The Funza Lushaka Bursary is a South African government-funded program aimed at supporting students who want to become qualified teachers. It is administered by the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) and primarily focuses on addressing the shortage of teachers in public schools, especially in subjects like mathematics, science, and accounting.
Here’s a breakdown:
- Purpose: To attract and develop talented individuals into the teaching profession in South Africa. It supports students financially while they complete a teacher education qualification at a recognized university.
- Funding Coverage: It typically covers tuition fees, accommodation, living expenses, and study materials for the duration of the course.
- Eligibility: Applicants must be South African citizens, have a good academic record, and meet the admission requirements for a teaching degree or diploma. Preference is often given to students planning to teach in high-need subjects.
- Obligation: After completing their studies, recipients are required to teach in a South African public school for a number of years equal to the number of years they received the bursary.
Funza Lushaka is a way for the government to invest in future teachers while ensuring that schools in South Africa have enough qualified educators
To apply for the Funza Lushaka Bursary, you must meet specific eligibility criteria set by the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET).
The Funza Lushaka Bursary has specific requirements that applicants must meet. To be eligible, you must be a South African citizen with a valid ID and be under the age of 30 if you are applying for the first time. Applicants should not already possess a teaching qualification and must be admitted to an approved Bachelor of Education (B.Ed.) or Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) programme at a recognized university. Academically, you need a matriculation pass that allows entry to bachelor-level studies, with at least a 50% pass in two subjects you intend to specialize in teaching. For certain specializations, such as the Foundation Phase, Mathematics or Mathematical Literacy is required, while for technology-related subjects, a pass in Mathematics is mandatory. Applicants must demonstrate a genuine interest in teaching and a commitment to work in public schools in South Africa, as assigned by the Provincial Education Department. The application process involves being accepted into a teaching programme, applying online through the Funza Lushaka portal, and submitting certified documents, including your ID, academic transcripts, and proof of university admission. Successful bursary recipients are obligated to teach at a South African public school for the same number of years they received funding
The Funza Lushaka Bursary provides comprehensive financial support to students pursuing teaching qualifications in South Africa. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the fees and allowances covered by the bursary:
Fees and Allowances Covered by the Funza Lushaka Bursary
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Tuition Fees | Full coverage of registration and course fees at a recognized South African university. |
| Accommodation | Full accommodation costs, including meals, for students residing in university residences or approved private accommodation. |
| Books & Learning Materials | Allowance for textbooks, stationery, and other essential study materials. |
| Teaching Practice Stipend | Financial support during teaching practice sessions, including travel and related expenses. |
| Monthly Living Allowance | A stipend to assist with daily living expenses such as food, transport, and personal needs. |
| Laptop Allowance | Provision for purchasing a laptop, subject to availability and specific conditions. |
These provisions ensure that recipients can focus on their studies and teaching practice without the burden of financial constraints. It’s important to note that the exact amounts allocated for each category may vary annually and are subject to the availability of funds. For the most current information and specific amounts, it’s advisable to consult the official Funza Lushaka website or contact the bursary administrator at your respective university