The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) is a government student bursary scheme that provides financial assistance in the form of bursaries.
The bursary is disbursed to qualified and deserving students attending one of the 26 public universities and/or 50 Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Colleges in South Africa.
A NSFAS bursary covers the costs of your studies, including tuition fees, food, accommodation, books and travel allowances.
While it is hoped for that NSFAS will fund all types of courses, such as undergraduate and postgraduate courses, short courses and bridging courses, NSFAS primarily funds undergraduate courses.
Unfortunately, NSFAS does not provide financial assistance towards any bridging courses at any institutions. The scheme only provides funding for your first degree or a diploma, lasting three years or more at a university or TVET college.
Other courses that NSFAS does not fund include the following:
- Postgraduate Studies
- Short Courses
- Courses offered at a private college or private higher education institution
- Second degrees
- Part-time studies
Students wishing to take a bridging course may have to seek funding from alternative sources such as South African Banks or Fundi, which specializes in providing student loans to help students pay for their schooling and other associated costs.
