The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) has confirmed its approved academic pathways for 2025. This information details what academic pathways students must follow to maintain their funding eligibility.
NSFAS provides comprehensive bursaries and student loans to deserving students enrolled in approved courses at universities and TVET colleges. NSFAS funding covers tuition and registration fees, as well as several allowances for food, accommodation, and learning materials.
Academic progression refers to moving from one qualification to a higher one within the same field of study. NSFAS recognises specific progression pathways at both universities and TVET colleges.
Understanding NSFAS academic progression pathways allows students to plan their academic careers effectively. Knowing which pathways are funded and which aren't helps them choose courses and qualifications that align with their career goals and their funding eligibility.
NSFAS Academic Pathways For 2025
NSFAS has separate academic pathways for university students and TVET college students.
University Academic Progression
NSFAS only funds progression from a certificate qualification to an undergraduate qualification.
This applies only to your first certificate or undergraduate qualification. If you've already received NSFAS funding for a certificate, you won't be funded for another certificate programme.
TVET College Academic Progression
TVET College students can only progress from a PLP (Pre-Learning Programme) to a Report 191 Level 1 qualification or an NC(V) Level 2 qualification.
Switching between NC(V) and Report 191 programmes, or changing programmes within them, can make you ineligible for further funding. The only exception is if the student was a first-time entrant (FTF) and changed their programme within the first academic term.
If you complete NC(V) Level 4 or Report 191 N4-N6, you won't be eligible for further NSFAS funding for other NC(V) or Report 191 programmes.
