Students in need of financial aid to attend tertiary education turn to the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) for assistance.
NSFAS aims to cover the cost of tuition, registration and other costs incurred during the duration of their studies.
National Certificate Vocational [NC(V)] courses are available at TVET colleges. This means that since they are offered at TVET colleges, they are funded by NSFAS.
TVET colleges are educational institutions that focus on vocational training programmes, education and training. They aim to train students to become skilled workers in the workforce.
NC(V) qualifications were introduced to provide workplace-based skill sets in various career fields that are needed in the country.
With an NC(V) qualification, students are given the opportunity to study a higher education program in the same learning area.
Entry requirements for an NC(V) qualification differ depending on the field but the basic minimum requirement is a Grade 9 pass, ABET certificate or NQF 1 certificate.
Students are, therefore, given the chance to develop their skills and study towards a successful career without finishing Grade 12.
TVET colleges also offer an NC(V) course which allows students to obtain their matric certificate.
Funding from NSFAS covers registration costs, tuition fees, transport, living expenses and learning materials.
Those who fit the following requirements are eligible to apply for NSFAS:
- A South African citizen or permanent resident.
- Sassa grant beneficiaries also qualify for funding.
- Those with a combined household income of not more than R350 000 per year.
- Persons with disabilities: Combined household income must not be more than R600 000 per year.
Students are funded for the duration of their studies granted that they pass their modules and meet the academic requirements.