID copy
- 4
Submit detailed motivational letter
- 5
Provide proof of household income
- 6
Submit curriculum vitae
- 7
Attend interview (if shortlisted)
- 8
Sign commitment contract if successful
Ready to apply?
Applications close on 1 February 2026
Apply on Department of Basic Education's official siteNeed help? Contact Department of Basic Education:
Email: funzalushaka@dbe.gov.za
Phone: 012 357 3000
Information verified 2026-06-22. Always confirm details on the funder's official website before applying.
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The Jakes Gerwel Graduate Teaching Fellowship (GTF) is a fully funded programme that develops exceptional graduates into outstanding high school teachers. It covers a Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) at a partner university along with accommodation, allowances, mentorship and leadership development, with fellows committing to teach at a South African high school after qualifying. It targets passionate final-year undergraduates and graduates under 30 who want to transform education in South Africa.
View details →NAPTOSA Teaching Bursary
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Important: we could not verify that NAPTOSA runs a student teaching bursary. NAPTOSA is a teachers' trade union for working educators, not a bursary provider, and neither its official websites nor any independent bursary source lists a student bursary. If you are looking for funding to study teaching, the national Funza Lushaka Bursary is the main option. This entry is kept for information only while we continue to verify.
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