Interested in teaching? These bursaries are designed to support aspiring educators with financial assistance, training, and career placements—offered by reputable institutions invested in strengthening our education system.
1. Funza Lushaka Bursary Programme (Department of Basic Education)
Who They Are & Why They Offer It
The Department of Basic Education (DBE) funds the Funza Lushaka bursary to attract and train high-quality teachers in critical subject areas, addressing shortages and promoting professional teaching.
- Deadline: New applicant deadline is 30 November 2024. Returning applicants close on 26 January 2025 for the 2025/2026 intake.
- Requirements:
- South African citizen, under age 30 for first-time applicants
- Must be accepted for a B.Ed. undergraduate degree in priority subjects (e.g., Maths, Sciences, Indigenous Languages) at a public university
- Matric with endorsement, minimum Level 4 (50%) in two teaching subjects; specific phase requirements apply UniApplyForMe
- How to Apply:
- Register and apply online via the Funza Lushaka portal from 1 October annually University of Pretoria
- What’s Covered:
- Tuition, accommodation, meals, learning materials, and a living allowance; renewable annually based on academic performance; recipients must teach in public schools for each year funded UniApplyForMe
- Apply Via: Funza Lushaka Bursary Portal
- 15 Best Part-Time Jobs for Students in South Africa
2. SAMSTIP (Investec, ISASA & Department of Basic Education)
Who They Are & Why They Offer It
SAMSTIP is a joint initiative by Investec, ISASA, and the DBE, providing bursaries to students pursuing Maths and Science teaching qualifications, aiming to enhance instruction in critical STEM subjects.
- Deadline: Currently not listed for 2026, but aligned with Investec’s programme dates closing on 30 September 2025 Investec.
- Requirements:
- Matriculants with a bachelor’s exemption, ≥60% in Maths, Sciences, and English
- Applicants entering a B.Ed. or PGCE in Maths/Science at UNISA Investec
- How to Apply:
- Apply via the Investec bursary page managed by StudyTrust where SAMSTIP is listed Investec
- What’s Covered:
- Full tuition and textbooks at UNISA; plus academic enrichment, mentorship, and practical placements; aimed at producing competent Maths/Science educators Investec
- Apply Via: Investec Tertiary Bursary Programme (SAMSTIP)
3. NSFAS – Funza Lushaka Administration
Who They Are & Why They Offer It
NSFAS, funded by the Department of Higher Education, administers the Funza Lushaka bursary alongside student loans. They aim to ensure equitable access to teacher training via bursary funding.
- Deadline: NSFAS applications typically open between September and November in the preceding year (e.g., for 2026 intake) Wikipedia.
- Requirements:
- South African citizens with limited household income (usually ≤ R350,000) and acceptance into public tertiary institutions for teaching programs
- How to Apply:
- Apply online via the NSFAS portal during the window; options also available at institutional Financial Aid Offices Wikipedia
- What’s Covered:
- Comprehensive funding including tuition, accommodation, study materials—without repayment for eligible students Wikipedia
- Apply Via: NSFAS Official Portal
- 15 Best Part-Time Jobs for Students in South Africa
4. Ninety One Changeblazers Bursary (Education Stream)
Who They Are & Why They Offer It
Ninety One is an investment management firm that supports high-potential learners from under-resourced backgrounds through their Changeblazers bursary, enabling future representation in fields like education.
- Deadline: Applications for 2026 are now open Ninety One.
- Requirements:
- Matriculants from under-resourced communities accepted for a teaching qualification among their eligible fields
- How to Apply:
- Apply online via the Ninety One Changeblazers portal; details and downloadables available there Ninety One
- What’s Covered:
- Full support: tuition, accommodation, meals, learning materials, private tutoring, career and wellbeing support, with extras like driver’s license assistance and graduation attire for high performers Ninety One
- Apply Via: Ninety One Changeblazers Bursary
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