The DHET bursary, commonly known as the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) bursary covers a range of courses and programmes offered by TVET colleges and universities across the country.
To be eligible for the DHET bursary, an applicant must be a South African citizen, come from a family with a combined annual household income of not more than R350 000 per annum
In the case of students with a disability the combined annual household income may not exceed R600 000 per annum.
Students who are approved for the DHET bursary are covered for the following:
- Registration fees
- Tuition fees
Additional amounts are indicated for accommodation, living allowance, transport and learning materials that are aligned with the approved DHET guidelines.
Here's what the DHET Bursary covers:
Applicable for University students:
- Accommodation - as per the actual costs charged by the university (costs for private accommodation must not exceed costs for university residence)
- Transport (up to 40 km from institution) R7 500 per annum
- Living allowance R15, 000 per annum
- Book allowances R5200 per annum
- Incidental/personal care allowance R2900 per annum for students in catered residences
Applicable for TVET college students:
- Accommodation in an urban area R24,000 per annum
- Accommodation in an peri-urban area R18,900 per annum
- Accommodation in an rural area R15,750 per annum
- Transport (up to 40 km from institution) R7,350 per annum
- Transport R7000 per annum
- Incidental/personal care allowance R2900 per annum
Extra support is provided to students living with disabilities, such as:
- Medical assessments: The assessment is limited to one assessment for the duration of the qualification and on request by the Disability Unit/Student Support
- Assistive devices: Limited to one assistive device for the duration of the qualification.
- Human support: To cover for the cost of human support such as a caregiver, guide-dog, scribe, tutor, or sign language interpreter.
For more information on the Nsfas and other bursary opportunities visit the Bursaries Portal.
