The Funza Lushaka Bursary 2026 online application open for candidates to apply. All first time applicants must be 30 years or younger to apply for Funza Lushaka Bursary.
Table of Contents
CRITERIA FOR AWARDING BURSARY
Students must meet the minimum academic criteria for award of the bursary. In
2026, the minimum academic criteria are:
For 1st time entrants to university (exclude those applicants that have studied other
degrees (passed or failed those degrees) or were funded through government funds
such as NSFAS):
An exemption, endorsement, or ‘admission to bachelor’s degree studies’ pass at
matric/Grade 12 level.
Matric pass with endorsement /Grade 12 pass with bachelors – with at least a level
4 (50% and above) pass in the two subjects which the applicant will specialise in
teaching.
SPECIFIC CRITERIA PER PHASE
For students who wish to specialise in the Foundation Phase (a and b):
Requirements for BEd FP:
(a) Matric pass with endorsement /Grade 12 pass with a bachelor’s with:
- A Mathematics pass of minimum Level 2 (30% and above) pass OR
a Mathematical Literacy pass of minimum Level 4 (50% and above)
pass will be required. - In addition, the Home Language pass at level 4 (50%) and above.
- For students who wish to specialise in the Intermediated Phase,
Requirements for BEd IP:
(a) Matric pass with endorsement /Grade 12 pass at bachelor’s with: - Mathematics pass of Level 3 (40%) and above, or pass Mathematical
Literacy at level 5 (60%) and above - In addition, the Home Language pass at level 4 (50%) and above.
Subject Combinations for BEd IP:
(a) Students with Mathematics can specialise in two of the following: Indigenous
South African Language subjects, Natural Science and Technology
(b) Students with Language, Physical Science and Life Science level 4 pass can
specialise in the Indigenous South African Language subject, Natural
Science and Technology if they have passed Mathematics Literacy with a
level 5 (60%) pass. - For students who wish to specialise in the Senior/FET phase:
Requirements for BEd Senior/FET:
(a) Matric pass with endorsement /Grade 12 pass with bachelor’s, with: - A pass of level 4 (50%) in two priority subject areas is a requirement.
(b) Students who wish to specialise in the teaching of Technical subjects,
including Computer Applications Technology (CAT), and who do not have
these subjects at matric or grade 12 level, must have at least a level 4 pass
in Mathematics or Technical Mathematics. - NB: If the institution’s admission requirements are higher than the bursary
requirement and vice versa, then the higher requirement will apply.
What the Bursary Covers
Funza Lushaka bursaries cover most of the recipient’s essential expenses.
Expenses covered include:
- (a) tuition fees,
- (b) accommodation including meals,
- (c) books and learning materials,
- (d) teaching practice and if possible,
- (e) a small allowance for monthly living expenses depending on the cost of tuition in
- the university enrolled to study.
Download Application Notes for before you apply
Application Process for Funza Lushaka Bursary for 2026
- Open the e-Gov portal at www.eservices.gov.za
- Register by providing personal information
- Login to the system using user name and password created when registering
- On the e-Services Menu select Funza Lushaka Bursary Scheme
- Enter the OTP received on the preferred channel
- Accept the Terms and Conditions
- On the dashboard menu click on the 2026 application button
- Follow the steps to complete the required field with your information
- Accept the declaration to confirm the information captured