Funza Lushaka Bursary 2024: Financial Assistance for Students Pursuing Teaching Qualification

About the 2024 Funza Lushaka Bursary Program

The Funza Lushaka Bursary is a prestigious funding scheme specially designed to support promising students with a passion for the teaching profession. Through the multi-year financial aid program, aspirants aiming to acquire relevant teaching qualifications are well assisted. The key objective is to instill a spark of motivation in the learners of today to flourish as the educators of tomorrow. Participants are expected to serve a certain period of teaching at any recognized public school proportionate to the years they were funded under the program.

Bursary Details

The fund covers two types of academic pursuits aimed at developing a cadre of well-qualified teachers. The specific academic pursuits should be relevant to the teaching field and should place a high priority on two subject areas. The different qualifications supported by the Funza Lushaka Bursary include:

1. Undergraduate Qualification: A 4-year Bachelor of Education (BEd) Degree with a focus on:
   • Foundation Phase (Grade R-3)
   • Intermediate Phase (Grade 4-6)
   • Senior and Further Education and Training Teaching (Grade 7-12)
2. Postgraduate Qualification: One-year Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE). This requires completion of two priority modules/courses during your second and third years of academic progression.

Note: Only students pursuing their PGCE (Senior Phase and Further Education and Training Teaching) Grade 7-12 are eligible for financial assistance under this scheme.

Bursary Coverage

The Funza Lushaka Bursary provides substantial coverage for an array of student-related costs. The coverage includes tuition fees, accommodation costs, prescribed study materials, teaching practice resources, and a monthly living allowance (subject to fund availability). The specific amount of financial aid is determined by the program. Overheads exceeding the agreed amount will be the personal responsibility of the beneficiary.

Bursary Repayment

As per the terms, beneficiaries are obligated to serve a tenure as teachers in accredited public schools corresponding to the duration of the funding received. The repayment includes the entire amount of the bursary for each year spent teaching. The interest rate is set by NSFAS.

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants for the Funza Lushaka Bursary must meet a set of eligibility parameters to validate their qualification for the financial aid. The ideal candidate would meet these requirements:

1. General Requirements:
   • Officially recognized as a South African citizen and possessing a South African ID number.
   • Impressive academic track record.
   • Age under 30 years during the bursary tenure.
   • Pursuit of either of the aforementioned academic qualifications.
   • Enthusiasm and commitment towards the teaching profession.
   • High level of integrity.
   • Willingness to serve as a teacher in any accredited school as per the directive of the Provincial Education Department.

For details on academic criteria, refer to the original job post. To apply for the Funza Lushaka Bursary, visit the website here.

The closing date for applications is 02 February 2024. Late application submissions will not be entertained.