Funza Lushaka bursary programme 2012 application process open

The Funza Lushaka bursary programme application process for 2012 is open. This programme aims to fund prospective teachers and to equip the South African education system with the best talent and skills. Please note that there are approximately 2400 new bursaries available in 2012. New applicants are advised to also pursue other funding opportunities. You can apply online until 14 January 2012. Below are some of the details on the bursary programme, to apply click here. (Once you arrive on the site click on “First Time Application” near your screen’s far left corner.

Requirements and criteria

The bursary is only awarded to South African citizens. Applications will not be considered unless the applicant has a valid South African ID number. Applicants for the bursary must already have been accepted into an appropriate study programme at a recognized higher education institution. Applicants also need to meet certain admission criteria of the institution and they must also meet the national selection criteria for the Funza Lushaka bursary.

Selection criteria include the following:

• The applicant’s academic ability;
• Eligibility for an approved degree or PGCE in one of the priority areas;
• Commitment to a teaching career, which includes: interest in working with young people; enthusiasm for a professional career in teaching; readiness to face and surmount difficult challenges and personal integrity;
• Commitment to teach in any school to which a student may be appointed by a PED.

Everything else being equal, selection should favour candidates from rural areas, candidates who wish to teach in rural areas and candidates whose financial position would otherwise exclude them from enrolment for a teaching qualification. The bursary will only be awarded if one of the priority area specialization subjects is included as a teaching subject in your qualification.

Please note that those who already have other teaching qualifications do not qualify for this programme.

Programmes to be funded

Three types of qualifications can be funded. These are shown in the table below. The qualification must include subjects which will allow the student to specialise as a teacher in at least one priority area (see next section below).

In addition to specialising in a priority area, you will also need to specialise in a phase for the B.Ed and PGCE teaching qualifications. If you prefer teaching younger children, you could specialise in Foundation Phase (Grade R – 3) or Intermediate Phase (Grade 4 – 6).On the other hand, if you prefer teaching older children you could specialise in Senior Phase (Grade 7 – 9) or FET Phase (Grade 10 –12). Some universities offer qualifications which combine specialisation in the Foundation Phase and Intermediate Phase, or the Intermediate Phase and Senior Phase, or the Senior Phase and FET Phase. These combined qualifications are also acceptable.

Priority areas

The priority areas that are currently funded are indicated in the table below. These areas could be reconsidered from year to year.

How to apply

You need to apply for admission to a teaching qualification (B Ed or PGCE) or a Bachelors degree (e.g. BSc, B Tech, BA) with at least one major course in a priority area at a university of your choice. Once you have gained admission at a university, you are required to apply for the bursary via this Internet website.

The bursary is awarded for one academic year at a time and, on proof of academic success, the bursary may be renewed each year until the recipient of the bursary has qualified as a teacher. The bursary holder will be required to re-apply by the end of October for the following year. Recipients of bursaries will be required to teach one year for every year for which they receive a bursary.

What the bursary covers

Funza Lushaka bursaries cover all the recipient’s essential expenses. Expenses covered include tuition, full accommodation including meals, books and learning materials, and a small allowance for monthly living expenses. Universities have different cost structures, so the total value of a bursary differs from institution to institution.