ISASA is a non-profit organization and is Southern Africa’s biggest, oldest, and most inclusive independent (private) school association. The organisation serves more than 800 schools in South Africa; Namibia; Botswana; Zambia; Lesotho; Swaziland; Angola and Mozambique, which in turn educate over 180 000 pupils.
ISASA represents a range of educational levels, religious affiliations, and socio-economic and cultural communities. The organisation aims to create an environment whereby quality education is available to all students across southern Africa.
The Southern African Mathematics and Science Teacher Intern Programme (SAMSTIP) aims to get to the root cause of skills shortage within South Africa, which is a lack of quality mathematics and science teachers.
The programme focuses on quality education provided by ISASA member schools to produce mathematics and science teachers, by increasing the number of school-leavers from disadvantaged communities passing mathematics.
ABOUT THE SAMSTIP BURSARY PROGRAMME – FIELDS COVERED
ISASA is inviting students to apply for the SAMSTIP Bursary programme, for the 2024 academic year. The bursary will cover Teaching studies at UNISA, specifically PGCE (Postgraduate Certificate in Education) and B.Ed. (Senior and FET phase only) with specialization in Mathematics and Science (Physical Science, Life or Natural Science).
The South African Mathematics and Science Teacher Intern Programme (SAMSTIP) is an ISASA initiative, partnered with Investec Bank and the Department of Basic Education. The goal of the programme is to address the critical lack of qualified mathematics and science teachers in South Africa.
MORE ABOUT THE SAMSTIP BURSARY PROGRAMME – COVERAGE VALUE, SERVICE CONTRACT & SELECTION
The bursary will cover the following expenses: UNISA tuition fees, prescribed textbooks, a small monthly stipend, and an allowance for transport and accommodation. Bursary recipients will also receive the following benefits: training at ISASA member schools, provided with teaching and learning resources and technology, mentorship from qualified school teachers, and academic enrichment programme.
After graduation, students will be required to teach at a public school – the period of employment will be equal to the duration of bursary funding received.
Shortlisted candidates will be contacted and may be invited to complete an entrance assessment. After the entrance assessment, candidates will be invited for an internal interview, thereafter candidates will be interviewed by a potential host school and provisionally placed.
Shortlisted candidates will also be required to apply to UNISA (applications open between August and September each year) and thereafter a final selection will be made. Successful applicants will be formally notified in writing and instructed to report for duty at their Professional Development Host School.
ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS FOR THE SAMSTIP BURSARY
Applicants must satisfy the following minimum entry criteria before applying (please note that failure to satisfy all the requirements will lead to your application not being considered):
- You must be a South African citizen (born in South Africa)
- You must be under the age of 30 years old
- You must intend on pursuing a PGCE or B.Ed. (Senior and FET phase only) with specialisation in Mathematics and Physical or Life or Natural Sciences
- You must intend on studying at UNISA, through open distance learning, in the 2024 academic year
- B.Ed. applicants: you must be currently in Matric or have completed Matric
- PGCE applicants: you must have completed a relevant undergraduate qualification
- You must have passed the relevant school subjects: Mathematics and Life Science or Physical Sciences or Natural Sciences (NOT Mathematical Literacy)
- You must be willing to be placed at a public school (Professional Development Host School), anywhere in South Africa
HOW TO APPLY FOR THE SAMSTIP BURSARY
Applications must be submitted online at: SAMSTIP Bursary Application 2024
Applicants are required to Register an Account before they can Login and apply.
If you are having trouble applying, please visit the Help Center.
Applicants can read the SAMSTIP Bursary FAQ’s here.
Submit clear copies of the following supporting documentation with your online application (the submission of these documents is compulsory – if any items are missing, your application may be disqualified):
- ID document (certified copy)
- Matric certificate (certified copy)
- Full academic transcript (on tertiary letterhead)
- Certificate of degree or diploma
CLOSING DATE FOR THE SAMSTIP BURSARY
A closing date has not been disclosed – applications are currently OPEN.
CONTACT THE BURSARY PROVIDER
For any queries related to this bursary programme, please contact ISASA directly:
Contact Person: Slindile Shelembe
Email: [email protected]