Key Takeaways: Funding the Future
- The “Funza” Trap: While the Funza Lushaka Bursary is the biggest, it is also the most competitive. If you wait until January to apply, you will likely be rejected. You need a “Plan B.”
- The “Internship” Trend: Private school groups (like ADvTECH and ISASA) now offer “Student Teacher Internships.” They pay for your UNISA degree and give you a monthly salary to work in their classrooms.
- STEM is King: If you are studying Mathematics or Physical Science, mining companies (Exxaro, Rio Tinto) will fund you even if you don’t live near a mine.
- Fellowships: New prestigious programmes like the Jakes Gerwel Fellowship offer more than just money—they offer leadership coaching and guaranteed jobs.
- The “Hidden” List: Many smaller trusts (like the Access Trust or Mick Leary Trust) have fewer applicants than the big government schemes.
South Africa has a shortage of teachers, but paradoxically, many education students drop out because they cannot afford fees.
Most students know about NSFAS (for the poor) and Funza Lushaka (for the smart). But there is a massive “Middle Earth” of funding from private companies, trusts, and international foundations that goes unclaimed every year.
Here is the definitive guide to funding your B.Ed or PGCE in 2026, organized by category with direct application links.
1. The Government Giants (Full Cost)
These are the most comprehensive bursaries. They usually cover tuition, accommodation, books, and a stipend.
Funza Lushaka Bursary Programme
- The Deal: The “Big One.” Covers full tuition, accommodation, meals, and books.
- The Catch: For every year they pay, you must work for the government in a public school for one year.
- Website: www.funzalushaka.doe.gov.za
Provincial Government Bursaries
If Funza Lushaka rejects you, try your specific province. They run separate schemes to fill local shortages.
- Eastern Cape Dept of Education: www.ecdoe.gov.za
- Mpumalanga Provincial Government: www.mpumalanga.gov.za/education
- North West Provincial Government: www.nwpg.gov.za
- Northern Cape Provincial Government: www.northern-cape.gov.za/bursaries
- Cape Winelands District Municipality: www.capewinelands.gov.za
2. The “Student Teacher Internships” (Private Schools)
This is the modern way to become a teacher. Instead of studying full-time at a campus, you study via correspondence (UNISA) while working as an “Intern” at a top private school.
SAMSTIP (Southern African Mathematics and Science Teacher Intern Programme)
- Who is it for? Aspiring Maths and Science teachers.
- The Benefit: Placed in an ISASA school. They pay for your UNISA degree, give you a laptop, and a monthly stipend.
- Website: www.samstip.org
ADvTECH Student Teacher Bursary
- Who is it for? Students willing to work in ADvTECH schools (Crawford, Trinityhouse, Abbotts).
- The Deal: Study part-time while working as a classroom assistant.
- Website: www.advtech.co.za
3. The “Future Leaders” Fellowships
These are elite leadership programmes looking for “Expert Teachers” who will change the system.
Jakes Gerwel Fellowship
- The Vibe: The “Rhodes Scholarship” of teaching.
- The Deal: Full university scholarship + leadership development + personal coaching.
- Website: www.jgfellowship.org
Kader Asmal Fellowship Programme
- Target: Usually for postgraduate studies (Masters in Education). Managed by Canon Collins.
- Website: www.canoncollins.org
Gallagher Foundation Scholarship
- Target: High-potential students from disadvantaged backgrounds (mostly at UCT).
- Website: www.gallagherfoundation.org
4. Mining & Corporate Bursaries (STEM Focus)
Mining companies invest heavily in teachers to ensure the next generation of engineers can pass Maths.
- Exxaro Bursary: www.exxaro.com
- Rio Tinto / Richards Bay Minerals (RBM): www.riotinto.com/careers
- Anglo American / SIOC Community Development Trust: www.sioc-cdt.co.za
- Joe Morolong Assmang Bursary: www.assmang.co.za
- Glencore Bursary: www.glencore.com/careers
- Barloworld Education Trust: www.barloworld.com
- Schauenburg Education Trust: www.schauenburg.co.za
- South African Astronomical Observatory (SAAO): www.saao.ac.za
5. Trusts and Foundations (The “Hidden Gems”)
These are often smaller trusts with specific criteria. Because they are less advertised, your chances of acceptance can be higher.
| Bursary Name | Focus | Official Website |
| Access Trust Bursary | TVET colleges in Western Cape. | www.accesstrust.org.za |
| ASSET Bursary | Western Cape residents. | www.asset.org.za |
| Canon Collins Trust | Social justice & education. | www.canoncollins.org |
| Cyril Ramaphosa (CRET) | Holistic support for disadvantaged youth. | www.cyrilramaphosafoundation.org |
| IDB Education Trust | Muslim students (Loan-bursary). | www.sanzaf.org.za |
| JB Marks Education Trust | Children of NUM members. | www.jbmarksedutrust.co.za |
| MANCOSA Bursary | Students at MANCOSA. | www.mancosa.co.za |
| Motsepe Foundation | STEM teachers. | www.motsepefoundation.org |
| NEET Bursary | National Economic Education Trust. | www.neet.co.za |
| Ninety One Bursary | Financial need + Merit. | www.ninetyone.com |
| NUMSA Bursary | Children of NUMSA members. | www.numsa.org.za |
| Thebe Foundation | Dr EJ Mabuza Scholarship. | www.thebefoundation.org.za |
6. Niche and Specialist Bursaries
These are for very specific groups of people.
For English Teachers:
- SACEE Norah Taylor Bursary: For qualified teachers furthering studies in English Education.
- Website: www.sacee.org.za
For Students with Disabilities:
- Epilepsy South Africa Educational Trust: Specifically for students with Epilepsy.
- Website: www.epilepsy.org.za
For Early Childhood Development (ECD):
- Brain-Jar Skills Development: Focuses on ECD skills training.
- Website: www.brainjarskillsdev.co.za
International / Postgraduate:
- Queen Elizabeth Commonwealth Scholarships (QECS): Masters in Education abroad.
- Website: www.acu.ac.uk
Regional / Community Specific:
- Black Mountain Study Trust: Northern Cape (Aggeneys area).
- Website: www.vedanta-zincinternational.com
- N3TC Bursary: For students living along the N3 Toll Route.
- Website: www.n3tc.co.za
- Sakhikamva Foundation: Aerospace and Science education.
- Website: www.sakhikamva.org
7. How to Apply: The “Golden Thread” Strategy
Applying for 40 bursaries is impossible. You need a strategy.
Step 1: The “Local” Check
Do you live near a mine (Exxaro, RBM, SIOC)? If yes, apply there first via their community portals. They must spend their CSI budget on locals.
Step 2: The “Union” Check
Do your parents belong to a Union (NUM, NUMSA)? If yes, apply to the JB Marks or NUMSA bursary. These are “closed” bursaries, meaning you only compete against other union kids.
Step 3: The “Subject” Check
Are you doing Maths or Science? Apply to SAMSTIP and SAAO.
Step 4: The “Safety Net”
Apply to Funza Lushaka and NSFAS as your baseline.
Summary: Read the Fine Print
Every bursary has a “catch.”
- Funza: You work where the government sends you.
- SAMSTIP: You work in a private school.
- Mining Bursaries: You might have to teach in a mining town.
Choose the one that fits your life goals.
Action Plan:
- Draft your “Motivational Letter”: Most of these trusts (like CRET and Jakes Gerwel) care more about who you are than just your marks. Write a story about why you want to teach.
- Certify Everything: Go to the police station and certify 10 copies of your ID and Matric results.
- Watch the Closing Dates: Most private bursaries close in July/August/September for the following year. Funza usually closes in January. Don’t miss the early ones.
Disclaimer: Bursary availability and criteria change annually. Always verify details on the official website of the bursary provider.