The Funza Lushaka Bursary is a multi-year program that promotes teaching as a profession. Funded by the South African Department of Basic Education, this bursary aims to address the shortage of well-qualified teachers in critical subjects by financially supporting eligible students who wish to pursue a career in teaching. In exchange for this financial support, recipients are required to teach at a public school for the same number of years that they received the bursary.
Courses Funded by the Funza Lushaka Bursary
The Funza Lushaka Bursary primarily funds courses that lead to a teaching qualification, either through a Bachelor of Education (B.Ed.) degree or a Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE). These programs are typically four years long for a B.Ed. and one year for a PGCE.
- Bachelor of Education (B.Ed.): This undergraduate program is the most common route for those entering the teaching profession. The bursary covers various B.Ed. specializations, including:
- Foundation Phase (Grade R-3)
- Intermediate Phase (Grade 4-6)
- Senior Phase (Grade 7-9)
- Further Education and Training (FET) Phase (Grade 10-12)
- Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE): This program is designed for students who have already obtained a bachelor’s degree in a specific field and wish to pursue a teaching career. The PGCE equips them with the necessary pedagogical skills to teach in South African schools.
Subjects Covered by the Bursary
The Funza Lushaka Bursary specifically targets subjects where there is a high demand for qualified teachers. These critical subjects include:
- Mathematics
- Physical Science
- Life Sciences
- Languages (including African languages, English, and Afrikaans)
- Technology
- Agricultural Science
- Geography
- Economics and Management Sciences
- Accounting
- Information Technology
- Computer Applications Technology
Universities Offering Funza Lushaka Funded Courses
Many universities across South Africa offer education programs that are eligible for Funza Lushaka Bursary funding. Some of these institutions include:
- University of Pretoria (UP):
- Offers B.Ed. programs in Foundation, Intermediate, and Senior/FET Phases.
- The PGCE program is available in multiple specializations.
- University of Cape Town (UCT):
- Provides a PGCE program that focuses on subjects like Mathematics, Science, and Languages.
- University of the Witwatersrand (Wits):
- Offers B.Ed. degrees in various phases and subjects.
- PGCE programs are available, particularly for critical subjects like Mathematics and Science.
- Stellenbosch University (SU):
- Offers B.Ed. programs with a strong focus on Science, Mathematics, and Language teaching.
- PGCE courses are available with a focus on high-demand subjects.
- University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN):
- Offers B.Ed. and PGCE programs, especially in Mathematics, Science, and Technology education.
- North-West University (NWU):
- Provides B.Ed. and PGCE programs covering a wide range of subjects, including Agricultural Sciences and Economics.
- University of Johannesburg (UJ):
- Offers both B.Ed. and PGCE programs, focusing on critical subjects like Mathematics, Science, and Languages.
The Funza Lushaka Bursary plays a pivotal role in addressing the shortage of qualified teachers in South Africa. By funding studies in education, particularly in high-demand subjects, the bursary ensures that the next generation of learners will have access to quality education provided by well-trained teachers. Prospective students who are passionate about teaching and meet the eligibility criteria should consider applying for this bursary to kickstart their teaching careers while contributing to the educational development of the nation.
To qualify for the Funza Lushaka Bursary, applicants must meet specific criteria that ensure they are well-suited for a career in teaching and are likely to succeed in their studies. Below are the key requirements:
1. Academic Requirements
- For B.Ed. Applicants (Undergraduate Degree):
- Grade 12 Results: A National Senior Certificate (NSC) with a Level 4 pass (50-59%) in the subject(s) relevant to the teaching specialization.
- Tertiary Studies: Acceptance into a recognized Bachelor of Education (B.Ed.) program at a South African university.
- Languages: A pass in the language of instruction at the university where the applicant intends to study.
- For PGCE Applicants (Postgraduate Degree):
- Degree Requirements: A recognized undergraduate degree with at least one major in a subject that qualifies for a teaching specialization.
- Academic Performance: Adequate performance in subjects related to the teaching specialization, usually with a minimum of a Level 4 pass (50-59%) or higher, depending on the university’s requirements.
2. Nationality and Residency
- The applicant must be a South African citizen.
- Applicants should be willing to teach in a public school and serve the community.
3. Teaching Subjects
- The applicant must intend to specialize in a priority subject area identified by the Department of Basic Education, such as Mathematics, Physical Science, Life Sciences, Technology, Languages (including African languages), and other critical subjects.
4. Commitment to Teaching
- The applicant must demonstrate a strong commitment to a teaching career. This includes:
- A willingness to teach in any school where they might be placed by the Department of Basic Education, including schools in rural or underprivileged areas.
- A willingness to enter into a contractual agreement that mandates teaching at a public school for the same number of years as they received the bursary.
5. Criminal Record Check
- The applicant must have a clear criminal record, particularly in cases involving any offense that would preclude them from working with children.
6. Registration at a University
- Applicants must gain acceptance into a B.Ed. or PGCE program at an accredited South African university before they can be awarded the bursary.
7. Age and Experience
- There are no specific age restrictions, but preference is often given to younger applicants who are entering their first degree or who are recent graduates.
8. Financial Need
- While the bursary is merit-based, financial need may be considered. Applicants from low-income households are encouraged to apply.
9. Application Process
- The application for the Funza Lushaka Bursary must be completed online through the Funza Lushaka Bursary Management System.
- The application process typically opens around October and closes early the following year, usually in January.
Meeting these requirements does not guarantee a bursary, as it is competitive, and selection is based on academic performance, commitment to teaching, and the availability of funds.
The Funza Lushaka Bursary does not fund studies at private institutions. The bursary is specifically intended for students who are pursuing a Bachelor of Education (B.Ed.) or a Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) at public universities in South Africa. These universities must be accredited and recognized by the Department of Basic Education. The goal of the bursary is to support the development of teachers who will work in public schools, and as such, it only applies to programs offered at public institutions.
Receiving the Funza Lushaka Bursary can be advantageous in securing a teaching job after graduation, particularly within the public school system. Here are a few reasons why:
1. Guaranteed Employment
One of the key benefits of the Funza Lushaka Bursary is the commitment from the Department of Basic Education to place bursary recipients in teaching positions at public schools after graduation. This placement is often in areas where there is a high demand for teachers, including rural and underserved schools. This guarantee of employment can make it easier for bursary recipients to secure a job compared to non-recipients.
2. Targeted Recruitment for High-Demand Subjects
The bursary prioritizes funding for students specializing in subjects where there is a critical shortage of teachers, such as Mathematics, Science, and Technology. Teachers in these areas are in high demand, which increases the likelihood of quick employment after graduation.
3. Professional Experience and Networking
During their studies, Funza Lushaka bursary holders may have access to teaching practice opportunities in public schools, which not only provide valuable experience but also help them build professional networks within the education system. These connections can be helpful when seeking permanent employment.
4. Positive Recognition by Employers
Employers in the education sector recognize the Funza Lushaka Bursary as a mark of commitment to the teaching profession. This recognition can make bursary recipients more attractive to potential employers.
5. Commitment to Public Service
The requirement to teach in a public school for the number of years equal to the duration of the bursary ensures that recipients have a clear path into the job market. This commitment helps bridge the gap between completing studies and entering the workforce, which can be a significant advantage.
While the Funza Lushaka Bursary does not guarantee a job for life, it certainly provides a clear and structured pathway into the teaching profession within South Africa’s public school system. Recipients benefit from targeted placement, experience, and recognition, all of which can ease the transition from student to employed teacher.