Funza Lushaka Bursary

Looking for a bursary for 2024? We have exciting news for you. Funza Lushaka Bursary is still open for 2024 applications. Applications will close on the 2nd of February 2024 for new students.

What is Funza Lushaka Bursary?

The Funza Lushaka Bursary is a programme that is aimed at encouraging prospective students to enrol for teaching. Funza Lushaka funds students who have applied for a teaching course in one of the 26 public universities in South Africa. The bursary recipients are expected to teach in public schools for the period of 4 years after graduating.

Who qualifies for Funza Lushaka?

Students who qualify for the Funza Lushaka bursary should be between the ages of 18 and 30 years at the time of applying. They must be applying to study a teaching qualification in priority subject areas. Below I have listed the full requirements of Funza Lushaka Bursary.

Requirements for applying for Funza Lushaka Bursary:

• You must be a South African citizen
• You must be 30 years old or younger, at the time of applying.
• You must have been accepted to study towards a BEd degree or PGCE programme, specialising in at least 2 of the priority subject areas)
• You must NOT have a criminal record
• You must be willing to teach at any school, as selected by the Provincial Education Department 
• You must NOT be a Higher Education Institution employees (or a spouse, dependent or child of a Higher Education Institution employee)
• You must be committed and passionate about a career in teaching, including having an interest in working with youth; enthusiasm for teaching; and be willing and ready to face challenges with integrity
• You must have been accepted to study at a public university in South Africa
• You must have a strong academic record or good Grade 12 results
• Must have obtained a minimum of 50% in Mathematics and English in Grade 12 results.
• You must NOT have any other teaching qualifications

Which subjects does Funza Lushaka fund?

 The Funza Lushaka Bursary covers the following priority area subjects:

Foundation Phase (Grade R-3): 

• South African Indigenous Languages
• Neurodevelopment Needs
• Braille
• South African Sign Language (SASL)

Intermediate and Senior Phase (Grade 4-9): 

Preference will be given for a teaching major in TWO of the following: 

• Languages
• Mathematics
• Natural Science & Technology

FET phase (Grade 10-12):

Preference will be given for a teaching major in TWO of the following:

• Accounting;
• Agricultural Sciences
• Agricultural Technology
• Civil Technology
• Computer Applications Technology
• Electrical Technology
• Engineering Graphics and Design
• Geography
• Information Technology
• Life Sciences
• Mathematics
• Mechanical Technology
• Physical Sciences
• Languages
• Maritime studies
• Coding and Robitics
• Technical Mathematics
• Technical Science

What does the Funza Lushaka Bursary cover?

Funza Lushaka Bursary covers the following:

• Tuition fees
• Accommodation
• Meals
• Books
• Learning materials
• Allowance for monthly living expenses

How to apply for Funza Lushaka Bursary 2024

1. Open the e-Gov portal at www.eservices.gov.za
2. Register by providing personal information
3. Login to the system using user name and password created when registering
4. On the e-Services Menu select Funza Lushaka Bursary Scheme
5. Enter the OTP received on the preferred channel
6. Accept the Terms and Conditions
7. On the dashboard menu click on the 2024 application button
8. Follow the steps to complete the required field with your information
9. Accept the declaration to confirm the information captured

The following Documents are needed when applying for Funza Lushaka Bursary:

• Your certified ID copy
• Your academic records (if currently at university)
• Your matric certificate
• Your latest academic transcript (if you’re already at university)
• Certified ID copy of parents or guardian

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How much is Funza Lushaka monthly allowance?

The Funza Lushaka monthly allowance for 2024 is R600. This is given to cover living expenses and other personal needs of funded students.

What is Funza Lushaka age limit?

The Funza Lushaka age limit for first-time applicants is 30 years. This means that you must be 30 years old or younger on the date that applications open.

Does Funza Lushaka give book allowance?

The Funza Lushaka bursary covers the cost of books and learning materials. This is in addition to tuition fees, accommodation, meals, registration, and a monthly living allowance.

The book allowance is paid directly to the student's institution, and it is used to purchase the books and learning materials that the student needs for their studies. The amount of the book allowance varies from institution to institution, but it is typically enough to cover the cost of all of the student's required textbooks.

Do you pay back Funza?

You do not have to pay back the Funza Lushaka bursary monetarily, but you are required to accept a teaching post immediately after qualifying and teach for the same number of years that you received the bursary. This is a condition of the bursary agreement.

If you fail to meet this condition, you may be required to repay the bursary, plus interest. However, there are some exceptions, such as if you are unable to teach due to medical reasons or if you are accepted into a further studies programme.

Does Funza pay registration fee?

The Funza Lushaka bursary does not pay the registration fee. Students are responsible for paying their own registration fees as they await the outcome of their application. Even if students pay their registration fee, it does not guarantee that they will receive the bursary.

The Funza Lushaka bursary programme has stated that students should apply at HEIs with the most affordable rates. This is because the bursary covers essential expenses, but it may not cover all of the costs of studying at a more expensive institution.

Does Funza fund part time students?

Yes, the Funza Lushaka bursary does fund part-time students, provided they meet all of the other eligibility criteria. This includes being accepted to study towards a BEd degree or PGCE programme, specialising in at least 2 of the priority subject areas.

Do you apply for Funza Lushaka every year?

Funza Lushaka bursary holders are required to re-apply for the bursary every year before the end of November. The bursary is awarded for one academic year at a time upon proof of academic progress.

This means that students must meet certain criteria in order to be eligible for the bursary each year, including:

• Maintaining a minimum academic average
• Passing all of their modules
• Completing their coursework on time
• Meeting the teaching service obligation

To re-apply for the Funza Lushaka bursary, students must submit an online application form and provide supporting documentation, such as their academic transcripts and proof of registration for the following academic year.

How many years does funza lushaka fund you?

The Funza Lushaka bursary funds students for the duration of their BEd degree, which is typically four years. In some cases, students may be eligible for funding for an additional year of study, but this is not automatic.

To be eligible for an additional year of funding, students must meet certain criteria, such as having a valid reason for needing to extend their studies, such as a medical condition or a family emergency. Students must also be able to demonstrate that they are making good academic progress.

Does Funza Lushaka fund distance learning?

Funza Lushaka funds distance learning. There are a number of accredited institutions in South Africa that offer distance learning courses in education such as North West University, University of Pretoria and University of South Africa. 

FUNZA LUSHAKA BURSARY CONTACT DETAILS:

Email: [email protected]

To conclude, The Funza Lushaka Bursary Programme is a great opportunity to further your studies and to become a teacher. Grab this opportunity and change the lives of learners in South Africa.