Central SA
Free State aspiring teachers urged to apply for Funza Lushaka Bursary─── ZENANDE MPAME 12:40 Wed, 18 Sep 2024
“Prospective applicants must ensure they have already applied at the 24 Universities across the country.?8
Funza Lushaka is a full-cost bursary that guarantees aspiring educators complete their degrees.
With the bursary scheme, the government ensures there is no shortage of teachers in the province by providing financial support for those interested in pursuing teaching.
The bursary scheme is aimed at young people of 30 years and below, with no degree or other post-schooling qualifications. Those who already have degrees or want to study for a Post Graduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) are not eligible to apply for the bursary scheme.
“The bursary assists in ensuring that we address skills shortages in the country, so this bursary is meant for those who want to study teaching, and it also addresses skills development,” said Free State Department of Education acting media relations assistant director Mosidi Mohlakela.
“Applicants can avoid common mistakes while applying by taking a trial test and there is a video the department has made with all the steps. Applications will be open from Monday, 1 October, and close on Sunday, 2 February 2025.”
For those returning and reapplying for the bursary, the closing date is Saturday, 30 November. There is a screening process before applying for the bursary that helps to shortlist applicants based on their meeting the requirements.
Five district offices in the province have been identified with officials waiting to assist applicants with their applications and help them eliminate mistakes in their applications.
The Free State priority list for the bursary scheme. Photo: Facebook/FS department of education
They are Thabo Mofutsanyane district in Bethlehem and Phuthaditjhaba, Fezile Dabi district in Kroonstad, Lejweleputswa district in Welkom, Motheo district in Bloemfontein, and Xhariep district in Koffiefontein.
“The screening process is not necessarily a selection process, but it is for the candidate to check whether they qualify for the bursary, and it assists the department in knowing the deserving student, candidate, or applicant from it,” said Mohlakela.
“We advise and encourage all aspiring teachers to apply but they should check the priority list not only in the province but nationally. The priority list helps the applicant to know which subjects the department is searching for nationally.”
