The Funza Lushaka Bursary is a South African government initiative targeted at addressing the shortage of skilled teachers during the country.
It offers monetary guidance to suitable students who need to pursue a teaching qualification in places that are critical for that schooling sector.
The Funza Lushaka bursary is created to boost teaching for a occupation by funding university students to study for a Bachelor of Education (BEd) degree or a Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE). The bursary covers fields with a selected shortage of teachers, for instance:
- 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**: Should plan to enroll or already be enrolled in a full-time teaching qualification (BEd or PGCE) at a identified 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 have to exhibit satisfactory educational overall performance.
4. **Field of Study**: Ought to plan to educate in a priority subject area as determined by the Department of Basic Education.
5. **Commitment to Teaching**: Applicants have to reveal a motivation to teaching and an comprehension of its importance in society.
6. **Age**: Applicants shouldn't be older than thirty years after they apply.
*** Application Process For the Funza Lushaka Bursary:
1. ** On line Application**:
- Applications are submitted on-line throughout the Formal Funza Lushaka bursary process (on the Department of Basic Education's dedicated Site for Funza Lushaka).
- The application window commonly opens towards the top of the academic 12 months and closes early the following calendar year (generally November to January).
2. **Documentation**:
- Certified copies of ID, educational results, and proof of university registration are expected.
3. **Selection Process**:
- Preference is provided to applicants from rural or disadvantaged backgrounds.
- The appliance goes by means of a selection system dependant on the need for teachers in particular subjects and places.
***Exactly what does The Bursary Cover?:
The bursary covers the subsequent expenses:
- Tuition service fees
- Accommodation and meals
- Textbooks and studying materials
- 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 Funza Lushaka same number 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.