Where Government Workers Can Find Funding For Their Studies

by Staff Reporter

Are you a government worker wondering where to find funding in South Africa? Look no further, because our guide has got you covered. In this article, we’re going to break down all your funding options in detail to give you the best possible guidance needed to achieve your academic goals. 

Whether you’re a teacher, police officer, nurse—or any other employee with a persal number—this guide is for you! Without further ado, here’s where government workers can find funding for their studies in South Africa.

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funding

Find Funding for Government Workers at Fundi

Not only is Fundi South Africa’s leading financial education finance and education fund management solutions specialist, but they also focus on offering financial aid to government workers living in South Africa. 

Fundi offers financial assistance in the form of a student loan, which covers any educational costs you may have. Some of the fees covered by Fundi include tuition, registration fees, accommodation and study devices

As you can see, Fundi offers a multitude of benefits for government workers who are in need of funding for their studies. Eager to see when applications for Fundi open? Let’s take a look.

Fundi Application Dates

In terms of application dates, students can apply to Fundi at any time throughout the year when they are accepted into a tertiary institution—provided they are able to submit a proof of acceptance letter.

Once you’ve submitted your acceptance letter, it’s time to see if you fit the criteria for a Fundi student loan.

Fundi Student Loan Requirements

Before you can apply for a Fundi student loan, you need to ensure that you meet the below requirements:

  1. You must be permanently employed by the government (e.g. Eskom).
  2. You cannot be under debt review.
  3. You have to be earning a minimum of R2,500 per month, after monthly deductions. 
  4. You must be a South African citizen.

Meet the requirements? Great! It’s now time to find out how to apply to Fundi and get your funding.

How to Apply to Fundi for Funding

Now that you know more about Fundi, you may be eager to apply for a Fundi study loan! To apply for a Fundi student loan, you only need to complete the following steps:

  1. Visit the Fundi website.
  2. Select the type of student loan that you would like.
  3. Click ‘Apply now’.
  4. Choose the ‘Get quote now’ option.
  5. Follow the prompts to fill in all your details.

After you’ve submitted your details, you should get a quote from Fundi within 48 to 72 hours. You’ll then be able to accept the loan and its repayment terms. If you decide to accept the loan, your student loan will then be directly paid to your higher education institution.

government worker practicing teaching after acquiring funding from funza lushaka

Find Funding for Government Workers at Funza Lushaka

If teaching is your calling, and you’re in need of funding for your studies, then look no further than the Funza Lushaka Bursary

The Funza Lushaka Bursary programme, offered by the Department of Basic Education, aims to support individuals who have a passion for teaching and want to make a difference in the lives of students. With the Funza Lushaka Bursary, you can receive funding for your studies, covering tuition fees, accommodation and study materials.

But it’s not just about the financial support: The Funza Lushaka Bursary also provides additional benefits such as priority placement for teaching positions after graduation and ongoing support throughout your teaching career. It’s a comprehensive package that sets you up for success in the education sector.

Don’t wait to apply for this amazing opportunity! Check out the application dates for the Funza Lushaka Bursary below and start your fulfilling career as an educator:

Funza Lushaka Bursary Application Dates

If you’re eager to apply for the Funza Lushaka Bursary, then be sure to take note of the following application dates:

  • Applications open: 1 October annually
  • Applications close: Mid-January to mid-February

After you’ve jotted down the application dates, it’s time to find out if you meet the requirements for the Funza Lushaka Bursary:

Funza Lushaka Bursary Requirements

To qualify for the Funza Lushaka Bursary, the first step is to secure admission into a recognised higher education institution offering your desired programme of study. Once you’ve achieved this milestone, it’s time to check if you meet the general requirements for eligibility.

If you fall into any of the following categories, you may be eligible for the Funza Lushaka Bursary:

  • South African Citizen with a valid ID number
  • High academic achiever in Grade 12
  • Seeking a career change and below the age of 30
  • Unemployed but passionate about teaching and below the age of 30
  • Dedicated and passionate about a professional teaching career
  • Willingness to teach in any school and be placed by a Provincial Education Department (PED)

Now that you know the general requirements, let’s find out how to apply for the Funza Lushaka Bursary! 

government worker practicing teaching after acquiring funza lushaka bursary

How to Apply for the Funza Lushaka Bursary

Before you dive into the Funza Lushaka Bursary application, you’ll need to register an account on the eGov portal. To do this, follow these simple steps:

  1. Visit the eGov website.
  2. On the homepage, click the “Login/Register” option. 
  3. A pop-up menu will appear. Choose “Register” in the bottom left corner.
  4. Accept the Terms and Conditions (you know, the necessary legal stuff) and hit the “Continue” button.
  5. Provide your name, surname, and ID number (or passport number). 
  6. Share your mobile number and email address.
  7. Select your Suburb, Township, or Village.
  8. Choose a secure password that you’ll easily remember.
  9. Verify your details with the provided verification code and click “Register” to complete the process.

Once you’ve successfully registered an account on the eGov portal, it’s time to move on to the Funza Lushaka Bursary application. Here’s how to do it online:

  1. Log in to the eGov Portal using the username and password you created during the registration process. 
  2. On the eGov services menu, look for the option called “Funza Lushaka Bursary Scheme.” Click on it to proceed.
  3. Enter the OTP (One-Time Password) from your preferred channel.
  4. Accept the Terms and Conditions (yes, it’s another step) to continue your application journey.
  5. You’re now on the dashboard. Look out for the application button and give it a click.
  6. Follow the steps provided to complete your application. 

Once you’re done, take a moment to review and accept the declaration. Confirm that all your information is correct and accurate. Double-checking is a good habit!

If you do encounter any issues during the Funza Lushaka Bursary application process, here are some helpful details to keep in mind:

  • You can only apply for the Funza Lushaka Bursary after you’ve received a valid student number and have been accepted or provisionally accepted at your university.
  • Remember, all applications must be submitted online. It’s all about convenience and efficiency.
  • Make sure to submit your application before the closing date at the beginning of each year. Time flies, so don’t miss out!
  • Accuracy is key. Ensure that all your information is correct and up to date. 
  • If you need to update any personal details, make sure to do it before the Funza Lushaka Bursary application period comes to a close.
  • Changing higher education institutions after submitting your application? Unfortunately, it won’t be considered, so make sure to plan ahead.

Remember, the Funza Lushaka Bursary is an incredible opportunity, and we’re here to support you every step of the way. Should you have any questions, be sure to check out the Funza Lushaka Bursary Programme’s FAQ page.

student practicing law after acquiring nsfas funding

Find Funding for Government Workers at NSFAS

The Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) offers financial aid to government workers in the form of a bursary, better known as the DHET bursary—or the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS).

The sole purpose of NSFAS is to assist South African students facing financial hardships in pursuing their education at public higher education institutions or TVET Colleges.

The application process is fairly competitive, and you’ll need to be quite academic with high marks to qualify. 

You’ll also be screened by NSFAS to ensure that you do actually meet the requirements, but more on that later. Sounding good so far? Let’s check out those application dates:

NSFAS Application Dates

Although the dates for NSFAS do shift around a bit each year, generally speaking, applications for NSFAS tend to open at the end of each year and close at the beginning of the new year. 

  • Applications open: From September to November annually
  • Applications close: From December to February annually

Knowing the application dates is only step one. The next step? Ensuring you meet all the requirements for NSFAS:

NSFAS Application Requirements

To apply for the NSFAS, you need to ensure that you meet the below requirements:

  • You must have a valid South African identification document, either in the form of an ID book or a smart ID card. Unfortunately, individuals from foreign countries are ineligible to apply.
  • The total annual income of your household should not be more than R350,000.
  • If you are a disabled individual, your household income must not be more than R600,000 per year.
  • You must have successfully completed Grade 12 in order to be considered for both university and TVET (Technical and Vocational Education and Training) funding.

If you meet the requirements, great! Then it’s time to move on to start applying to NSFAS.

government worker applying for funding at nsfas

How to Apply to NSFAS

First things first, you’ll need to create a myNSFAS account and then follow these steps to apply:

  • Visit the NSFAS website.
  • Click on the “register” option.
  • Tick the acceptance box to confirm that the information you gave is accurate.
  • Enter your ID number exactly as it appears on your ID document.
  • Enter your first name and last name as they appear on your ID document.
  • Provide your email address and cellphone number (your email address will be used as your username).
  • Create a password and confirm it.
  • Upload a copy of your ID document.
  • Hit the “register” button.
  • You’ll receive a One Time Pin (OTP) via email and SMS to whichever email address and mobile number you provided (they’re really thorough).
  • Enter the OTP in the designated area and click “submit.”
  • Once you’ve done that, you’ll get another confirmation email and SMS that says your myNSFAS account has been successfully created.
  • Hooray! Your myNSFAS account is now legitimate. You can proceed to fill out your application and submit the required supporting documents for NSFAS.

That concludes the NSFAS application process. If you have any further questions, please refer to the NSFAS FAQ for more information.

student applying for funding at bursaries.co.za

Find Funding for Government Workers at Bursaries.co.za

Another way to get funding as a government worker is by applying for a bursary. A great way to do this is by visiting Bursaries.co.za—a website that offers information on various bursaries available to government workers in South Africa. 

Bursaries.co.za covers a wide range of bursary programmes for government employees, including those offered by government entities, private organisations, universities and other tertiary institutions

Some of the bursaries available include but are not limited to:

To learn more about bursary applications available this year, be sure to check out our article, Bursaries Still Open for Applications in 2023.

student applying for funding at fundi

Get Funding for Your Studies with Fundi

With so many excellent choices to choose from, it’s easy to find funding for your tertiary studies. Remember to consider exploring the options carefully though, and ensure that they best suit your needs and those of your family.

If you require financial support, Fundi can help! Fundi provides student financing that caters to various expenses. Explore the Fundi Loan Calculator to gain a better understanding of how Fundi can support you in pursuing your dreams!

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