The bursary provided by the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) funds students who wish to study at TVET colleges or public universities in South Africa.
North West University is one of the 26 public universities in the country which means that students who attend the university qualify for funding from NSFAS.
Tuition fees and registration costs are provided to students funded by NSFAS. These students also receive the following allowances, which include accommodation, learning materials, meals, transport and other living expenses.
Students interested in applying for the bursary need to meet the following requirements:
- Should have a combined household income which comes to R350 000 a year or less.
- Persons living with a disability should have a combined household income of R600 000 or less per year.
- All Sassa recipients immediately qualify.
- Must be applying to or studying at one of the 26 public universities or 50 TVET colleges in the country.
- Must be a South African citizen or permanent resident.
- Need to have passed Grade 12.
Students of any age may apply for the bursary since NSFAS does not have an age limit.
However, the bursary does not fund postgraduate courses, only first undergraduate degrees.
Students living with disabilities receive extra support, such as:
- Medical Assessment: 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 study.
- Human Support: To cover for the cost of a caregiver, guide dog, scribe, tutor or sign language interpreter.