How much does Funza Lushaka pay per month?

The Funza Lushaka Bursary Programme is one of South Africa’s most well-known funding schemes for students who want to become teachers. Every year, thousands of young people apply for the bursary, as it provides full support for studies in teaching, while also guaranteeing employment in public schools after graduation.

But one of the questions that often comes up is: How much does Funza Lushaka actually pay per month? This is an important concern for students who rely on the bursary for both tuition and living expenses.

What the Funza Lushaka Bursary Covers

Before answering the question of monthly payments, it’s important to understand how the bursary works. Funza Lushaka is not like a salary or a monthly wage. Instead, it is a study bursary that pays for everything a student needs to complete their teaching qualification.

The bursary covers:

Tuition fees – The full cost of studying at a university, including registration and course fees.

Accommodation – For students staying in university residences or rented housing near campus.

Meals – A monthly allowance that helps students buy food and cover daily nutrition needs.

Books and study materials – Allowances for textbooks, stationery, and other academic resources.

Miscellaneous expenses – In some cases, limited funds are given for essentials such as transport or small personal needs.

This means that Funza Lushaka is more than just a “monthly allowance.” It is a comprehensive package designed to remove financial barriers for teaching students.

Monthly Allowance Breakdown

Now, to the key question: How much does Funza Lushaka pay per month? Funza Lushaka pay between R1000 - R1500 per month to students. This living allowance is intended to help students cover food and basic daily expenses. The exact amount, however, can vary depending on the following factors:

University location – Living costs in Johannesburg or Cape Town may be higher than in smaller towns, so the allowance might differ.

Accommodation arrangements – Students living on campus may receive different allocations compared to those staying in private housing.

Institutional rules – Each university works with Funza Lushaka to distribute funds, which means payment schedules and amounts may vary slightly.

It’s also worth noting that this allowance is not meant to function as a full salary but as financial assistance to support students while they study.

Why the Monthly Allowance Matters

For students from low-income households, the monthly allowance plays a crucial role. It allows them to focus on their studies without worrying about food or small day-to-day costs.

However, because the allowance is relatively modest compared to the cost of living, budgeting is very important. Students are encouraged to:

Plan their spending carefully, especially if the allowance is paid in bulk.

Prioritise essentials like food, transport, and study materials.

Avoid unnecessary expenses that can drain funds too quickly.

By managing the allowance wisely, students can ensure that it lasts throughout the semester or academic year.

The Bigger Picture: More Than Just Money

Funza Lushaka is not designed to make students rich while studying, but rather to ensure they can successfully complete their degree. Once graduates finish their studies, they are placed in public schools where they receive a proper teacher’s salary, which is much higher than the allowance given during study years.

In this way, the bursary should be seen as an investment in the future. It pays for all the critical costs of higher education and gives students a stepping stone into a secure teaching career.

Final Answer

It is important for students to understand that the Funza Lushaka Bursary is not a fixed salary or a job-related monthly income. Instead, what bursary holders receive is a monthly living allowance. This allowance is designed to help students cover their day-to-day expenses while studying, such as food, transport, study materials, and basic personal needs.

The key purpose of the Funza Lushaka Bursary is to provide comprehensive financial support for teaching students. That support usually covers essentials such as tuition fees, accommodation (or a housing allowance if living off-campus), learning materials, and a monthly stipend. 

However, the exact amounts may differ from year to year and from one university to another, depending on factors like cost of living and available funding.