The Funza Lushaka Bursary Programme is a government initiative aimed at addressing teacher shortages in South Africa by providing financial support to students pursuing teaching qualifications. This comprehensive bursary covers tuition fees, accommodation, books, and a living allowance, ensuring that recipients can focus on their studies without financial strain.
What Does the Bursary Cover?
The Funza Lushaka Bursary provides:
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Tuition Fees: Full coverage of academic fees.
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Accommodation: On-campus or approved off-campus housing.
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Books and Learning Materials: Provision of required study materials.
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Living Allowance: A stipend for daily expenses.
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Teaching Practice Costs: Support for practical teaching experiences.
Recipients are required to teach at a public school in South Africa for the same number of years that they received the bursary. Failure to fulfill this service obligation may result in the bursary being converted into a loan, which must be repaid.
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the Funza Lushaka Bursary, applicants must:
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Be a South African citizen under the age of 30.
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Have a valid South African ID.
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Have been accepted into a Bachelor of Education (BEd) or Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) programme at a public higher education institution
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Meet the minimum academic requirements for the chosen teaching specialization.
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Not have a prior teaching qualification.
Application Process
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Register on the e-Gov Portal: Visit www.eservices.gov.za to create an account.
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Access the Funza Lushaka Bursary Scheme: Log in to the e-Gov portal and select the Funza Lushaka Bursary Scheme from the menu.
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Complete the Online Application: Fill out the application form with accurate personal, academic, and financial information.
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Submit Required Documents: Upload certified copies of your ID, academic transcripts, proof of university admission, and any other requested documents.
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Submit the Application: Review all information and submit your application before the deadline.