The Funza Lushaka Bursary Programme is a prestigious South African government initiative designed to provide full financial support to eligible students pursuing a teaching qualification in priority subject areas. By covering tuition, accommodation, books, and living expenses, the bursary aims to alleviate financial burdens while addressing the national shortage of skilled educators in public schools.
What Is the Funza Lushaka Bursary?
Established to promote teaching as a profession, the Funza Lushaka Bursary is a multi-year program that funds students at public Higher Education Institutions. It is specifically targeted at high-performing individuals who are committed to teaching in public schools upon graduation. Because the program focuses on national priority subjects, recipients are selected based on their academic potential and their willingness to specialize in areas where teachers are most needed.
Benefits and Coverage
The bursary offers comprehensive financial assistance, ensuring that students can focus entirely on their academic performance. The coverage typically includes:
- Tuition Fees: Full payment of university tuition.
- Accommodation: Costs associated with campus or off-campus housing.
- Learning Materials: Funds for books and necessary study equipment.
- Living Allowance: A stipend to assist with daily living expenses.
- Teaching Practice: Coverage for costs incurred during required practical teaching periods.
Eligibility Criteria
To be considered for the Funza Lushaka Bursary, applicants must meet several rigorous requirements:
- Citizenship: Must be a South African citizen with a valid ID.
- Age: Generally targeted at applicants under 30 years of age.
- Academic Standing: Must have been accepted into an approved Bachelor of Education (B.Ed.) degree or a Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) program at a public university.
- Specialization: Applicants must intend to specialize in two or more priority subject areas as determined by the Department of Basic Education.
- Academic Performance: Applicants must demonstrate good academic ability, typically requiring a bachelor’s degree pass at the matriculation level, with at least a level 4 pass (50%) in the subjects they intend to specialize in.
The Service Obligation
A key component of the Funza Lushaka Bursary is the “payback” requirement. Recipients are required to teach at a public school for the same number of years they received the bursary funding. This ensures that the investment in the student’s education directly benefits the public education system and helps bridge the gap in staffing for critical subjects like Mathematics, Science, and Technology.
How to Apply
Applications are managed online through the official government e-Gov portal. The process generally involves:
- Registration: Creating an account on the e-Services portal.
- Accessing the Scheme: Navigating to the Funza Lushaka Bursary section once logged in.
- Submission: Completing the online application form and uploading all required supporting documentation.
- Verification: Allowing time for the university to verify the student’s enrollment status and academic progress.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I reapply for the Funza Lushaka Bursary every year?
Yes, the bursary is awarded for one academic year at a time. Students must reapply annually, and continued funding is contingent upon maintaining satisfactory academic progress and continuing to meet the program’s requirements.
Does the bursary cover all degrees in education?
No, the bursary is specifically for approved B.Ed. degrees or PGCE programs that focus on national priority subjects. It does not fund extended programs or qualifications outside of these specific teaching specializations.
What happens if I fail to complete my degree or service obligation?
If a recipient fails to graduate or does not fulfill the required teaching service at a public school, the bursary is converted into a loan. This means the recipient will be legally obligated to repay the full financial value of the bursary received.
Are there specific subject priorities for the bursary?
Yes, the program prioritizes subjects where there is a shortage of teachers. These often include Mathematics, Natural Sciences, Technology (including IT and Engineering subjects), and South African indigenous languages, depending on the current needs of the Department of Basic Education.
Is the bursary available to students already studying at university?
Yes, the bursary is open to both first-year students and those already enrolled in their second, third, or fourth year, provided they are studying towards an approved teaching qualification and meet the academic and eligibility criteria.
Do I need to be accepted by a university before applying?
Absolutely. You must meet the institutional entrance requirements and secure a formal acceptance or enrollment at a recognized public Higher Education Institution before your bursary application can be considered.