The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) has confirmed how loan agreements will be affected by students who change institution types. This information is detailed in the 2025 Eligibility Criteria and Conditions for the NSFAS Student Loan Scheme.
NSFAS provides comprehensive funding to deserving students enrolled in approved courses at Universities and TVET colleges. Funding covers tuition and registration fees as well as several allowances for food, accommodation, and learning materials.
The government bursary scheme confirmed how loan agreements will be affected by students who transfer to a different type of institution.
How Will NSFAS Loans Work If I Change From TVET College To University?
NSFAS loans will be available for students enrolled in approved academic programmes at both TVET Colleges and Universities.
However, if a NSFAS loan recipient wants to transfer from a TVET College to a university (Or vice versa) their loan agreement with NSFAS will be affected.
NSFAS confirmed students who transfer from one institution type to another will have their loan agreement terminated. If they require funding, they will need to reapply for the NSFAS loan.
Students who change institution types from TVET College to University or vice versa) would terminate their loan agreement and a new application would have to be made to be considered for loan fund eligibility at another institution type.
The government bursary scheme confirmed that students who previously received a NSFAS loan will not automatically re-qualify for a loan.
It is the loan scheme’s prerogative to consider a reconsolidated loan agreement.
NSFAS will also terminate loan agreements with students who drop out. If they want to resume their studies at a later time, they will also be required to reapply for a NSFAS Loan.
Students who de-register or drop out during an academic term and wish to resume their studies in future academic terms, must re-apply.
The bursary scheme added that students can only receive a NSFAS loan for one qualification at one institution at a time. NSFAS explained, "a student can only be funded for one qualification at one institution at any one time".
