Which Universities Does NSFAS Fund?

NSFAS funds eligible students at all 26 public universities in South Africa. It does not fund private universities or private higher education institutions.

The 26 public universities

Type	Universities
Traditional universities	North-West University; Rhodes University; Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University; Sol Plaatje University; Stellenbosch University; University of Cape Town; University of Fort Hare; University of KwaZulu-Natal; University of Limpopo; University of Mpumalanga; University of Pretoria; University of the Free State; University of the Western Cape; University of the Witwatersrand
Comprehensive universities	Nelson Mandela University; University of Johannesburg; University of South Africa (Unisa); University of Venda; Walter Sisulu University; University of Zululand
Universities of technology	Cape Peninsula University of Technology; Central University of Technology; Durban University of Technology; Mangosuthu University of Technology; Tshwane University of Technology; Vaal University of Technology

The grouping into traditional, comprehensive and technology universities is the common sector grouping. The Department of Higher Education and Training lists all 26 as public universities.

What NSFAS funds at these universities

• First higher certificates, diplomas and bachelor’s degrees, up to NQF Level 8.
• Not postgraduate qualifications.
• Not a second undergraduate qualification.

How university funding differs from TVET funding

	University	TVET college
Academic rule for continuing students (2026)	Pass 50% of registered modules	Pass 70% of enrolled modules, plus subject rules per level
Allowances paid	Through the university in 2026	Into the student’s own bank account
Moving between sectors	Moving to a TVET college means reapplying	Moving to university means reapplying

See NSFAS and postgraduate study and NSFAS at Unisa.

Frequently asked questions