The Funza Lushaka Bursary is a South African government initiative aimed at addressing the scarcity of competent teachers in the country.
It provides financial assistance to eligible students who want to pursue a teaching qualification in places which are vital to the schooling sector.
The Funza Lushaka bursary is intended to encourage teaching as a career by funding university students to study for the Bachelor of Education (BEd) degree or a Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE). The bursary covers fields with a specific shortage of teachers, such as:
- Mathematics
- Physical Science
- Technology
- Languages (especially African languages)
- Early Childhood Development
- Foundation Phase Teaching
*** Who Qualifies For The Bursary?
To be eligible for the Funza Lushaka bursary, applicants must meet the following criteria:
1. **Citizenship**: Must be a South African citizen with a valid ID.
2. **Study Requirements**: Should intend to enroll or previously be enrolled in a full-time teaching qualification (BEd or PGCE) at a regarded South African university.
3. **Academic Performance**:
- First-time university entrants should have an admission point rating (APS) that qualifies them for admission into a teaching qualification.
- Returning students will have to present satisfactory educational efficiency.
4. **Field of Study**: Must plan to educate in the precedence subject area as identified via the Department of Basic Education.
5. **Commitment to Teaching**: Applicants ought to demonstrate a dedication to educating and an understanding of its relevance in society.
6. **Age**: Applicants really should not be older than 30 years once they apply.
*** Application Procedure With the Funza Lushaka Bursary:
1. ** On-line Application**:
- Applications are submitted on the web in the Formal Funza Lushaka bursary method (about the Department of Basic Education's focused Web page for Funza Lushaka).
- The applying window typically opens towards the end from the academic yr and closes early the following year (generally November to January).
2. **Documentation**:
- Certified copies of ID, educational results, and evidence of university registration are expected.
3. **Selection Process**:
- Preference is provided to applicants from rural or disadvantaged backgrounds.
- The appliance goes by way of a variety method based upon the necessity for teachers in specific subjects and areas.
***Exactly what does The Bursary Cover?:
The bursary covers the following expenses:
- Tuition service fees
- Accommodation and meals
- Books and studying elements
- A small stipend for other living expenditures
***Conditions for Working Back the Bursary:
Upon graduation, bursary recipients are required to:
1. **Teach in a Public School**: Recipients must work as teachers in a public school for the same number of years that they received the bursary. This is known as the "work-back" period.
2. **Service Placement**: The Department of Basic Education will place recipients in schools where their skills are needed, often in rural or underserved areas.
3. **Failure to Fulfill the Obligation**: If the recipient fails to meet the work-back obligation (e.g., not teaching after graduation or leaving before completing the required service), they will be required to repay the bursary amount in full, with interest.
***Renewal of Funza Lushaka application the Bursary:
The bursary is renewable annually, provided the student continues to meet website the academic and other requirements. Recipients need to reapply every year, and the renewal is subject to satisfactory academic performance.