- The Minister of Basic Education indicated that from 2013 to 2021, a total of 43 014 students received bursaries. Approximately 33 113 of those bursary recipients are currently studying at Higher Education Institutions.
- With regard to the remaining 9 901 students, the Department of Basic Education does not know whether these students changed courses or dropped out. This information may be requested from universities through the Department of Higher Education and Training.
- The Funza Lushaka Bursary Scheme is part of a national initiative to promote teaching as a career. The aim of the bursary was to increase the number of qualified teachers with teaching degrees in areas identified as priority areas.
- The bursary covers the following:
- Tuition fees
- Groceries
- Accommodation
- Learning materials
- Books
- Monthly living expense stipend
Applications are currently still open and will close on 11 February 2023. Students are encouraged to submit their applications as soon as possible and not to wait until the last minute.
As part of the bursary requirements, students need to first be accepted by a tertiary institution that offers teaching programmes before they can apply for the bursary. Applications may be submitted via the bursary’s online portal.
Students should ensure that they meet all the bursary requirements before applying. The Funza Lushaka Bursary requirements are as follows:
- Must be 30 years old or younger.
- Have no other teaching qualifications.
- Must be a South African citizen with a valid South African ID number.
- Good academic ability.
- An exemption, endorsement, or ‘admission to bachelor degree studies’ pass at matric/Grade 12 level.
- At least a level 4 pass at matric level in the two subjects which the applicant will specialise to teach.
- For students who wish to specialise in the Foundation Phase, a Level 2 pass in Mathematics or a Level 4 pass in Mathematical Literacy at the Grade 12 level is required. In addition, at least a level 4 pass in the Home Language is required.
- For students who wish to specialise in the Intermediate Phase, a Level 4 pass in Mathematics and a level 4 in a Home Language subject and/or a Level 4 pass in Science Subjects at the Grade 12 level is required. In addition, at least a level 4 pass in the Home Language is required.
- Students who wish to specialize in the teaching of Technology subjects, including CAT, IT, and other Technical stream subjects and who do not have these subject levels, must have at least a level 4 pass in Mathematics or Technical Mathematics.
- Must be accepted into an approved B.Ed. degree or PGCE programme to specialise in two or more of the priority subject areas.
- Must be committed to teaching in any school to which a student may be placed by a Provincial Education Department (PED)
