Funza Lushaka Bursary Programme South Africa 2017

ABOUT THE BURSAR

The Department of Basic Education deals with schools throughout South Africa, from Grade R to 12 and adult literacy programmes. The DBE was formerly part of the National Department of Education before it split into two: the DBE (Department of Basic Education) and DHE (Department of Higher Education)

The departments goal is to create a sustainable South African education system for the 21st century – one where all learners have access to learning, training and education. Their vision is that the education system will improve the quality of life for all South Africans and create a peaceful, prosperous and democratic country.

ABOUT THE BURSAR

The Department of Education in South Africa, has a bursary programme for student teachers that require study funding – The Funza Lushaka Bursary Programme. The aim of this bursary award is to help financially disadvantages students who intend on studying in the Education sector, who will ultimately give back to the community by teaching at public schools.

Bursaries will be awarded within the following areas:

Foundation Phase Teaching (Grades R-3): with preference for African Languages
Intermediate and Senior Phase Teaching (Grades 4-9): majoring in any of the following 2 subjects: Mathematics/ Languages/ Technology/ Natural Science
FET Phase Teaching (Grades 10-12): majoring in any of the following 2 subjects: Accounting/ Economics/ Mathematics/ Technical Mathematics/ Agricultural Sciences/ Physical Sciences/ Life Sciences/ Technical Science/ Geography/ Languages/ Agricultural Technology/ Civil Technology/ Information Technology/ Computer Applications Technology/ Electrical Technology/ Mechanical Technology/ Engineering Graphics and Design

The bursary covers the following expenses: tuition fees, food and accommodation, textbooks and study materials and allowance for general living expenses.

Please note: on completion of the teaching qualification, bursary applicants will be required to teach at a public school for the equal duration of their bursary.

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS

South African citizen
Students must be accepted into a suitable qualification, at one of the recognised tertiary institutions
Must be able to show satisfactory academic capability
Willing to teach at a school appointed to them by the Provincial Education Department
A keen interest in working with children
Clear criminal record
Must not have any charges of misconduct or dismissed from work
Preference will be given to applicants in rural areas and applicants who intend on teaching in rural areas

First time university entrants:

Matric exemption/ endorsement/ bachelor degree admission
Achieved a minimum of 60%/ level 4 (Standard Grade) OR 50% (Higher Grade) in Matric for subject you intend on specialising to teach
If intending on specialising in Foundation Phase – must have passed Matric Mathematics or Mathematical Literacy and 60%/ level 4 (Standard Grade) OR 50% (Higher Grade) for your Home Language
If intending on specialising in Technology subjects (including CAT) – must have passed Matric Mathematics or Mathematical Literacy

Students currently at university:

Passed all subjects studied in 2017/ last year of tertiary study
Achieved a minimum average of 55% for all subjects studied in 2017/ last year of tertiary study
Achieved a minimum average of 55% for subjects related to the teaching area of specialisation in 2017/ last year of tertiary study

New students enrolling for PGCE:

Completed a qualification that allows admission into PGCE
For PGCE Foundation Phase Teaching – must have majored in an African Language and Psychology
For PGCE Intermediate Phase, Senior Phase, Further Education and Training Teaching – must have majored in chosen area of specialisation from the B. degree
Have a minimum of 2 selected priority subjects at 2nd year of study
Have enough subjects in the selected priority subjects to qualify to teach at school

Current bursars:

Achieved a minimum average of 50% across all subjects
Passed a minimum of two-thirds of subjects studied in the most recent year of university study
Passed a minimum of two-thirds of priority subjects in the most recent year of Higher Education study
If doing 1 priority subject – must have passed the subject
Progressing to the next year of study

Note: if the university requirements are higher than the Funza Lushaka Bursary requirements (or vice versa), the higher requirement will apply.

HOW TO APPPLY

Applications must be done online at:
New applications: http://www.funzalushaka.doe.gov.za/application/application.jsp
Re-applications: http://www.funzalushaka.doe.gov.za/DynamicAction?pageid=385&heading=Re-Registration
(Please click “I accept” to proceed, once you have read the T&C’s)

You will be required to submit copies of the following supporting documentation: