The Funza Lushaka Bursary is a South African government initiative geared toward addressing the lack of experienced teachers during the country.
It offers monetary help to qualified students who prefer to pursue a teaching qualification in locations that are crucial to the education and learning sector.
The Funza Lushaka bursary is intended to promote educating for a profession by funding college students to study to get a Bachelor of Education (BEd) degree or a Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE). The bursary covers fields with a particular lack 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**: Must plan to enroll or previously be enrolled in a full-time teaching qualification (BEd or PGCE) at a recognized South African university.
3. **Educational Performance**:
- First-time university entrants will need to have an admission point rating (APS) that qualifies them for admission into a teaching qualification.
- Returning students must clearly show satisfactory academic general performance.
4. **Field of Study**: Need to intend to teach in a priority subject area as determined from the Department of Basic Education.
5. **Commitment to Teaching**: Applicants need to display a commitment to educating and an comprehension of its significance in society.
6. **Age**: Applicants really should not be older than 30 years when they apply.
*** Application Process To the Funza Lushaka Bursary:
1. ** On-line Application**:
- Applications are submitted on line click here through the official Funza Lushaka bursary technique (over the Department of Basic Education's focused Web site for Funza Lushaka).
- The application window usually opens towards the end with the academic yr and closes early the subsequent calendar year (normally November to January).
2. **Documentation**:
- Certified copies of ID, academic results, and proof of university registration are demanded.
3. **Selection Process**:
- Preference is provided to applicants from rural or disadvantaged backgrounds.
- The appliance goes by means of a selection system based on the necessity for teachers in particular subjects and areas.
***Exactly what does The Bursary Cover?:
The bursary covers the following expenses:
- Tuition service fees
- Accommodation and meals
- Books and studying components
- 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 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.