The Nedbank Bursary Fund

Money isn’t the only thing we see differently. We know potential when we spot it. That’s why we believe in people who believe in themselves. Through the Nedbank Bursary Fund, we give young talent the financial lift they need to be the best version of themselves.

Each year we offer bursaries to students who need a bit of help to make ends meet. So, if you're dreaming of going places, the Nedbank Bursary Programme could unlock your future by helping you get the university degree you'll need to take you there.

To ensure that you qualify, we have to ask a few questions: 

• Were you born in South Africa?
• Are you doing your bit to help Nedbank reach its transformation targets?
• Are you spending enough time behind the books? Specifically, did you reach at least a 65% average pass mark, while meeting all the registration criteria of a South African public university or university of technology?
• What’s your financial means test score?
• Is the degree you’re keen on a future skill?

FAQs

Q: I'd like to study at a private institution. Do I qualify for a bursary?

A: Unfortunately, no. We only fund undergraduate degrees or diplomas at a South African public university or university of technology.

Q: I'm planning to get two qualifications at two institutions at the same time. Can I be funded for both?

A: No. You can only be funded for one undergraduate degree or diploma at a time.

Q: I've already completed a university qualification but would like to enrol for a second one in a different field. Would I qualify for the bursary?

A: No. We aim to help as many people as possible, so you only qualify for your first undergraduate degree or diploma.

Q: I already have a partial bursary from another organisation. Can I apply for the bursary to cover the rest?

A: No. The Nedbank bursary is comprehensive, so you can be funded by only the Nedbank bursary if you're chosen.

Q: If I owe money to a university, will the Nedbank bursary help with that debt? If so, how?

A: No. We cannot help you to pay back previously incurred study debt.

Q: Does the bursary fund international/foreign students?

A: Only students who are South African citizens qualify.

Q: So, who can apply?

South African citizens only. People with a proven financial need. People with a good past and present academic track record. People with a minimum academic average of 65% in the year they're applying, ie grade 12 or university level. People with a minimum academic average of 65% for the subjects they're planning to study at university. People studying Mathematics Literacy will not be considered.  People who are successfully placed at a South African public university or university of technology for an undergraduate qualification.

Q: What documents do I need to apply for the bursary?

A: A valid South African ID and most recent academic transcript.

Q: What documents do I need if I'm shortlisted?

Proof of income of your parents/guardians, eg payslips. Social grant advices. Affidavit if you're unemployment. Income and expenditure statement of your parents/guardians. Death certificate of parent(s), if applicable. Divorce certificate of parent(s), if applicable.

Q: What expenses does the Nedbank bursary cover?

Fulltime tuition. Prescribed textbooks. Monthly stipend. Accommodation (10 months of the academic year excluding the deposit).* Meals.* *Accommodation and meals – approval is dependent on the Nedbank Education Trust.

Q: Do I have to repay Nedbank for the bursary?

A: No, the bursary is a CSI initiative.

Q: Will I have to work for Nedbank after I graduate?

A: No, the bursary is a CSI initiative, but you may still apply to be part of a graduate programme at Nedbank after you've graduated.

Q: What type of qualifications does the bursary sponsor?

A: Bursaries are given to address future skill requirements in the financial sector, as well as in South Africa as a whole.

Any other questions? You can send an e-mail to: unlockyourambition@nedbank.co.za

Apply Now

NSFAS applications for student funding for the 2020 academic year are now open

NSFAS applications for student funding for the 2020 academic year are open from 1 September to 30 November 2019.

To qualify for government funding for university and TVET college studies, you must

be a South African citizen.

register at any of the 26 public universities or 50 TVET colleges.

come from a family with an income of below R350 000 per annum (combined).

Students with disabilities and students who are beneficiaries of social grants automatically qualify for NSFAS funding. Students wanting to study towards postgraduate qualifications do not qualify for NSFAS funding - you are encouraged to seek funding from the National Skill Fund and the National Research Foundation.

NSFAS has employed 200 NFAS unemployed graduates to support high learners throughout the country with the application process. These graduates will visit high schools and rural communities with no computer or internet access to assist students.

Ensure that you have your own

Valid email address and cellphone number (Note that this new number must be UNIQUE and accessible by you at all times).

Valid South African ID

You will need the following supporting documents:

All applicants

• Certified copy of your ID, not older than 3 months

• A signed and completed consent form

If you are a SASSA recipient, please provide:

• Certified copy of your ID, not older than 3 months

• A signed and completed consent form

If you are dependent on your parents/guardian/spouse, please provide:

• Certified ID copies of parent/s, guardian, spouse not older than 3 months

• Proof of income of parent, guardian or spouse (payslip or appointment letter)

If you are self-sufficient and employed please provide:

• Proof of income (payslip or appointment letter)

• 3yrs IRP5

If you have a disability, please provide:

• Completed and signed Disability Annexure A (if your information is not pre-populated on the portal)

If you are an orphan please provide:

• Orphan Declaration and Consent Form (excluding consent form)

Other documents required, if applicable:

• Retrenchment letter

• Death certificate/s

• Divorce decree

Where to apply:

CLICK HERE for a list of applications centres where you will be able to apply for NSFAS online.

When to apply:

Applications are open and close on November 30.

Click here to create your myNSFAS account to apply

Funza Lushaka Bursary Programme 2020

About Funza Lushaka

The Funza Lushaka Bursary Programme is a programme to support teaching studies and available to qualified students to complete a teaching degree. Bursary recipients are then required to teach at public schools equivalent to the duration of bursary received.

Funza Lushaka Bursaries

Application for the Funza Lushaka teaching bursary must be done online each year.

Bursary recipients are required to teach at a public school they are assigned to and they cannot choose the school they are assigned since the assignment is according to priority.

The bursary amount given will cover most of the recipient’s necessary expenses that may include tuition, accommodation including meals, books and learning materials, and if possible a small allowance for monthly living expenses.

Important guidelines for the Online Application of Funza Lushaka Bursary 2020:

• Applicants who have criminal record, have been charged of misconduct or are dismissed from work are not qualified
• Higher Education Institution employees and their immediate families are not accepted
• Online application is a MUST. No hard copies are accepted by the programme.
• Printing of the completed on-line application is a MUST.
• Anyone who already has other teaching qualifications do not qualify

Two types of qualifications can be funded are:

Undergraduate studies or a 4-year Bachelor of Education degree (B Ed), specializing in Foundation Phase (Grade R – 3), Intermediate Phase (Grade 4 – 6), Senior Phase (Grade 7 – 9) and FET Phase (Grade 10-12); and

Graduate studies or One-year Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE). Combined qualifications are also acceptable such as combine specialization in the Foundation Phase (Grade R – 3) and Intermediate Phase (Grade 4 – 6), or the Intermediate Phase and Senior Phase, or the Senior Phase (Grade 7 – 9) and FET Phase (Grade 10 –12).

The priority areas are:

Foundation Phase (i.e. Grades R-3) – Foundation Phase (with preference for African Languages)

Intermediate and Senior Phase (i.e. Grades 4-9) – Preference will be given for a teaching major in TWO of the following:

• Languages
• Mathematics
• Natural Science & Technology

FET phase (i.e. Grades 10-12) – Preference will be given for a teaching major in TWO of the following:

• Accounting
• Agricultural Sciences
• Agricultural Technology
• Civil Technology
• Computer Applications Technology
• Economics
• Electrical Technology
• Engineering Graphics and Design
• Geography
• Information Technology
• Life Sciences
• Mathematics
• Mechanical Technology
• Physical Sciences, Languages, Technical Mathematics and Technical Science

Bursary Requirements and Eligibility

General Eligibility:

• South African citizen
• Good academic performance
• Graduates who want to complete a teaching degree or want to become teachers (Postgraduate Certificate in Education) and have already been accepted at an accredited public University.
• Applicants who want to make a career change and become teachers, show dedication and passion for a professional career in teaching, display interest in working with young people, are ready to face and handle difficult challenges and have personal integrity.
• Higher Education Institution employees, their spouse and their dependents/children are not eligible.
• Two of the priority area subjects must be included as a specialisation in the teaching qualification.

For 1st time entrants to university:

• Proof of admission to bachelor degree studies pass at matric/Grade 12 level.
• Minimum level 4 rating at matric level in the subject which the applicant will specialize to teach.
• A pass in Mathematics or Mathematical Literacy at Grade 12 level and a minimum level 4 pass in the Home Language, for students who intend to specialize in the Foundation Phase
• Average of at least 50% for students who have completed matric prior to 2008 when Mathematics was not compulsory
• At least level 4 pass in Mathematics, for students who wish to specialize in the teaching of Technology subjects, including CAT, and who do not have these subjects at matric level

For new applicants already at university:

• Passed all of the modules studied in the last/most recent year of study at the Higher Education Institution
• Minimum 55% average across all the modules studied in the last/most recent year of study at a Higher Education Institution
• Minimum 55% average in modules studied relevant to the priority area teaching specialization in the last/most recent year of study at university

For new applicants enrolling for PGCE:

• Successful completion of a recognized qualification to be admitted for a PGCE
• Must have majored in Psychology and an African Language for a PGCE in Foundation Phase Teaching
• Must have at least TWO recognized priority subjects at second year level
• Must have adequate modules in the recognized priority subjects

For existing bursary holders:

• Passed at least two-thirds or 66.6% of all the subject modules studied in the last/most recent year of study at the university
• Passed at least two-thirds  or 66.6% of the priority subject area modules studied in the last/most recent year of study at the Higher Education Institution
• Passed the priority subject
• Must be proceeding to the next level/year of study
• Must achieve at least 50% average across all subject modules

How to Apply and Application Details

1. Online application is a must.
2. Go to www.eservices.gov.za.
   1. Register your online profile by providing your personal details.
   2. Login your username and password to the system.
   3. Once logged in, go to the e-Services menu and choose Funza Lushaka Bursary.
   4. Click on the Application menu, follow the steps and complete all the required fields with accurate information.
   5. Accept the confirmation declaration and receive feedback on the status of the application through email.
3. Print the completed online application and submit to the university where you are accepted and registered.
4. Accompany the application form with certified copies of your ID and your academic records:
   • Certified copy of Grade 12 result or certificate, for 1st year students coming out of Grade 12
   • Certified copy of latest academic transcript, for students already at university
5. Accompanying documents must be submitted to the applicant’s university coordinator, otherwise, application will be rejected.

IMPORTANT NOTICE:

• Applications for the Funza Lushaka bursary 2020 will open on 01 October 2019.
• Please note that there are a limited number of new bursaries available for 2020.
• New applicants are advised to also pursue other funding opportunities such as NSFAS.
• The outcome of the selection process will be available from the University not later than 30 April each year.
• Late applications will not be considered.
• Should applicants need to make changes in their application details, they have access to the on-line bursary application by going to “Update personal details”. Updating application details is only allowed before the application closing date. Changing institutions and areas of specialisation will not be allowed and doing so will subject an application to rejection.
• Application for the bursary is not a guarantee that a student will obtain it.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:

Are there any age limit for bursary application?

No, as long as the applicant is currently at least at Grade 12 and forward level.

Are Advanced Certificate in Education (ACE) students accepted?

No. Bursaries are only offered to inexperienced teacher education students.

Can distance education and part-time students apply for a bursary?

Yes, provided they meet all other admission and application criteria.

Are beneficiaries of other funding eligible to apply for a Funza Lushaka bursary?

Yes, if they qualified and if the terms and conditions of the other bursary allow.

How much is a Funza Lushaka bursary worth?

The total value of a bursary depends on the institution’s cost structures. Funza Lushaka bursaries will pay for the recipient’s necessary educational expenses.

What does the bursary cover?

Expenses paid for by the Funza Lushaka bursary include tuition, accommodation including meals, books and learning materials. A small living allowance for monthly expenses may also be provided, if possible. The funding allocation to the bursary holders is limited at a certain value. Other expenses that exceeds the capped bursary value should be shouldered by the recipient’s own funds.

Can bursaries be awarded for fewer than the number of years required to complete a programme?

Yes. Students already studying at a university of any level can be accepted for the bursary.

Can a student who has other funding from another source receive a Funza Lushaka bursary?

Yes, in the following conditions:

• Full-cost Funza Lushaka bursary requires students to forfeit other funding
• The terms and conditions of the other bursary allows funding from multiple sources
• The Funza Lushaka bursary conditions for placement on completion of studies take priority

Can a student receive a bursary for an extra year of study?

Extension of bursary will only be allowed for students who wish to pursue the PGCE programme. Additional year of study for non-PGCE programme will only be considered on a case to case basis, otherwise, additional time required will be paid for by the student’s own expense.

Is the bursary renewable?

Yes, bursary is valid for only one academic year and should be renewed upon the recipient’s annual application and submission of satisfactory academic reports until completion of qualification as a teacher.

Will the recipient of a bursary be required to teach?

Yes, after completion of studies, bursary recipients are required to teach for a period equivalent to bursary received. Each year of service will repay one full-time year of bursary-assisted studies.

Must the bursary be repaid?

Repayment of bursary will only be required if:

• The recipient fails to complete the studies
• Recipient cannot comply with minimum bursary conditions and requirement
• Student registers for a course of study that is not in a designated priority area
• Recipient fails to apply and take up a teaching post at a public school
• Recipient leaves a teaching post before the end of the contracted service period

How much must be repaid for the bursary?

The recipient as mentioned above, will be required to repay the full amount of the bursary received with accrued interest compounded monthly.

Are Funza Lushaka bursary recipients allowed a “gap year” or proceed to complete further studies immediately after qualifying?

No. Students must accept a teaching post immediately after qualifying. Bursary extension will not be given to a qualifying student.

Closing Date

The application for the Funza Lushaka Bursary 2020 is open now. You can submit the application by following the above instructions.