Funza Lushaka Bursary: Estimated Benefits Guide

By | July 8, 2024
0 Comment

The Funza Lushaka Bursary provides financial support to eligible students pursuing teaching qualifications in areas of national priority. The bursary covers various expenses related to your studies. Here’s an overview of the estimated benefits provided by the Funza Lushaka Bursary:

Financial Coverage

  1. Tuition Fees:
  • The bursary covers the full cost of tuition fees for your teaching qualification at a recognized Higher Education Institution.
  1. Accommodation and Meals:
  • The bursary includes funds for accommodation, either on-campus or off-campus, along with meals or meal allowances.
  1. Books and Learning Materials:
  • An allowance is provided to cover the cost of prescribed textbooks and necessary learning materials.
  1. Living Allowance:
  • A small living allowance is included to help with personal expenses throughout the academic year.

Estimated Breakdown

The actual amount awarded may vary based on the specific institution and the costs associated with your program. Here’s an estimated breakdown of the benefits:

  1. Tuition Fees:
  • Typically ranges from R30,000 to R50,000 per year, depending on the institution and course of study.
  1. Accommodation and Meals:
  • Accommodation: Approximately R40,000 to R60,000 per year.
  • Meals: Approximately R15,000 to R25,000 per year.
  1. Books and Learning Materials:
  • Approximately R5,000 to R10,000 per year, depending on the course requirements.
  1. Living Allowance:
  • Approximately R6,000 to R10,000 per year, intended for personal expenses.

Total Estimated Annual Benefit

  • The total annual benefit of the Funza Lushaka Bursary can range from R96,000 to R145,000 per year. This is a rough estimate and can vary based on the specific costs incurred.

Additional Considerations

  • Renewal of the Bursary:
  • The bursary is renewable each year, subject to satisfactory academic performance and adherence to the program’s requirements.
  • Service Commitment:
  • Upon completion of your studies, you will be required to teach in a public school for the same number of years that you received the bursary.

Application and Benefit Receipt

  1. Application:
  1. Disbursement of Funds:
  • Once awarded, the bursary funds are typically disbursed directly to the institution to cover tuition, accommodation, and other fees. The living allowance and book allowances may be provided directly to the student.

Tips for Managing Your Bursary

  • Budgeting:
  • Create a budget to manage your living allowance and ensure you have enough funds to cover personal expenses throughout the year.
  • Keep Receipts:
  • Maintain receipts for books and learning materials, as you may need to provide proof of purchase.
  • Stay Informed:
  • Regularly check the Funza Lushaka website and communicate with your institution’s financial aid office to stay informed about any changes or additional requirements.

By understanding the estimated benefits and managing your bursary effectively, you can focus on your studies and work towards becoming a qualified teacher in an area of national priority.

Related Resources

🎓 Bursary Applications South Africa Latest bursary opportunities and application guides
💼 UIF Claims Guide Complete guide to UIF applications and claims

Sponsored Content

Complete Guide to NSFAS Online Loan Application for South African Students (2025)

If you are a South African student looking to pursue higher education but are facing financial difficulties, the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) is one of the most accessible funding options available. NSFAS provides financial aid in the form of bursaries and loans to qualifying students at public universities and TVET colleges in South Africa.

This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about the NSFAS loan application process, from eligibility requirements to application steps and frequently asked questions.

📌 What is NSFAS?

The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) is a government-funded financial aid scheme aimed at helping students from low- and middle-income households to access tertiary education without the burden of upfront fees.

NSFAS offers both bursaries and income-contingent loans:

  • Bursaries: For eligible students who meet academic and household income criteria (especially for TVET and university students).
  • Loans: For students who do not meet all bursary criteria or who are pursuing postgraduate qualifications not funded under bursary schemes.

✅ Who Qualifies for an NSFAS Loan?

To qualify for an NSFAS loan (especially for postgraduate students or programs not funded under the bursary system), you must:

  • Be a South African citizen.
  • Be financially needy, with a household income of less than R350,000 per year.
  • Have a valid South African ID.
  • Be enrolled or accepted to study at a public university or TVET college.
  • Not be funded through another bursary program that covers all expenses.
  • Maintain satisfactory academic progress (returning students).

📚 Courses Funded by NSFAS

NSFAS primarily funds undergraduate qualifications, but certain postgraduate programs (e.g., PGCE, postgraduate diplomas in education, and professional courses like LLB) may be considered under the NSFAS loan scheme, not bursaries.

If you’re studying:

  • Undergraduate degree or diploma: You are likely eligible for a full NSFAS bursary.
  • Postgraduate study: You may qualify for a loan, depending on the course and funding availability.

📄 Required Documents for NSFAS Application

When applying, make sure you have the following documents scanned and ready:

  1. Certified copy of your South African ID or Smart Card.
  2. Parent(s) or guardian(s) ID documents.
  3. Proof of income (latest payslips, UIF, or affidavit if unemployed).
  4. Consent Form signed by your parent(s)/guardian(s) to allow NSFAS to verify income.
  5. Proof of registration or acceptance at a public institution.
  6. Academic transcripts (for continuing or postgraduate students).

🖥️ How to Apply for an NSFAS Loan Online

Step-by-Step NSFAS Online Application Process (2025)

  1. Visit the NSFAS Website

    Go to: https://www.nsfas.org.za

  2. Create an Account

    • Click on “MyNSFAS” and register your profile.
    • You’ll need a valid email address and South African cellphone number.
    • Choose a strong password and verify your account via email or SMS.

  3. Login and Start the Application

    • After registration, log in to your MyNSFAS account.
    • Click on “Apply” to begin a new application.

  4. Fill in Your Personal Details

    • Input your ID number, name, surname, and other details exactly as they appear on your ID.
    • Provide household income information and living arrangements.

  5. Upload Required Documents

    • Upload all supporting documents in PDF or JPEG format.
    • Each document must be clear and under the size limit specified.

  6. Submit Your Application

    • Review your application for accuracy.
    • Click “Submit” and wait for a confirmation message.

  7. Track Your Application

    • Log in regularly to check your application status.
    • You will be notified via SMS and email at each stage of the process.

🗓️ Important NSFAS Dates (2025)

  • Application Opening Date: September 1, 2025
  • Application Deadline: January 31, 2026
  • Appeals Period: February 2026 (if rejected)
  • Disbursement: After registration and approval

Note: Dates are subject to change; always confirm on the official NSFAS website.

💸 What Does the NSFAS Loan Cover?

NSFAS funding typically includes:

  • Tuition fees
  • Registration fees
  • Accommodation (if living away from home)
  • Meals and transport
  • Learning materials (e.g., textbooks)

For loans, repayment is only required once you start working and earn above a threshold (around R30,000 annually, but subject to change).

🔄 NSFAS Loan Repayment

Repayments are:

  • Income-contingent – you only repay when you can afford to.
  • Administered by DHET (Department of Higher Education and Training).
  • Interest-bearing, but interest rates are low and favorable.

You can also apply for a partial loan conversion to a bursary if you perform well academically.

🔁 How to Appeal a Rejected NSFAS Application

If your application is rejected, you may submit an appeal via your MyNSFAS portal:

  1. Log into your MyNSFAS account.
  2. Click on “Track Funding Progress”.
  3. If rejected, click on “Submit Appeal”.
  4. Upload any missing or corrected documents.
  5. Provide a clear explanation or motivation.

📱 NSFAS Contact Information

📝 Final Tips Before Applying

  • Apply early to avoid system overload near the deadline.
  • Use your own email and cellphone number (do not use someone else’s).
  • Double-check that all your documents are certified and legible.
  • Keep a copy of your submission confirmation for reference.

By following this guide, you can confidently apply for NSFAS funding and move one step closer to achieving your academic and career dreams—without the burden of immediate financial pressure.

If you need a printable checklist or PDF version of this guide, let me know and I’ll create one for you.