The Funza Lushaka Bursary is a very popular bursary in South Africa. If you want to make a difference and become a teacher, the Funza bursary could be an option to fund your study. They offer support to undergraduate students who want to become a teacher, and they also offer a 1-year post-graduate bursary (PGCE)
What Is the Funza Lushaka Bursary?
It is a teaching bursary and offers support to students who want to become a teacher. The provider of the bursary is the Department of Basic Education in South Africa. It is a multi-year bursary and its goal is to support teaching in public schools. Funza Lushaka offers 2 different bursaries
Bursary for Undergraduate Studies: this is a bachelor of education specialising in the different phases of education (Foundation phase, Intermediate phase, Senior phase and FET phase)
Post Graduate Bursary : a 1 Year bursary for a PGCE certificate (Postgraduate Certificate in Education)
You will be required to teach at a public school. You will be assigned to a public school by the Department of Basic Education (you can not choose the school yourself)
What does the Funza Lushaka Bursary Cover?
Successful applicants will have the following covered through the Funza Lushaka bursary:
Tuition fees
Accommodation costs (for either residence or approved accommodation)
Meals
Small monthly allowance for living expenses
In exceptional circumstances, traveling costs may be included in the cost of traveling hiders the student from accepting the bursary
Who Can Apply For the Funza Lushaka Bursary?
First lets start by who can NOT apply for Funza Lushaka bursaries.
If you have a criminal record, if you are charged of misconduct, or if you are dismissed from work, applying for this bursary will be a waste of time.
Employees from Higher Education Institutions are not allowed to apply for this bursary and neither is their family.
if you already have some teaching qualifications, you are not allowed to receive this bursary
Besides stating who can not apply, they are also very clear about these guidelines:
The only to apply is by online application. They will not accept hard copies of printed forms
If you completed the Funza Lushaka online application, they require you to print it and keep it with you.
If you are still in the green after reading this, these are the mayors they will prefer you to study
Priority Area Subjects
Foundation Phase (Gr R-3, ages 5-9):
Foundation phase specialization
Intermediate Phase (Gr 4-6; ages 10-12): (2 of the following)
African Language
English Language
Mathematics
Natural Sciences
Technology
Senior Phase (Gr 7-9; ages 13-15): (2 of the following)
African Languages
English Language
Mathematics
Natural Sciences
Technology
FET Phase (Gr 10-12; ages 16-18): (2 of the following)
Accounting (our other accounting bursaries)
African Languages
Agricultural Sciences (our other Agriculture bursaries)
Agricultural Technology
Civil Technology
Computer Applications Technology
Economics
Electrical Technology
Engineering Graphics and Design
English Language
Geography
Information Technology
Life Sciences
Mathematics
Mathematical Literacy
Mechanical Technology
Physical Sciences (Our other Physical science bursaries)
What Are the Requirements for the Funza Lushaka Application 2021?
Applicants for the Funza Lushaka Bursary must meet the following basic requirements in order to be considered:
Basic requirements
Must be a South African citizen with a valid ID
Must have already been accepted to an appropriate field of study at a recognized higher education institution
Must be committed to and enthusiastic about a professional teaching career with interests that include working with young people, readiness to face and overcome challenges
Must have personal integrity
All first-time applicants have to be younger than 30 years old
First Time Entrants To University
You need proof you can start with your bachelor degree at Matric Grade 12
At least a 4 rating for the subjects you want to specialize in to become a teacher
You need to have passed Mathematics or mathematics literacy at Grade 12 level and a minimum level of 4 for home language if your intention is to specialize for foundation phase
If you have completed your Matric before 2008, you will need an average of 50% (before mathematics was compulsory)
If you want to specialize in the teaching of Technology subjects, you will need a level 4 pass for Mathematics. This also counts for CAT and for those students without these levels for matric
If you are a new applicant but already studying at University
You must have passed all your subjects in your last year of study.
At least an average score of 55% for your last year of study.
At least an average score of 55% for the subjects you intend to become a teacher in.
Take into account that the above requirements are the bare minimum. The Funza Lushaka bursary is for ambitious students. High Academic results will be awarded firstly.
Requirements for the PGCE Post Graduate Bursary
If you want to apply for the Funza postgraduate bursary there are some different requirements namely the following:
You need to be Academically qualified to do the Post Graduate degree
Foundation Phase: You need to have a Major in Psychology and African Language
Intermediate, senior and further phase: You will need to have majored for the subjects you want to specialize in
You will need TWO identified priority subjects at a second-year level (they really emphasize this)
You need adequate modules for the topics you decided to specialize in
Requirements for students who already have the Funza Lushaka Bursary
From your last year of study, you will need to have passed at least 66.6% of all your modules
The same counts for the priority subject areas
If you are only doing 1 major, you need to pass this major.
You need to be progressing to your next year of study
You need to have passed at least 50% of all the modules in your study
What Happens When You Completed Your Study With Funza Bursaries?
Before we go to explain how to apply for Funza, we want to emphasize what Funza expects from you when you completed your study.
You will be required to work as a teacher on a public school for the same number of years you received their bursary.
If you decide you dont want to teach at a public school, you need to repay the bursary (please read the small letters in the bursary contract)
You need an email address and a phone number so Funza may contact you
How to Apply For the Funza Lushaka Bursary?
Funza Lushaka Online Application
Everything we described so far comes from the notes they have on the Funza website. Please read it before you apply. The steps described below are clearly written on the Funza website.
Go to the Government portal—–>www.eservices.gov.za
Register an account or make a new one
Select Funza Lushaka Bursary
Enter the OTP you will receive with your preferred channel
Click “Next”
Read the terms and conditions carefully. If you agree, accept them.
Now you will see an application button for 2020, click it
Follow every step and complete all required fields
Confirm that what you have written is true and don’t forget to hard print your application
Funza Lushaka Closing Date For 2021
None, you can apply for this the whole year.
Funza Lushaka Contact Details for their Bursary
All questions about this bursary should be done with the Administrative co-ordinators at your University. They advise not to seek contact directly with NSFAS or with the Department of Basic Education. Please don’t visit these institutions in person. Inquiries can be made by phone: 012 357 3000
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is the funza lushaka allowance?
Funza will pay for all the necessary costs. However, this will vary as different Universities have different costs. It will cover most costs like meals, accommodation, textbooks and tuition fees. There is also a small stipend to cover some basic living expenses
Is Funza Lushaka available at Unisa?
Yes, as long as you follow the requirements you are allowed to apply for their bursary. If you have doubts if you are eligible, contact your study coordinator at your University who is gladly to help you figure this out.
How do I check my Funza Lushaka status?
You have signed up at the website—> www.eservices.gov.za That is also the place where you can check your status. Sign in with your credentials you received when you registered.
How do I contact funza lushaka?
You are advised not to contact Funza directly. First try it with your administrative coordinator at your University. Otherwise try calling them 012 357 3000
Does Funza Lushaka have an Age limit?
Yes, if you apply for the first time for a Funza Lushaka bursary, you need to be younger than 30 years old.
Other bursaries you can apply
