The University of South Africa (Unisa) is one of the institutions to consider if you are looking to study towards a qualification in Education. The university also offers bridging courses for those who have not managed to meet the qualification’s entry requirements.
However, since funding assistance is crucial for completing one’s tertiary studies, this also begs the question of whether the university’s education bridging course candidates meet the eligibility requirements for funding by the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS).
Unfortunately for this cohort of Unisa students, NSFAS does not cover bridging courses since they are considered short courses that will help them qualify for a higher qualification, which would be teaching in this scenario. So students must cover the cost of the bridging course and apply for NSFAS after gaining entry into their preferred field of study.
Now although the bursary scheme does cover teaching courses at Unisa. Students still have to meet the NSFAS funding requirements, which include the following recent adjustments:
- First Time Entering Students (FTENs) are expected to achieve a course credit pass rate of 50%.
- Continued funding will be granted to students who maintain a 55% course credit pass rate, instead of the previous 50%.
- Returning students will need to meet the ongoing academic obligations for funding, which are set to be readjusted to have 60% as the course credit pass rate over time.
- The N+ rule for distance-learning students is also set to be reviewed as of 2024.
NSFAS aims to minimize existing barriers to entry into the country’s higher education system. This is done by providing financial aid to underprivileged students from poor and working class families in the country’s public universities and TVET colleges.
For more detailed information on the tuition fees, applications and courses offered by Unisa, you can visit our Where To Study directory.
