Private colleges serve as an attractive alternative for students who may not want to attend public universities and Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) colleges.
There are more than 300 registered private colleges in South Africa which demonstrate the demand for alternatives to public higher education institutions.
Private colleges play a crucial role in the country and often offer courses that public institutions don't. Courses like sound engineering, fashion, sports and fitness, movie making and lots of other specialised courses are offered at private institutions in South Africa.
Courses at private colleges can cost more than they do at public institutions. This is because they do not receive government subsidies and potential shortfalls may need to recuperate from the fees students pay.
Students attending private colleges are not eligible to receive bursaries from the National Students Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS). However, there are alternative bursaries available to students at private institutions.
Here are a few requirements a private college bursary application may ask:
1. Be a South African Citizen
This is probably the most common requirement if you're applying to a South African private institution.
The bursary providers may ask you to submit a copy of your South African ID or simply fill in your ID number. If you are an international student looking to apply for a bursary, there may be different requirements that you'll need to meet.
2. Good Academic History
A bursary application may ask to see a school report from your Grade 11 or Grade 12 year, if you're applying while still in high school.
If you've already completed your matric, you'll probably need to provide the same documents or if you've begun studying without financial aid, you'll need to submit your college academic results from the year before.
Typically, your academic records should reflect good marks. There is usually a certain percentage you'll need to meet for certain subjects (like 60% for English, for example), but the bursary provider will specify that if necessary.
3. Have a Matric Certificate
The minimum requirement typically asked of any bursary applicant is proof that they have at least a matric certificate under their belts.
If you're applying for a private college bursary before completing your Grade 12 year, the bursary providers may ask you to submit it once you've received it/your results have been published.
If you've already passed your matric, you will most likely be asked to submit a copy of your certificate as proof.
4. Acceptance into an Institution of Higher Education
Before you gain approval to receive a bursary, you typically have to be accepted into an institution of higher learning, in this case a private college.
You'll usually be asked to submit a copy of your acceptance letter or proof of registration as evidence that you planning on pursuing or are already pursuing tertiary education.
5. Must Be in Need of Financial Assistance
A bursary is a way of providing financial assistance for those who need it the most. While bursaries can be awarded for excellence, many bursaries aim to redress past injustices by providing financial aid to needy scholars.
For this reason, bursary providers may limit access to a bursary opportunity by only accepting applicants from a specific race or economic background.
You'll most likely be asked to submit proof of your family's household income as evidence that you and your family cannot afford to pay for higher education out of your own pocket.
