The Funza Lushaka Bursary Programme is a beacon of hope for aspiring teachers in South Africa, offering a path to a fulfilling career in education while addressing the critical shortage of qualified educators in the country.
At its core, the Funza Lushaka Bursary is a financial lifeline for students who dream of making a difference in the lives of young learners. By providing comprehensive support that covers tuition fees, accommodation, and a monthly stipend for living expenses, the programme removes the financial barriers that often prevent talented individuals from pursuing a teaching degree.
However, the Funza Lushaka Bursary is more than just a monetary grant; it is an investment in the future of South African education. The programme specifically targets students who are committed to teaching in priority areas such as mathematics, science, and technology – subjects that are crucial for the country’s economic growth and development.
To be eligible for this life-changing opportunity, applicants must meet certain criteria, including being 30 years or younger and demonstrating a genuine passion for teaching. This ensures that the bursary is awarded to individuals who are not only academically capable but also have the potential to become dedicated and impactful educators.
Once accepted into the programme, Funza Lushaka bursary recipients embark on a transformative journey that goes beyond the confines of the classroom. They become part of a nationwide network of future leaders in education, united by a shared vision of uplifting communities through the power of knowledge.
Throughout their studies, bursary recipients benefit from a comprehensive support system that includes academic guidance, mentorship, and opportunities for professional development. This holistic approach ensures that Funza Lushaka graduates are not only well-equipped with the theoretical knowledge but also possess the practical skills and confidence to excel in their chosen profession.
The impact of the Funza Lushaka Bursary Programme extends far beyond the individual recipients. By increasing the number of qualified teachers in South Africa, particularly in underserved areas, the programme is helping to bridge the educational divide and ensure that every child has access to quality education.
Since its establishment in 2007, the Funza Lushaka Bursary has been instrumental in shaping the lives of thousands of students and, by extension, countless learners across the country. It has become a symbol of hope and opportunity, demonstrating the transformative power of education in breaking the cycle of poverty and inequality.
As South Africa continues to navigate the challenges of the 21st century, the Funza Lushaka Bursary Programme remains a vital tool in the nation’s quest for educational equity and excellence. By empowering aspiring teachers and investing in the future of education, the programme is laying the foundation for a brighter, more prosperous South Africa.
If you are a young, passionate individual with a dream of making a difference in the lives of learners, the Funza Lushaka Bursary Programme may be the key to unlocking your potential. Embrace this opportunity to not only shape your own future but also contribute to the transformation of South African education.
Overview of Funza Lushaka Bursary
The Funza Lushaka Bursary is a programme aimed at increasing the number of qualified teachers in South Africa, particularly in mathematics, science, and technology. The bursary is awarded to students who are studying towards a teaching qualification at a public university or university of technology in South Africa.
The bursary covers the cost of tuition, accommodation, and a small living allowance, and is awarded for one academic year at a time. Students who receive the bursary are required to teach at a public school in South Africa for the same number of years that they received the bursary.
The Funza Lushaka Bursary scheme is managed by the Department of Basic Education in South Africa, and is one of the largest bursary schemes in the country. The aim of the scheme is to ensure that there are enough qualified teachers in the country, particularly in subjects that are in high demand.
To be eligible for the Funza Lushaka Bursary, students must be studying towards a teaching qualification at a public university or university of technology in South Africa, and must meet certain academic requirements. The bursary is awarded on a merit basis, and preference is given to students who are studying towards a qualification in a subject that is in high demand.
Overall, the Funza Lushaka Bursary is an important initiative in South Africa, aimed at increasing the number of qualified teachers in the country. It provides financial assistance to students who are studying towards a teaching qualification, and helps to ensure that there are enough qualified teachers in the country to meet the needs of the education system.
Application Process
New Applications
To apply for the Funza Lushaka Bursary, applicants must follow a few simple steps. Firstly, they need to visit the e-Gov portal at www.eservices.gov.za. Here, they will need to register by providing their personal information. It is important to note that all first-time applicants must be 30 years or younger to apply for the Funza Lushaka Bursary.
Once registered, applicants should log in to the system using their username and password. From the e-Services menu, they should select the Funza Lushaka Bursary Scheme and click on the 2023 application button on the dashboard menu. They will then need to follow the steps to complete the required fields with their information.
After completing the required fields, applicants must accept the terms and conditions and make a declaration that they do not have a criminal record, have not been charged with misconduct, and have not been dismissed from work. Once this is done, applicants can submit their application.
Re-Applications
For those who have previously received the Funza Lushaka Bursary and wish to re-apply, they must follow a slightly different process. Firstly, they should visit the e-Gov portal and log in with their username and password. From the e-Services menu, they should select the Funza Lushaka Bursary Scheme and click on the 2023 application button on the dashboard menu.
Applicants will then need to follow the steps to complete the required fields with their information. They will also need to declare that they have not been charged with misconduct or dismissed from work since receiving the bursary.
It is important to note that re-applicants will only be considered if they have met the academic requirements of the bursary and have passed all their modules in the previous year of study.
Eligibility and Admission
The Funza Lushaka Bursary is designed to provide financial assistance to eligible South African citizens who are interested in pursuing a career in teaching. The bursary is awarded to students who are studying towards a teaching qualification at a recognized higher education institution in South Africa.
To be eligible for the Funza Lushaka Bursary, applicants must meet certain basic requirements. These requirements include being a South African citizen with a valid ID, having already been accepted to an appropriate field of study at a recognized higher education institution, and being 30 years of age or younger at the time of application.
It is important to note that first-time applicants are given priority in the selection process. Applicants who already have other teaching qualifications do not qualify for the programme. Additionally, applicants who have a criminal record, have been charged with misconduct, or have been dismissed from work are not eligible for the bursary.
The application process for the Funza Lushaka Bursary is done online through the e-Gov portal at www.eservices.gov.za. Applicants are required to register by providing personal information and following the nine easy steps outlined on the website. It is important to submit all required documents and information accurately and on time to ensure successful application.
In summary, to be eligible for the Funza Lushaka Bursary, applicants must be South African citizens, 30 years of age or younger, and accepted to an appropriate field of study at a recognized higher education institution. First-time applicants are given priority, and those with criminal records, misconduct charges, or dismissal from work are not eligible. The application process is done online through the e-Gov portal, and all required documents and information should be submitted accurately and on time.
Study Fields and Priority Subjects
Bachelor of Education
The Funza Lushaka Bursary Programme is a multi-year initiative aimed at promoting teaching as a profession. The programme provides bursaries to students who are studying towards a Bachelor of Education (BEd) degree, with the ultimate goal of increasing the number of qualified teachers in South Africa.
Students who are awarded the bursary are required to teach at a public school for the same number of years that they received the bursary. The bursary covers tuition fees, accommodation, and a small allowance for books and other study materials.
Priority subject areas for the BEd degree include Mathematics, Technology subjects, Foundation Phase (Grades R-3), Intermediate Phase (Grades 4-6), and Senior Phase (Grades 7-9). Students who wish to apply for the bursary must have studied at least one of these priority subject areas in Grade 12.
Postgraduate Certificate in Education
In addition to the BEd degree, the Funza Lushaka Bursary Programme also supports students who are studying towards a Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE). The PGCE is a one-year qualification that is designed to prepare students for a career in teaching.
The bursary covers tuition fees, accommodation, and a small allowance for books and other study materials. Students who are awarded the bursary are required to teach at a public school for the same number of years that they received the bursary.
Priority subject areas for the PGCE include Mathematics, Mathematical Literacy, Home Language, Foundation Phase (Grades R-3), Intermediate Phase (Grades 4-6), Senior Phase (Grades 7-9), and FET Phase (Grades 10-12). Students who wish to apply for the bursary must have studied at least one of these priority subject areas in their previous academic record.
The following table provides a list of the priority subject areas for both the BEd degree and the PGCE:
| Priority Subject Areas |
|---|
| Mathematics |
| Mathematical Literacy |
| Home Language |
| Technology subjects (Civil Technology, Computer Applications Technology, Electrical Technology, Engineering Graphics and Design, Mechanical Technology) |
| Foundation Phase (Grades R-3) |
| Intermediate Phase (Grades 4-6) |
| Senior Phase (Grades 7-9) |
| FET Phase (Grades 10-12) |
| Agricultural Sciences |
| Agricultural Technology |
| Accounting |
| Business Studies |
| Economics |
| Geography |
| Information Technology |
| Life Sciences |
| Physical Sciences |
| Languages (excluding Home Language) |
| Technical Mathematics |
| Technical Science |
| Natural Science and Technology |
It is important to note that students who already have the Funza Lushaka Bursary must pass at least 66.6% of all their modules, including the priority subject areas, in order to continue receiving the bursary.
Bursary Benefits and Allocation
The Funza Lushaka Bursary Programme is a comprehensive bursary scheme that aims to increase the supply of newly qualified teachers in mathematics, science, and technology in different phases. The bursary programme provides financial support to eligible students who are pursuing a teaching qualification at a recognized public university in South Africa.
The bursary covers a range of expenses, including tuition fees, accommodation costs (for either residence or approved accommodation), meals, and a small monthly allowance for living expenses. The bursary does not cover the cost of books, equipment, or any other study-related expenses.
The allocation of bursaries is based on a number of criteria, including academic ability, financial need, and the demand for qualified teachers in specific subject areas. The bursary is only awarded to South African citizens with a valid South African ID number who are 30 years or younger at the time of application.
The Department of Basic Education is responsible for the administration of the bursary programme, and they work closely with universities to ensure that eligible students receive the financial support they need to complete their studies. The number of bursary awards is set to decrease from 13,500 in 2018/19 to 13,000 in 2019/20.
Overall, the Funza Lushaka Bursary Programme provides an excellent opportunity for students who are passionate about teaching to pursue their dreams without financial constraints. The bursary covers most of the essential expenses, allowing students to focus on their studies and achieve academic excellence.
Responsibilities of Bursary Recipients
As a recipient of the Funza Lushaka Bursary, there are certain responsibilities that you must fulfill. These responsibilities are designed to ensure that you complete your teaching qualification successfully and become a competent and committed teacher in a South African public school.
Academic Performance
Bursary recipients are expected to maintain good academic performance throughout their undergraduate studies and teaching qualifications. This means that you must pass all your modules and maintain a satisfactory grade point average (GPA) to continue receiving the bursary.
Public School Service
After completing your teaching qualification, you are required to teach at a public school in South Africa for the same number of years that you received the bursary. This means that if you received the bursary for four years, you must teach at a public school for four years after completing your teaching qualification.
Teaching Qualification
Bursary recipients must complete their teaching qualification within the minimum number of years required by the university. This is usually four years for a Bachelor of Education degree.
Bursary Repayment
If you fail to fulfill your obligations as a bursary recipient, you may be required to repay the bursary amount that you received. This includes failing to complete your teaching qualification, not teaching at a public school for the required number of years, or not maintaining good academic performance.
Reporting Obligations
Bursary recipients are required to report any changes in their personal details, academic progress, or employment status to the Funza Lushaka Bursary office. This includes changes in contact details, academic performance, and employment status.
Academic Year
Bursary recipients are required to complete their studies within the stipulated academic year. Any extensions or deferrals must be approved by the university and the Funza Lushaka Bursary office.
In conclusion, the Funza Lushaka Bursary is a valuable opportunity for students who want to become teachers in South Africa. However, it comes with certain responsibilities that must be fulfilled to ensure that the bursary continues to support future generations of competent and committed teachers in South African public schools.
Terms and Conditions
The Funza Lushaka Bursary is a programme that is designed to support students who wish to become teachers in mathematics, science and technology. The bursary is awarded to students who meet certain criteria, and it comes with a number of terms and conditions that must be adhered to.
To be eligible for the Funza Lushaka Bursary, applicants must be South African citizens with a valid South African ID number. In addition, they must be studying towards a teaching qualification at a recognised South African university. The bursary is only available to students who are studying full-time, and it covers tuition fees, accommodation, meals and a small allowance for books and other study materials.
Recipients of the bursary must agree to certain conditions. For example, they must agree to teach at a public school in South Africa for the same number of years that they received the bursary. Failure to fulfil this obligation may result in the recipient having to repay the bursary in full.
In addition, recipients of the bursary must maintain a certain level of academic performance. They must pass all their courses and maintain an average of at least 60%. If they fail to meet these requirements, they may be dismissed from the programme and will be required to repay the bursary.
The Funza Lushaka Bursary also has a code of conduct that recipients must adhere to. This code of conduct outlines the expected behaviour of recipients, and it includes provisions for dealing with misconduct. Recipients who violate the code of conduct may be dismissed from the programme and may be required to repay the bursary.
Overall, the terms and conditions of the Funza Lushaka Bursary are designed to ensure that recipients fulfil their obligations and maintain a high level of academic performance. Recipients who fail to meet these requirements may be dismissed from the programme and may be required to repay the bursary.
User Account and Dashboard
To apply for the Funza Lushaka Bursary, applicants need to create a user account on the official website. During registration, they will be required to create a username and password that will be used to log into the system. Once the account is created, applicants can access the dashboard menu, which provides an overview of their application status.
To access the Funza Lushaka Bursary Scheme, applicants need to log in to their account using their username and password. After logging in, they can select the bursary scheme from the e-Services menu. Applicants will receive a One Time Pin (OTP) on their preferred channel, which they will need to enter to proceed with the application process. Once they have accepted the terms and conditions, applicants can click on the 2023 application button to start their application.
The dashboard menu provides applicants with an overview of their application status. They can view the progress of their application, update their contact details, and re-submit their application before the closing date. The dashboard menu also provides access to important documents and information related to the bursary scheme.
It is important to note that the Funza Lushaka Bursary is only open to applicants who meet the eligibility criteria. Applicants must be under the age of 30 and must be studying towards a teaching qualification in mathematics, science, or technology. Applicants who already have other teaching qualifications do not qualify for the bursary programme.
Overall, creating a user account and accessing the dashboard menu is an essential part of the Funza Lushaka Bursary application process. By keeping track of their application status and updating their contact details, applicants can ensure that they have the best chance of receiving the bursary.
Personal Information
To apply for the Funza Lushaka Bursary, the applicant must provide personal information when registering on the e-Gov portal. The personal information required includes the following:
- Full name and surname
- South African ID number
- Contact details (email and cell phone number)
- Residential address
- Postal address (if different from residential address)
- Matric certificate details, including year and exam number
- Details of any previous tertiary education (if applicable)
It is important to note that all first-time applicants must be 30 years or younger to apply for the Funza Lushaka Bursary. Additionally, applicants must be South African citizens.
When providing personal information, it is important to ensure that all details are accurate and up-to-date. Any incorrect or incomplete information may result in the application being rejected or delayed.
Applicants should also ensure that they have all the necessary documentation, such as a certified copy of their ID and matric certificate, before starting the application process. This will help to ensure a smooth and efficient application process.
Overall, providing accurate and complete personal information is an important step in applying for the Funza Lushaka Bursary. By doing so, applicants can increase their chances of being considered for the bursary and ultimately, pursuing a career in teaching.
Frequently Asked Questions
The Funza Lushaka Bursary Programme is a multi-year programme aimed at promoting teaching as a profession. The bursaries are awarded to enable selected students to complete a teaching qualification in identified subject priority areas. Here are some frequently asked questions about the Funza Lushaka Bursary Programme:
Who is eligible for the Funza Lushaka Bursary?
The bursary is only awarded to South African citizens with a valid South African ID number. Applicants should demonstrate good academic ability, and be 30 years and below to qualify for the Funza Lushaka Bursary.
How to apply for the Funza Lushaka Bursary?
To apply for the Funza Lushaka Bursary, applicants must register and apply through the e-Gov portal at www.eservices.gov.za. All first-time applicants must be 30 years or younger to apply for the bursary.
Can students with a criminal record apply for the Funza Lushaka Bursary?
Students with a criminal record may apply for the Funza Lushaka Bursary, but their applications will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
Can students who have already received a bursary re-apply for the Funza Lushaka Bursary?
Students who have already received a bursary may re-apply for the Funza Lushaka Bursary if they meet the eligibility criteria. However, priority will be given to first-time applicants.
How to manage Funza Lushaka Bursary funds?
Fundi is the official bursary administrator for the Funza Lushaka Bursary Programme. Students who are awarded the bursary will receive their funds through Fundi. Students are advised to manage their funds responsibly and ensure that they use the funds for their intended purpose.
Overall, the Funza Lushaka Bursary Programme is an excellent opportunity for students who are passionate about teaching to pursue their dreams. Students are encouraged to apply for the bursary and take advantage of this opportunity to make a difference in the lives of others.