The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS), is a South African funding organisation that assists poor students by funding their tertiary education.
There are many different courses from TVET colleges and universities that are funded by NSFAS.
Teaching and education are both courses that NSFAS funds, this includes Bachelor of Education (B.Ed) degrees at all public universities and teaching courses that are offered at TVET colleges.
NSFAS, however, does not cover Postgraduate Education courses like the Postgraduate Certificate of Education (PGCE). If you require funding for PGCE, it is recommended that you apply for the Funza Lushaka Bursary, that is specifically meant for teaching courses.
For more information on the Funza bursary, visit their website here .
NSFAS also covers TVET College teaching courses such as Education and Development National Certificate (Vocational), Educare and Early Childhood Development courses.
NSFAS also does not only supply students with tuition but also a number of other allowances.
University allowances:
- Accommodation
As per the actual costs charged by the university (costs for private accommodation must not exceed costs for university residence) - Transport (up to 40 km from institution) R7 500 per annum
- Living allowance R15, 000 per annum
- Book allowances R5200 per annum
- Incidental/personal care allowance R2900 per annum for students in catered residences
TVET allowances:
- Accommodation in an urban area R24,000 per annum
- Accommodation in an peri-urban area R18,900 per annum
- Accommodation in an rural area R15,750 per annum
- Transport (up to 40 km from institution) R7,350 per annum
- Transport R7000 per annum
- Incidental/personal care allowance R2900 per annum
For more information on NSFAS, visit their website here.
