Which Courses Does NSFAS Fund?

NSFAS, the National Student Financial Aid Scheme, offers financial assistance to eligible South African students to pursue further studies.

While the scheme primarily focuses on undergraduate qualifications, it also funds a wide range of courses at TVET colleges.

It’s essential to understand the specific criteria and eligibility requirements to maximize your chances of securing funding.

What is NSFAS and Who Qualifies?

NSFAS is a government-funded scheme designed to support students from poor and working-class families.

To qualify for NSFAS funding, you must meet specific criteria, including being a South African citizen, having a household income below a certain threshold, and being accepted into a qualifying course at a registered TVET college.

Which TVET Courses are Funded by NSFAS?

NSFAS covers a broad spectrum of courses across various fields at TVET colleges.

Though the offerings may vary between institutions, some of the most common courses funded include:

1. Engineering and Related Design: This field covers a wide range of specializations, from civil and mechanical engineering to electrical infrastructure and related design. NSFAS often provides support for National Certificates (Vocational) at NQF levels 2-4 and Report 191 N1-N6.
2. Business and Utility Studies: This category includes courses in management, marketing, finance, office administration, economics, and accounting. Similar to engineering, NSFAS usually funds National Certificates (Vocational) at NQF levels 2-4 and Report 191 N1-N6.
3. Hospitality, Tourism, and Related Services: For those interested in the hospitality industry, NSFAS offers funding for courses in areas such as cooking, baking, food and beverage service, and accommodation.
4. Information Technology and Computer Science: The growing demand for IT skills has led to increased funding for courses in this field. NSFAS supports various IT-related programs, including software development, network administration, and cybersecurity.
5. Health Sciences: TVET colleges offer a variety of healthcare courses, such as nursing, pharmacy assistants, and environmental health. NSFAS recognizes the importance of healthcare professionals and provides financial assistance for these programs.
6. Education and Development: Aspiring educators can benefit from NSFAS funding for early childhood development, adult basic education, and other related courses.

Does NSFAS Fund All TVET Courses?

While NSFAS covers a substantial number of courses, it’s important to note that not all programs are eligible for funding.

Factors such as course duration, level of qualification, and the TVET college’s accreditation can influence funding eligibility.

How to Apply for NSFAS Funding?

To apply for NSFAS funding, you need to follow the application process outlined by NSFAS.

This normally involves creating an online profile, providing personal and financial information, and submitting supporting documents.

You will have to apply long before the academic year begins to increase your chances of securing funding.

What Does NSFAS Cover?

NSFAS funding covers tuition fees, registration fees, accommodation, meals, textbooks, and transport allowances.

However, the actual amount allocated may depend on your circumstances and the cost of living in your area.

Can I Use NSFAS for Postgraduate Studies?

NSFAS primarily focuses on undergraduate studies. Postgraduate students are generally not eligible for NSFAS funding.

However, there may be limited exceptions or alternative funding options available.

It’s advisable to explore options like the National Research Foundation (NRF) for postgraduate funding.