The Funza Lushaka Bursary is a South African govt initiative directed at addressing the shortage of skilled teachers during the country.
It provides financial assistance to suitable students who prefer to go after a teaching qualification in places which are crucial for your education sector.
The Funza Lushaka bursary is designed to boost teaching being a profession by funding university students to study for any Bachelor of Education (BEd) degree or a Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE). The bursary covers fields with a certain lack of teachers, which include:
- 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**: Has to be a South African citizen with a valid ID.
2. **Study Requirements**: Must intend to enroll or presently be enrolled in a full-time teaching qualification (BEd or PGCE) at a recognized South African university.
3. **Educational Performance**:
- First-time university entrants need to have an admission point rating (APS) that qualifies them for admission right into a teaching qualification.
- Returning students ought to present satisfactory educational efficiency.
4. **Field of Study**: Will have to plan to educate within a priority subject area as recognized because of the Department of Basic Education.
5. **Commitment to Teaching**: Applicants ought to show a commitment to teaching and an knowledge of its worth in society.
6. **Age**: Applicants should not be older than 30 years after they apply.
*** Application Procedure With the Funza Lushaka Bursary:
1. ** On the internet Application**:
- Applications are submitted on the net in the official Funza Lushaka bursary program (about the Department of Basic Education's dedicated Internet site for Funza Lushaka).
- The applying window ordinarily opens towards the top of the academic year and closes early the following calendar year (ordinarily November to January).
2. **Documentation**:
- Certified copies of ID, educational results, and evidence of university registration are essential.
3. **Selection Process**:
- Preference is given to applicants from rural or disadvantaged backgrounds.
- The appliance goes by means of a selection system depending on the need for teachers in certain subjects and places.
***What Does The Bursary Cover?:
The bursary covers the subsequent expenses:
- Tuition costs
- Accommodation and meals
- Books and studying supplies
- A small stipend for other living costs
***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 more info 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 the Bursary:
The bursary is renewable annually, provided the student continues to meet the academic and other requirements. Recipients need to reapply every year, and the renewal is subject to satisfactory academic performance.