Pursuing a career in teaching is a noble and impactful choice, and several bursary programmes are available to support your studies. These bursaries not only cover your academic expenses but often include allowances for accommodation, meals, and learning materials.
Here is a comprehensive list of teaching bursaries available in South Africa.
List Of Teaching Bursaries In South Africa
1. Funza Lushaka Bursary Programme (Department of Basic Education)
The Funza Lushaka Bursary is the most prominent teaching bursary in South Africa, fully funded by the Department of Basic Education. It is designed to attract high-performing students into the teaching profession, particularly in priority subject areas.
Who Can Apply:
You must be a South African citizen with a valid ID.
You must be 30 years or younger for first-time applications.
You must be accepted or provisionally accepted into a Bachelor of Education (B.Ed) or a Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) at a public university.
You must be willing to specialise in at least two priority subjects (e.g., Mathematics, Physical Sciences, Technology, or African Languages).
You must have a strong academic record.
What It Covers:
Full tuition fees.
Accommodation (on-campus or approved off-campus).
Meals and a living allowance.
Books and study materials.
Return transport once per year.
Application Process:
Applications are submitted online at www.funzalushaka.doe.gov.za. You will need to register, complete the online form, and upload certified copies of your ID, academic results, and proof of university acceptance.
Service Obligation:
Recipients are required to teach at a public school for the same number of years they received the bursary.
2. SANRAL Bursary for Maths and Science Teachers
The South African National Roads Agency (SANRAL) invests in education by supporting the training of future maths and science teachers through partnerships with universities like the University of the Free State and Nelson Mandela University.
Who Can Apply:
Students who are proficient in mathematics, physical science, and English.
Learners aiming to follow a career in teaching maths and science.
What It Covers:
Tuition fees.
Accommodation.
Books and study materials.
Practical training and vacation work opportunities.
Application Process:
Applications are typically managed through SANRAL’s partner universities. Interested students should check directly with the financial aid or education departments at institutions like the University of the Free State or Nelson Mandela University.
3. Beier Group Engineering Bursary (KZN Department of Education)
While not strictly a teaching bursary, this partnership between the KZN Department of Education and Beier Group sponsors an all-expenses-paid engineering bursary for one of the province’s top achievers. This highlights how private-public partnerships support skills development in priority fields like engineering and technology.
Who Can Apply:
Top-achieving learners from KwaZulu-Natal.
Students pursuing engineering qualifications.
What It Covers:
All expenses related to engineering studies.
Application Process:
This bursary is facilitated through the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Education’s strategic partnerships.
4. Sector Education and Training Authority (SETA) Bursaries
Various SETAs, including PrimeSETA, support education and training initiatives. While PrimeSETA primarily focuses on skills development in the manufacturing sector, it encourages students to explore education opportunities through their platforms. Other SETAs may offer bursaries for teaching subjects related to their sectors (e.g., technical and vocational education).
Who Can Apply:
Students pursuing teaching qualifications in technical and vocational fields.
Applicants must check specific SETA requirements.
What It Covers:
Varies by SETA. Contact individual SETAs for detailed information.
Application Process:
Visit the official websites of relevant SETAs (e.g., PrimeSETA) for application announcements and guidelines.
Comparison of Teaching Bursaries
Bursary Programme: Funza Lushaka
Target Field: General Teaching (Priority Subjects)
Coverage: Full tuition, accommodation, meals, books, allowance
Application Period: October – January
Bursary Programme: SANRAL
Target Field: Maths & Science Teaching
Coverage: Tuition, accommodation, books
Application Period: Contact partner universities
Bursary Programme: Beier Group
Target Field: Engineering (KZN top achievers)
Coverage: Full expenses
Application Period: Through KZN Education Dept
Bursary Programme: SETA Bursaries
Target Field: Technical & Vocational Teaching
Coverage: Varies by SETA
Application Period: Varies by SETA
General Tips for Applying
1. Apply Early: Many bursaries have limited spaces and high application volumes. Submit your application well before the deadline.
2. Meet the Minimum Requirements: Ensure you have the required academic results and subject combinations before applying.
3. Prepare Your Documents: Have certified copies of your ID, academic transcripts, proof of university acceptance, and household income documents ready.
4. Write a Strong Motivation: Some bursaries require a motivational letter explaining why you deserve the funding and why you are passionate about teaching.
5. Check Official Sources: Always verify application dates and requirements on the official bursary website to avoid scams.
Conclusion
The Funza Lushaka Bursary remains the most comprehensive option for aspiring teachers, especially those specialising in priority subjects like Mathematics, Science, and African Languages. Additional opportunities through SANRAL, private partnerships like Beier Group, and various SETAs provide further pathways for students passionate about education.
If you meet the eligibility criteria, prepare your documents early and apply before the closing dates to secure funding for your teaching qualification.