Funza Lushaka Bursary Closing Dates
- New Applications: 2 February 2024
About the Funza Lushaka Bursary
The Funza Lushaka Bursary Programme, administered by the Department of Education, presents a unique opportunity for aspiring educators to pursue their teaching qualifications and contribute to the development of South Africa’s education system.
Program Overview: Expenses, Renewal, and Service Contract
Expenses Covered:
The Funza Lushaka Bursary covers a range of expenses including tuition fees, accommodation, meals, learning materials, and a monthly living allowance. The total value varies based on the institution’s cost structure.
Bursary Duration and Renewal:
The Funza Lushaka Bursary is granted on an annual basis, covering the duration of one academic year at a time. It’s important for students to understand that they need to submit a new application for funding each year. The renewal of the bursary for subsequent years hinges on the student’s academic performance. This means that continued financial support through the bursary is not automatic or guaranteed; it must be earned by maintaining satisfactory academic standards.
Service Contract After Graduation:
Upon graduation, recipients of the Funza Lushaka Bursary are bound by a service contract requiring them to teach in a public school. The location of the school is determined by the Provincial Education Department (PED). The duration of this service contract directly corresponds to the length of time the recipient received bursary funding. This means that for every year of bursary support received, recipients are expected to fulfill one year of teaching service in a public school as designated by the PED.
Fields Covered
This bursary program covers a range of teaching qualifications, with a focus on both undergraduate and graduate studies. For undergraduate studies, the Funza Lushaka Bursary supports students pursuing a 4-year Bachelor of Education degree (BEd). The undergraduate program offers specialization in the following key areas:
- Foundation Phase (Grade R to Grade 3):
- Preferably majoring in South African Indigenous Languages, Neurodevelopment Needs, Braille, SASL.
- Intermediate Phase (Grade 4 to Grade 6):
- Preferably majoring in 2 of these subjects: Languages, Mathematics, and Natural Science & Technology.
- Senior and Further Education and Training Teaching (Grade 7 to Grade 12):
- Preferably majoring in 2 of these subjects: Accounting, Agricultural Sciences, Agricultural Technology, Civil Technology, Computer Applications Technology, Electrical Technology, Engineering Graphics and Design, Geography, Information Technology, Life Sciences, Mathematics, Mechanical Technology, Physical Sciences, Languages, Maritime studies, Coding and Robotics, Technical Mathematics, and Technical Science.
- Graduate studies: a 1-year Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) for:
- Senior and Further Education and Training Teaching (Grade 7 to Grade 12)
Eligibility Requirements for the Funza Lushaka Bursary:
To be considered for the Funza Lushaka Bursary, applicants must meet the following stringent eligibility criteria: (failure to meet these requirements will result in the application not being considered):
- South African citizenship
- A valid South African ID number is necessary.
- For first-time applicants, the age limit is 30 years or younger.
- Acceptance into a BEd degree or PGCE program is required, with a specialization in at least two priority subject areas (extended programs are not eligible).
- Admission to a public university in South Africa
- A strong academic record is essential.
- Willingness to teach at any school designated by the Provincial Education Department (PED)
- Applicants or their spouses, dependents, or children must not be Higher Education Institution employees.
- Commitment and passion for a teaching career, including interest in working with youth and enthusiasm for teaching, are vital.
- No possession of additional teaching qualifications is allowed.
- No criminal record, charges of misconduct, or dismissal from work is permissible.
First-time university entrants must fulfill the following criteria:
- Successful completion of Matric with an exemption, endorsement, or bachelor’s degree admission.
- Attainment of a minimum level 4 in Matric for the two subjects intended for specialization in teaching.
- For students specializing in the Foundation Phase: Minimum level 2 pass for Mathematics OR minimum level 4 pass for Mathematical Literacy AND a minimum level 4 pass for the Home Language in Matric.
- For students specializing in the Intermediate Phase: Minimum level 4 pass for Mathematics AND a minimum level 4 pass for the Home Language AND/OR a minimum level 4 pass for Science AND a minimum level 4 pass for the Home Language in Matric.
- For students specializing in teaching Technology subjects (including CAT, IT, and other Technical stream subjects) who did not pass these subjects in Matric: Minimum level 4 pass for Mathematics or Technical Mathematics in Matric.
Note: if the tertiary institution’s entry requirements are higher than the bursary requirement, or vice versa, the higher requirement will apply.
Criteria for New PGCE Students:
- Completion of a qualification allowing admission into the PGCE program is necessary.
- Enrollment in the PGCE for Senior Phase and Further Education and Training Teaching (SPFET) (Grade 7 to Grade 12) is required.
- Two priority subjects must be chosen, with successful completion of 1 module at the third-year level and 1 module at the second-year level.
- Adequate completion of modules in the priority subjects to qualify for teaching them at the school level is necessary.
Applying for the Funza Lushaka Bursary
Applications must be submitted online at Funza Lushaka Bursary Application 2024
Applicants must follow these steps to submit their bursary application:
1) Visit the e-Government Portal website
2) Register an account by filling in your required personal details (after ticking the boxes to agree to the Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy of the e-Gov portal)
3) Login using your selected username and password
4) Select the “Funza Lushaka Bursary Scheme” on the e-Services Menu
5) Insert the OTP you received
6) Read and accept the Terms and Conditions
7) Click on the “2024 application” button on the dashboard
8) Fill in the required information
9) Read and accept the declaration to confirm your information
Note: Enter Nasi Spani in the field asking how you heard about the Funza Lushaka Bursary.
Additional Information:
Funza Lushaka Bursary Application Notes:
- Preparation and Information: Before applying, students are advised to thoroughly read the Funza Lushaka Bursary Application Notes 2024.
- Valid Student Number: A valid student number is required for the application process, obtainable after acceptance or provisional acceptance at the university.
- Accuracy of Information: Ensure the correctness of all submitted information. Changes can be made online before final submission.
- Priority Subject Areas: Clearly indicate the priority subject areas on your application, aligning with your intended specialization.
- Academic Year Clarification: Understand that the academic year of study refers to the level being pursued (e.g., B Ed 1 for 1st year, B Ed 2 for 2nd year).
- Institutional Commitment: Changing institutions after applying for the bursary is not permitted.
- No Automatic Guarantee: Applying for the bursary does not automatically guarantee its receipt; selection is based on specific criteria.
- Submission of Supporting Documents: All required supporting documents must be submitted to your university’s Funza Lushaka office.
Contacting the Bursary Provider
For any queries related to this bursary programme, please contact your University Funza Lushaka academic and administrative coordinators directly.
Alternatively, you may contact the Department of Basic Education here:
Tel: 012 357 3000
Email: inquiries.funzalushaka@dbe.gov.za
The Funza Lushaka Bursary is more than just financial support; it’s an investment in the future of education in South Africa. By enabling passionate and committed individuals to pursue a career in teaching, the bursary plays a crucial role in shaping the educational landscape of the country.