South Africa's economy thrives on a skilled and qualified workforce. If you're looking to launch your career or upskill for new opportunities, occupational programmes offer a powerful path forward.
The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) is a comprehensive financial aid scheme for deserving students in South African universities and TVET colleges.
What is NSFAS?
NSFAS provides funding in the form of bursaries and loans to students wanting to study at one of the 50 public TVET Colleges or 26 public universities. This NSFAS funding includes tuition, registration and allowances.
These allowances cover essential expenses like student accommodation, transportation, and other living costs, ensuring students can focus on your studies.
What is an occupational programme?
Do you prefer learning by doing? If you're looking to gain practical skills and enter a rewarding career fast, then Occupational Programmes at TVET Colleges might be the perfect fit for you.
Occupational Programmes are career-focused training programmes offered by TVET Colleges. They equip students with the knowledge and hands-on experience needed to thrive in a specific trade, occupation, or profession.
This Occupational Programmes are replacing the NATED courses (N1 to N4) which are being phased out. While current students are able to complete their courses, no new students will be enrolled on these NATED courses.
NSFAS Requirements
- Must be a South African citizen
- Must be registered to do an Occupational Programme at one of the 50 public TVET Colleges in South Africa
- Must be in need of financial assistance with household income coming to less than R350 000 per annum
Will NSFAS cover occupational programmes?
NSFAS has said that they will pay for occupational programmes but this type of NSFAS funding works differently.
NSFAS typically covers the full tuition cost for qualifying students enrolled in Occupational Programmes at TVET Colleges. As for NSFAS allowances, NSFAS will provide allowances for accommodation, travel, personal needs, and learning materials to students if they're involved in simulated training.
If you have an employment contract and receive a stipend while enrolled in an occupational programme, you likely won't be eligible for NSFAS allowances.
NSFAS confirmed that applications for funding of second semester Occupational Programmes at TVET Colleges will open on the 1st of July 2026 and close on the 17th July 2026.
