Department of Basic Education
Funza Lushaka Bursary
At a glance
Who qualifies
- South African citizen with a valid ID
- Accepted for a BEd or PGCE at an accredited South African public university
- Studying a priority phase or subject (see below)
- Committed to teach in a public school for the same number of years the bursary is held
- Demonstrated academic ability (Grade 12 results for first-year applicants)
Who does not qualify
- Studying at a private higher-education institution
- Studying a non-teaching qualification
- Not willing or able to accept a DBE public-school placement after graduation
- Already holding a full-cost bursary from another source that duplicates the same expenses
Documents you bring
- Certified copy of your ID
- Certified copy of your Grade 12 certificate (or latest academic transcript for current students)
- Proof of registration or provisional acceptance for BEd or PGCE at a public university
- Motivation letter explaining why you want to teach
- Contact details of two academic referees
The bursary is a service contract. Failing to complete the required teaching years after graduation converts the bursary into a repayable loan with interest.
How to apply
- Confirm your chosen qualification and subject fall within the priority list for that year (updated annually by DBE).
- Register or log in on eservices.gov.za and open the Funza Lushaka Bursary application.
- Complete personal, academic, and institution details and upload the required documents.
- Submit the application before the closing date (typically mid-January for the following academic year).
- Await the DBE outcome via email. Successful bursary holders sign a service contract.
- Register at your university and provide the bursary confirmation letter to the financial aid office.
- In your final year, submit your placement preferences. DBE assigns you to a public school for the work-back period.
Priority subjects vary by year but typically include Mathematics, Physical Sciences, Technical subjects, African Languages, and Foundation Phase teaching. Check the annual priority list before applying.
You do not choose your placement
The bursary contract binds you to the same number of teaching years as years funded, at a public school chosen by the provincial DBE. You submit preferences in your final year but the department allocates by need, often to rural or quintile-1 schools. Refusing the placement (or resigning early) converts the bursary into a repayable loan with interest, calculated from disbursement.