Department of Education Funza Lushaka Bursary 2025

The Funza Lushaka Bursary, offered by the Department of Basic Education in South Africa, is designed to attract and support aspiring teachers who are committed to addressing the country’s skills shortage in critical teaching areas. This bursary provides financial assistance to students pursuing teaching qualifications, enabling them to contribute meaningfully to the education sector.

Who Should Apply?

The Funza Lushaka Bursary is ideal for students who:

Are South African citizens.
Are passionate about teaching and making a difference in education.
Plan to specialize in priority teaching areas, including:
- Mathematics
- Physical Science
- Life Sciences
- Technology
- Languages (African, English, and Indigenous languages)
- Foundation Phase (Grades R-3, including special needs education)
- Geography and Accounting

What Does the Bursary Cover?

The Funza Lushaka Bursary provides comprehensive funding, including:

Tuition fees for a Bachelor of Education (B.Ed.) or Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE).
Prescribed textbooks and learning materials.
Accommodation and living expenses.
Meals and, in some cases, transport costs.

In return, bursary recipients are required to teach at a public school for the same number of years they received funding.

Eligibility Criteria

To qualify, applicants must meet the following requirements:

Citizenship: Be a South African citizen.
Enrollment: Be accepted into a B.Ed. or PGCE program at a recognized public university.
Academic Performance: Achieve a minimum of 60% in key subjects at the matric or tertiary level.
Commitment to Teaching: Show a passion for education, especially in priority teaching areas.
No Other Funding: Not receive any other simultaneous bursary funding.

How to Apply

The Funza Lushaka Bursary application process is simple but requires careful attention to deadlines:

Visit the Online Portal:
Access the Funza Lushaka online application platform via Funza Lushaka’s official website.
Register and Complete the Application:
- Create an account and complete the online form.
- Include accurate personal, academic, and financial information.
Upload Supporting Documents:
Prepare and submit the following documents:
- Certified copy of your ID.
- Matric certificate or latest academic transcripts.
- University acceptance letter or proof of registration.
- Proof of household income (e.g., pay slips or affidavits).
Submit Before the Deadline:
Applications for the 2025 academic year close on 26 January 2025.

Key Obligations for Recipients

Recipients of the Funza Lushaka Bursary must:

Teach in a public school for the same duration as their bursary funding.
Teach in a subject or phase identified as a national priority.
Commit to being placed anywhere in South Africa, especially in rural or underprivileged areas.

Failure to fulfill these obligations may result in having to repay the bursary amount.

Why Choose the Funza Lushaka Bursary?

Full Financial Support: Covers most of the costs associated with teacher training.
Job Security: Guaranteed placement in a public school after graduation.
National Contribution: Join a program aimed at improving the quality of education in South Africa.
Priority Areas: Focus on critical subjects where your expertise will make the greatest impact.

Contact Information

For assistance with your application or more information, contact:

Website: Funza Lushaka Bursary Program
Email: inquiries.funzalushaka@dbe.gov.za
Phone: 012 357 3000

Final Thoughts

The Funza Lushaka Bursary is an exceptional opportunity for aspiring teachers to achieve their academic and professional goals without the burden of financial constraints. If you have a passion for education and want to shape the future of South Africa, don’t miss this chance. Apply today!

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