A government bursary can be a huge lifeline for academically strong students who are unable to afford tertiary studies. Fortunately, there is the Funza Lushaka bursary for those looking to study an undergraduate qualification in education.
Although applications may still be open, applicants now only have a month or no later than 16 January 2023 to submit their application for the bursary opportunity.
The bursary was introduced as part of an effort to increase the number of qualified teachers in the country, Thus the Funza Lushaka bursary is designed for individuals who wish to pursue teaching studies at any public university in South Africa.
The Bachelor of Education (BEd) and the Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) are both covered by the teaching bursary program. The Funza Lushaka bursary does not support extended programs.
The following are the requirements candidates must meet to qualify for the bursary:
- You must be 30 years old or younger
- Have no other teaching qualifications
- Must be a South African citizen with a valid South African ID number
- Good academic ability
- An exemption, endorsement, or ‘admission to bachelor degree studies’ pass at matric/Grade 12 level.
- At least a level 4 pass at matric level in the two subjects which the applicant will specialize to teach.
- For students who wish to specialize in the Foundation Phase, a Level 2 pass in Mathematics or a Level 4 pass in Mathematical Literacy at the Grade 12 level is required. In addition, at least a level 4 pass in the Home Language is required.
- Must be accepted into an approved B.Ed. degree or PGCE program to specialize in two or more of the priority subject areas.
- Must be committed to teaching in any school to which a student may be placed by a Provincial Education Department (PED)
How To Submit Funza Lushaka Application
- Open the e-Gov portal
- Register by providing your personal information
- Log in to the system using the username and password created when registering
- On the e-Services Menu, select Funza Lushaka Bursary Scheme
- Enter the OTP received on the preferred channel
- Accept the Terms and Conditions
- On the dashboard, menu click on the 2023 application button
- Follow the steps to complete the required field with your information
- Accept the declaration to confirm the information captured
Once you submit your Funza online application, you will probably want to track it; you can do this on the e-Gov portal. Applications must be submitted online only, as hard-copy applications will not be accepted.
Bursars must reapply for the Funza Lushaka bursary each year that they are enrolled in classes. Re-applications for current/returning bursars in this situation will subsequently close on November 30, 2023, a day earlier than new applications.
