Funza Lushaka Bursary (District-Based) Requirements and How to Apply

The Funza Lushaka District-Based Bursary is a special stream of the broader Funza Lushaka Bursary Programme. 

It is designed to recruit prospective teachers from specific districts and place them in public schools after qualification. 

The bursary is open to students who will enrol in a recognised teaching qualification (BEd or PGCE) in South Africa, and are part of a district-based recruitment drive. 

The main national Funza Lushaka programme opened for applications on 7 October 2025 for the 2026 intake.

Because the district-based stream is operated at provincial/district level, it may have additional criteria and separate closing dates.

Eligibility requirements for the Funza Lushaka Bursary (District-Based)

Applicants must meet these criteria:

  1. Must be a South African citizen.
  2. Must be 30 years or younger for first-time applicants.
  3. Must apply to study a Bachelor of Education (BEd) degree or a Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) in one of the priority subject-areas.
  4. Must specialise in two or more priority teaching subjects (identified by the Department of Basic Education).
  5. Must meet admission requirements of the higher education institution and must apply online via the official portal.
  6. For district-based applicants specifically: They must complete a district-recruitment screening form via the district/provincial co-ordinator before the bursary application.

Application process for the Funza Lushaka Bursary (District-Based)

To apply you should follow these steps:

  1. Make sure you have applied for admission (or will apply) at a recognised university for a BEd or PGCE specialising in priority subjects.
  2. If you are recruited via the district-based stream, complete the digitised Teacher Screening Form as directed by your provincial/district education office.
  3. Register or sign in at the national e-Services portal at www.eservices.gov.za and select the Funza Lushaka Bursary Scheme.
  4. Fill out the online application form for the 2026 cycle, attach required documents (ID, matric certificate or equivalent, proof of admission or registration, screening form if district-based).
  5. Submit your application before the closing date. Late or incomplete applications will not be considered.
  6. If successful, you will receive the bursary award, and you are expected to serve as a teacher in a public school for the same number of years you benefited from the bursary.

Closing date for the Funza Lushaka Bursary (District-Based)

For the 2026 intake:

  • New applicants (first-time) closing date: 24 January 2026.
  • Re-applications (existing/returning bursars) closing date: 30 November 2025.
    For the district-based stream specifically, applicants should check provincial/district notices because some had different closing-dates in earlier years.

Contact details for the Funza Lushaka Bursary (District-Based)

For general enquiries:

  • Email: [email protected]
  • Phone: 012 357 3000 (Department of Basic Education switchboard)
    For district-based provincial contact (Western Cape example):
  • Ms Masivelane Jita, Tel: 021 467 2224, Email: [email protected]

FAQs

1. + Who is eligible for the district-based Funza Lushaka bursary?
South African citizens aged 30 or younger for first-time applicants, who apply to study a BEd or PGCE in priority teaching subjects and are recruited via a district-based screening process.
2. + What study programmes are covered by this bursary?
Bachelor of Education (BEd) and the Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) specialising in priority subject areas (Foundation, Intermediate, Senior/FET phases).
3. + How do I apply for the district-based stream?
Complete the district-based teacher-screening form via your provincial/district education office, then apply online via the national e-Services portal before the closing date.
4. + What is the closing date for new applicants for 2026?
The national closing date for new applicants is 24 January 2026; district streams may have additional provincial deadlines.
5. + What costs does the bursary cover?
It covers tuition fees, registration/exam fees, accommodation or transport, meals, learning materials and a personal care allowance.
6. + Is there a service obligation after graduation?
Yes. You must teach in a public school for the same number of years you received funding from the bursary programme.
7. + Can I choose where I will teach after I graduate?
No. Placement is managed by the provincial education department and you cannot choose your teaching post; deferred placement is not allowed.
8. + Can I apply if I already hold another bursary or have a teaching qualification?
No. You cannot already hold a teaching qualification or another bursary for the same purpose; the programme is for new teacher-training candidates.
9. + What happens if I fail my studies?
Renewal of the bursary depends on satisfactory academic progress; failure may result in the funding being discontinued and the service obligation being triggered or repayment required.
10. + Where can I get more help or information?
You can email [email protected] or phone 012 357 3000. For district-based queries contact your provincial/district education office.

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