If you are a young South African interested in pursuing a career in teaching, the Funza Lushaka Bursary Programme could be the opportunity you’ve been looking for. This initiative, funded by National Treasury and managed by the Department of Basic Education (DBE), aims to promote teaching as a profession by offering financial support to eligible students. The Funza Lushaka Bursary Programme is more than just a bursary; it’s a multi-year investment in the future of South African education.
About the Funza Lushaka Bursary Programme
The Funza Lushaka Bursary Programme is a multi-year programme designed to encourage academically talented young people to enter the teaching profession. The bursary helps selected students to complete a teaching qualification in priority subject areas and requires recipients to teach at a public school for the same number of years that they received the bursary. In other words, if you receive funding for three years, you will need to teach at a public school for three years.
Objectives of the Programme
The Funza Lushaka Bursary Programme has three primary objectives:
- Promoting Teaching as a Career: The bursary helps highlight teaching as a viable and rewarding profession.
- Addressing Shortages in Priority Subjects: The programme aims to recruit teachers in key subject areas, ensuring that the education system has skilled and qualified teachers.
- Improving the Quality of Education: By funding future teachers, the programme aims to improve the quality of education in South African public schools.
Who Manages the Programme?
The Funza Lushaka Bursary is a national programme, but its implementation involves several stakeholders:
- Department of Basic Education (DBE): The DBE manages the programme, ensuring it aligns with national educational goals.
- National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS): NSFAS administers the bursary funding on behalf of the DBE through the Student Financial Aid office at each Higher Education Institution (HEI).
- Provincial and District Co-ordinators: They implement district-based recruitment programmes and assist applicants in applying for the bursary.
Requirements
If you’re interested in applying for the Funza Lushaka Bursary, you must meet the following eligibility requirements:
- Academic Excellence: You should have a good academic record, especially in the subjects you wish to teach.
- South African Citizenship: Only South African citizens with a valid ID number are eligible.
- Admission at an Accredited HEI: You must have secured admission to a BEd or Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) programme at a public university.
- Commitment to Teaching: You should demonstrate a genuine interest in teaching and a willingness to work with young people.
- Age Restriction: The bursary is aimed at individuals under the age of 30.
Priority Subject Areas
The Funza Lushaka Bursary Programme focuses on specific subjects where there is a shortage of qualified teachers. These priority subject areas include:
- Foundation Phase (Grades R-3): Preference for teaching in South African Indigenous Languages, Neurodevelopment Needs, Braille, and South African Sign Language (SASL).
- Intermediate and Senior Phase (Grades 4-9): Mathematics, Natural Science, Technology, and Languages.
- Further Education and Training (FET) Phase (Grades 10-12): Mathematics, Accounting, Agricultural Sciences, Engineering Graphics and Design, Information Technology, Life Sciences, and Physical Sciences, among others.
By focusing on these subjects, the programme helps ensure that the country has qualified teachers in areas where they are most needed.
What Does the Bursary Cover?
The bursary covers essential expenses, which can include:
- Tuition Fees: Full coverage of tuition fees at your chosen institution.
- Accommodation and Meals: Coverage of accommodation and meals where applicable.
- Books and Learning Materials: Assistance with the cost of books and other necessary learning materials.
- Monthly Living Allowance: If possible, a small monthly stipend for living expenses.
It’s important to note that the bursary allocation is capped at a specific value. If your institution’s fees exceed this cap, you will be responsible for covering the balance.
How to Apply
To apply for the Funza Lushaka Bursary Programme, follow these steps:
- Secure Admission at a Higher Education Institution: Before applying for the bursary, ensure that you have been accepted into a BEd or PGCE programme at a public university.
- Apply Online: Go to the Funza Lushaka Bursary Programme website (www.funzalushaka.doe.gov.za) to complete your online application.
- Contact the Student Financial Aid Office: Once you have applied, you can get more information about financial matters and service obligations from the Student Financial Aid office at your HEI.
Important Points to Remember:
- You are responsible for paying your registration fees while waiting for the outcome of your bursary application.
- Late applications are not considered, so ensure you apply before the deadline.
Service Obligations
Upon completion of your studies, you will be required to teach at a public school for the same number of years that you received the bursary. This means that if you received a bursary for four years, you must work at a public school for four years. If you fail to meet these obligations, you may be required to repay the bursary with interest.
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The Funza Lushaka Bursary Programme is an excellent opportunity for aspiring teachers to gain financial support while contributing to the future of South Africa’s education system. By focusing on key subject areas and providing comprehensive financial assistance, the programme ensures that more young South Africans can pursue their passion for teaching and make a positive impact on the country’s education system.
