Apply For Funza Lushaka Bursary Application 2024

How to Process Funza Lushaka Bursary Online Application

The opportunity to apply for the Funza Lushaka Bursary is now open. To initiate your application process and access this bursary, adhere to the following steps:

Department of Basic Education The Department’s primary goal is to establish a robust 21st-century educational system in South Africa, ensuring accessible learning, training, and education for all students. Their overarching vision is to contribute to a peaceful, prosperous, and democratic nation by elevating educational standards across the country.

Funza Lushaka Bursary Programme The South African Department of Education extends an invitation to students to apply for the esteemed Funza Lushaka Bursary Programme for the current academic year.

Each year, students aspiring for teaching certification are encouraged to apply for the bursary. The Funza Lushaka Bursary supports two distinct types of degrees, both necessitating coursework focused on teaching in at least two priority subject areas:

Eligibility for Funza Lushaka Bursary Undergraduate studies:

Pursue a 4-year Bachelor of Education degree (BEd) specializing in any of the following: Foundation Phase (Grade R to Grade 3), Intermediate Phase (Grade 4 to Grade 6), or Senior and Further Education and Training Teaching (Grade 7 to Grade 12). Graduate studies: Engage in a 1-year Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) tailored for graduates pursuing degrees in two priority subjects (with one module or course completed or studied at the 3rd-year level, and one priority subject completed or studied at the 2nd-year level). Funding is only allocated to the PGCE for Senior Phase and Further Education and Training Teaching (SPFET) (Grade 7 to Grade 12).

Coverage Value, Renewal & Service Contract of Funza Lushaka Bursary The bursary covers tuition fees, books, study materials, lodging, meals, teaching practice, and a general living allowance. Students must reapply annually for assistance, as bursaries are granted for one academic year at a time. Renewal is contingent on academic progress and is not guaranteed. Upon graduation, bursary recipients must fulfill a service contract equivalent to the duration of the bursary funds received by teaching at a public school chosen by the Provincial Education Department (PED).

Requirements for Funza Lushaka Bursary Before applying, candidates must meet the minimum admission criteria listed below; failure to meet all requirements will disqualify your application: All applicants must satisfy the following conditions:

1. South African citizenship is mandatory.
2. Possess a valid South African ID number.
3. Age must not exceed 30 years for first-time applicants.
4. Acceptance to study towards a BEd degree or PGCE programme, specializing in at least 2 of the priority subject areas (extended programmes are excluded).
5. Admission to a recognized tertiary institution in South Africa is essential.
6. Demonstrate a strong academic record.
7. Be prepared to teach at any school designated by the Provincial Education Department (PED).
8. Not employed by a Higher Education Institution (or a spouse, dependent, or child of an employee).
9. Display commitment and passion for a teaching career, including an interest in working with youth, enthusiasm for teaching, and readiness to tackle challenges with integrity.

• Lack any other teaching qualifications.
• Possess a clear criminal record.
• Have no charges of misconduct or dismissal from employment.

Funza Lushaka Requirements for First-Time Applicants First-time university entrants must additionally fulfill the following criteria:

1. Attain a Matric exemption, endorsement, or bachelor degree admission.
2. Achieve a minimum level 4 in Matric for 2 subjects intended for specialization in teaching.
3. For students specializing in Foundation Phase or Intermediate Phase:

• Achieve a minimum level 2 pass for Mathematics OR a level 4 pass for Mathematical Literacy in Matric, AND a minimum level 4 for your Home Language.

4. For students specializing in teaching Technology subjects (including CAT), who did not pass these subjects in Matric:

• Achieve a minimum level 4 for Mathematics or Technical Mathematics in Matric.

Note: If the tertiary institution’s entry requirements exceed the bursary requirement or vice versa, the higher requirement prevails.

Funza Lushaka Requirements for New Students Current university students must also meet the following criteria:

1. Pass all subjects in the previous year of tertiary study.
2. Attain a minimum overall average of 55% for all subjects studied in the last year of tertiary study.
3. Achieve a minimum overall average of 66.5% for subjects related to the teaching area of specialization in the last year of tertiary study.

Requirements for Students Enrolling for PGCE New students enrolling for PGCE must satisfy the following criteria:

1. Complete a qualification enabling admission to the PGCE program.
2. Study towards the PGCE for Senior Phase and Further Education and Training Teaching (SPFET) (Grade 7 to Grade 12).
3. Possess 2 priority subjects with 1 module successfully completed at the third-year level, and 1 module successfully completed at the second-year level.
4. Have sufficient modules in the priority subjects to qualify for teaching them at school.

How to Apply for the Funza Lushaka Bursary for 2024

1. Visit the e-Government Portal website.
   2. Register an account by providing necessary personal details.
   3. Log in using your chosen username and password.
   4. Access the “Funza Lushaka Bursary Scheme” on the e-Services Menu.
   5. Enter the OTP received.
   6. Review and accept the Terms and Conditions.
   7. Click on the “2023 application” button on your dashboard.
   8. Fill in the required details accurately.
   9. Confirm your information by accepting the declaration.
   Note: All applications must be submitted online; paper submissions are not accepted.

Funza Lushaka Bursary Application Guidelines

• Familiarize yourself with the Funza Lushaka Bursary Information before initiating your application.
• Obtain a valid student number upon acceptance or provisional acceptance at the university.
• Ensure accuracy in the information provided; you can edit your online application before submission.
• Ensure that your priority subject areas align with your specialization.
• The academic year of study refers to your current level (e.g., B Ed 1 for 1st year, B Ed 2 for 2nd year, etc.).
• Changing institutions post-application is not permitted.
• Applying does not guarantee automatic receipt of the bursary.
• Submit supporting documents to your university’s Funza Lushaka office.

Funza Lushaka Closing Dates for 2024

• Re-applications (existing or returning bursary recipients): November 29, 2023. • New applications: February 1, 2024. (Note: Applications submitted after these dates will not be accepted. Ensure to apply before the closing date for consideration.)

Checking Funza Lushaka Application Status

For any inquiries, directly contact your University Funza Lushaka academic and administrative coordinators. Alternatively, reach out to the Department of Basic Education: Tel: 012 357 3000 Email: inquiries.funzalushaka@dbe.gov.za (Kindly refrain from contacting the Department of Basic Education, the Department of Higher Education and Training, or NSFAS for bursary queries. Avoid in-person visits to the DBE.)

FAQs On Funza Lushaka Bursary Scheme

1. What amount does Funza Lushaka pay per month? The approximate bursary amount across all 24 institutions is estimated to be about R105,568.
2. What is covered by the Funza Lushaka bursary? Tuition fees, lodging with meals, books and educational materials, and, if possible, a small grant for monthly living expenses may all be covered.
3. Is Funza Lushaka Funding Refundable? While Funza Lushaka does not require repayment, you must accept a teaching position as soon as you are qualified and continue working as a teacher for the number of years for which you were financed.
4. Does Funza Lushaka solely support education? The Funza Lushaka Bursary Scheme is specifically designed for students majoring in teaching or aiming to complete their undergraduate or graduate degrees in education.
5. Are you eligible for NSFAS and Funza Lushaka funding? Students who previously received funding from NSFAS are eligible to apply for the Funza Lushaka Bursary Program to support their future academic pursuits, provided they are accepted to pursue either a BEd or a PGCE at a higher education institution.
6. Does Funza Lushaka sponsor first-year students? Yes, the scholarship is available to first-year students as well.
7. Is Funza Lushaka preferable to NSFAS? While NSFAS financing is available to students enrolled in any course at one of the 50 TVET Colleges in South Africa, Funza Lushaka supports only PGCE and Bachelor of Education programs offered at universities.
8. Does Funza Lushaka have an age requirement? Yes, all first-time candidates must adhere to the age restriction, with only students aged 30 years or younger eligible to apply.

Wishing you the best of luck with your application from Careerinfos! Don’t forget to SHARE this page with anyone who may benefit from financial assistance for scholarships.