The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) has confirmed which qualifications it will fund for students enrolled at universities and Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) colleges.
NSFAS provides comprehensive bursaries and student loans to deserving learners enrolled in approved courses at universities and TVET colleges. The funding includes money for tuition and registration fees as several allowances for living expenses, accommodation and learning materials.
Many students meet all the eligibility requirements for NSFAS funding, however, they may be disqualified from receiving the comprehensive funding provided by NSFAS if the course they are enrolled in is not on the funded list.
Here’s Which Courses NSFAS funds
University Degrees Funded
- Higher Certificates or National Higher Certificates: These qualifications are on Level 5 of the National Qualifications Framework (NQF).
- Undergraduate Degrees: Funded degrees include Advanced Certificates, Diplomas (minimum 240 or 360 credits), National Diplomas, National First Degrees, and National First Degrees (minimum 480 credits) on NQF Levels 6, 7, or 8. All must be accredited by the Council on Higher Education and registered with the institution listed as the originator on the NQF.
TVET College Qualifications Funded
- Pre-Vocational Learning Programmes (PLPs): These are not on the NQF, and NSFAS will only fund students for one term.
- National N Certificates (NATED/Report 191): Registered on the NQF, with funding for one term for introductory Report 191 courses.
- National Certificates (NC(V)): Belong to the General and Further Education and Training Sub-Framework on the NQF, with the originator as Generic Provider – NCV.
- Occupationally Approved Programmes: Must be approved for NSFAS funding by the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET).
It's important to note that this information is a summary based on the information provided by NSFAS in the 2024 NSFAS Eligibility and Criteria And Conditions For Financial Aid. Students are encouraged to contact their university or TVET college to check if their qualification is funded by NSFAS.
