South African students seeking finance assistance do not have to choose between the NSFAS and private bursaries at the point of application. In most cases, students can apply for multiple funders while they wait for a response from one organisation.
The situation becomes more complex if a student has been approved for both NSFAS and a private bursary.
Whether a student can keep both offers depends on the terms attached to the funding, the expenses that the awards cover and the requirements of the individual funders.
A student should be aware of these conditions before accepting an award, especially if one funding source covers tuition fees, accommodation or a study allowance.
Can you apply for a private bursary while waiting for NSFAS
Yes, provided that the student meets the eligibility criteria of the private bursary funders.
Private bursaries can come from companies, banks, charitable trusts, industry bodies and other organisations.
Some are need-based, but others specify academic achievement, particular qualifications or fields of study.
Applying for more than one bursary can increase a student’s options if their first application is unsuccessful or delayed.
However, students should always read the terms of the funding offer to make sure that they do not conflict with any other financial assistance that a student has received or intends to apply for.
What happens if NSFAS and a private bursary both approve you
Recipients of both forms of funding should be aware that one funder might cover tuition fees while the other pays for accommodation or a stipend.
The student should always read the terms of their awards to ensure that both sets of conditions can apply simultaneously.
It is also possible that one of the funders requires the student to choose between the two.
Students should not make assumptions about whether a private bursary is compatible with NSFAS or that a private bursary will always be available as a top-up payment.
Here are three things that a student should consider if both funding sources approve them.
- Check if there is funding for the same expenses
One of the key issues that a student should consider if they have received both offers is whether the two funders intend to pay for the same expenses.
For example, the student might find that a private bursary has been given to cover tuition fees, leaving them to apply for another form of funding to cover the remaining costs.
In some cases, the financial aid office at the student’s institution might be able to adjust the NSFAS payment to account for this.
The same issues can arise with other expenses such as accommodation, so it is important to clarify which funders have agreed to pay for which costs.
- Find out if a private bursary can supplement NSFAS
Some private bursaries only cover some of the costs of a degree course, especially if they have been awarded on a needs-based basis.
Meanwhile, other bursaries can provide more generous awards to cover approved expenses.
A student with a private bursary that only covers tuition fees should contact either the financial aid office at their institution or NSFAS directly to find out if they are eligible to receive additional funding.
NSFAS should not be considered as a guaranteed top-up payment for any private bursary awards because the outcome will depend on the particular circumstances.
However, it is important to obtain confirmation from the relevant funding bodies.
- Disclose other funding when necessary
When considering a combined funding arrangement, a student should always state their facts honestly and follow the disclosure rules of each funder.
If a student has received an offer from NSFAS and a private bursary, they might need to inform both sets of funders about the other offer and ask if there are any additional requirements.
Failure to follow the disclosure rules of a funder can lead to negative consequences.
Keeping a copy of any confirmation that a student receives about their combined funding arrangements is important.
Does NSFAS fund students at private colleges
NSFAS awards are intended to support eligible students at approved public universities and public TVET colleges.
Students who are considering studying at a private higher education institution should not assume that they will receive funding from NSFAS.
Instead, they should confirm that the institution is approved to participate in the scheme and that they meet the eligibility criteria.
Students who cannot access NSFAS or private bursaries might need to consider institutional funding or student loans, depending on the institution’s approval.
For more information, it is possible to view the official NSFAS website.
NSFAS vs private bursaries: Key differences
NSFAS Private bursaries
Institutions covered Eligible students at approved public universities and public TVET colleges Depends on the funder’s requirements
Eligibility Applicable NSFAS requirements May be based on financial need, academic performance, field of study or other criteria
Application process Official NSFAS application system Varies but usually through the individual funder
Expenses covered Approved tuition and other funding components, subject to the applicable rules Depends on the specific bursary agreement
Repayment Usually provided as bursary funding under the applicable scheme rules Often non-repayable, but conditions vary and some awards may include work-back obligations
Combining awards Depends on applicable rules and the student’s circumstances Depends on the bursary agreement and any restrictions on other funding
Students should always confirm the latest eligibility requirements for the current academic year rather than making assumptions about previous income thresholds or generalisations between the two funding types.
What should you do if you receive both offers
If both sets of funders have approved a student’s application, they should take the following steps before making a final decision.
Step 1: Read the award letters
A student should read both sets of conditions to understand the types of expenses that their awards can cover, any restrictions on other funding, the deadline for acceptance and other details that might be relevant to their situation.
Step 2: Notify the relevant parties
If one of the awards requires the student to disclose the other, they must inform NSFAS, the private bursary funders and their institution’s financial aid office.
Step 3: Ask how the awards will work together
A student should ask whether the private bursary that they have received can be combined with their NSFAS approval.
They should also contact the financial aid office at their institution to find out whether changes to their tuition payments or allowances might be necessary.
Step 4: Obtain written confirmation
A student should ask for an email or a letter that confirms which award they may accept and how the approval will work.
Step 5: Follow the funders’ instructions
If the terms of one or both awards require the student to choose between the two, they should follow the applicable instructions.
Where can you find private bursaries in South Africa
Students can search for bursaries on company websites, from banks, from charitable foundations, professional associations, industry bodies and university financial aid offices.
Before applying, a student should make sure that the opportunity is legitimate and that the advertisement includes the contact details of the relevant funder.
They should also review the eligibility requirements, the deadline for applications, the documents that they will need to submit and the conditions about other funding.
Anyone who asks for a payment in exchange for a private bursary or who demands a bribe should be treated with caution.
Frequently asked questions
Can I apply for a private bursary if my NSFAS application is still pending
Yes, a student can usually apply for a private bursary while they wait for an NSFAS response.
Can I receive NSFAS and a private bursary at the same time
Possibly, but the student should check the applicable rules, the bursary agreement and the expenses that each award covers.
Can NSFAS pay my accommodation if a private bursary covers my tuition
Do not make assumptions about this.
Ask NSFAS and the institution’s financial aid office to confirm whether the student is eligible for any additional funding.
Must I cancel my NSFAS application after receiving a private bursary
Not automatically.
A student should check the bursary agreement and contact the relevant funders to find out if they can retain both applications or awards.
Will applying for a private bursary automatically disqualify me from NSFAS
Applying for a private bursary does not automatically disqualify a student from receiving NSFAS funding.
Their eligibility will depend on the applicable NSFAS requirements and their individual circumstances.
Where can I confirm the latest NSFAS rules
A student should visit the official NSFAS website and contact either NSFAS or their institution’s financial aid office for guidance.
Final advice for students
Applying for a private bursary while seeking NSFAS funding can give students more options about how to fund their studies.
A student does not have to wait for an NSFAS response before applying for another form of financial assistance.
The student should make sure that they understand the difference between applying for multiple awards and being eligible to receive multiple awards.
A student should always read the terms of their awards, disclose any other funding when necessary and obtain written confirmation before relying on a combined funding arrangement.
Sources and verification
This article aims to provide general guidance on student funding.
Individual private bursary agreements and the current NSFAS rules determine whether particular awards can be combined.
For authoritative guidance, a student should consult the official NSFAS website, the relevant private bursary provider and their institution’s financial aid office.
Corrections and updates
Funding conditions can change.
Any decision about combining awards should be checked against the latest official terms from the relevant funders and institution.
