NSFAS Funding for Students: Which Courses Qualify?

Courses NSFAS funds, The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) helps thousands of students achieve their tertiary education dreams every year. But do you know which courses they fund?

Courses NSFAS funds

University Degrees Funded by NSFAS

  • Higher Certificates (National Higher Certificates) – NQF Level 5
  • Undergraduate Degrees:
    • Advanced Certificates
    • Diplomas (240 or 360 credits)
    • National Diplomas
    • National First Degrees
    • National First Degrees (minimum 480 credits) on NQF Levels 6, 7, or 8

All these degrees 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 by NSFAS

  • Pre-Vocational Learning Programmes (PLPs) – funded for one term only (not on the NQF)
  • National N Certificates (NATED/Report 191) – registered on the NQF, funded for one term for introductory courses
  • National Certificates (NC(V)) – part of the General and Further Education and Training Sub-Framework on the NQF, with Generic Provider – NCV as the originator
  • Occupationally Approved Programmes – approved by the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) for NSFAS funding

Remember, if your course isn’t on this list, you may not be eligible for NSFAS funding, even if you meet all the other requirements. So, check carefully before applying!