NSFAS will cover any course studied at a public institution, with a few exceptions. It's important to remember that NSFAS only funds your first qualification and won't fund your postgraduate qualification.
Students interested in pursuing a diploma or enrolling in a diploma course may be wondering if NSFAS will fund diploma courses. The answer is Yes, NSFAS will fund your diploma course with the condition that the course is at the undergraduate level.
The qualifications that NSFAS funds must be registered with the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) and must be at an undergraduate level. This includes diplomas, certificates, and degrees.
The financial aid scheme will also cover your online course, should it be done through a public University or TVET College.
Students who accept funding from NSFAS will also be required to meet certain conditions in order to continue receiving funding.
Once NSFAS enters into an agreement with higher education institutions or further education and training colleges, they are then permitted to:
- Administer bursaries granted to students of the institution.
- Receive loan and bursary applications from students.
- Consider and assess the applications in light of the criteria for the granting of bursaries determined by NSFAS.
- Grant bursaries if the criteria are met after verification processes.
- Enter into a written agreement with a borrower or applicant in accordance with the provisions of the guidelines and on the terms and conditions determined by NSFAS.
NSFAS funding covers tuition fees, registration fees, accommodation, transport, books, and other study-related expenses.
NSFAS determines the conditions under which bursaries are granted to students, ensuring that students have sufficient funds to cover their tuition and accommodation costs at any public higher education institution.
