South African students facing financial challenges are not in a unique position, regarding funding their studies. However, the idea of a universal student grant in South Africa is a myth.
The primary student financial aid scheme for qualifying applicants at public universities and TVET colleges is the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS). Students who do not meet the NSFAS criteria can explore other options, including SETA bursaries, university financial aid, government bursaries, and other funding opportunities.
NSFAS describes the bursary as funding for qualifying South African citizens at public universities and TVET colleges with financial needs based on their household income.
What student funding options are available in South Africa?
The following student funding options are available in South Africa:
- NSFAS bursaries
- SETA bursaries
- University bursaries and financial aid
- Funza Lushaka bursaries for teaching
- Student loans, including NSFAS student loans for eligible applicants with a household income below the specified threshold
The best student funding options depend on the institution, qualification, and household income, as well as eligibility criteria pertinent to a particular student funding scheme.
1. NSFAS bursary
NSFAS is the country’s primary student financial aid scheme that funds qualifying South African citizens at public universities and TVET colleges.
According to NSFAS guidelines, the combined income of a qualifying student’s household should be below R350,000. Students with disabilities have an income threshold of R600,000 . Recipients of SASSA grants automatically qualify for NSFAS bursaries, according to the NSFAS .
Eligible students can apply for NSFAS bursaries that contribute to approved study costs, including registration, tuition fees, study manuals, residence, and transport or meals allowances, depending on the funding scheme’s criteria and limits.
Although household income is a significant predictor of eligibility for an NSFAS bursary, applicants should be aware that the scheme considers academic, institutional, and qualification-related eligibility criteria.
Who qualifies for NSFAS?
Eligibility criteria listed on the NSFAS website include:
- South African citizens, permanent residents, or, in the case of foster students, foster care students;
- Study or intend to study at a qualifying public university or TVET college;
- Meet the specified household-income criteria;
- Fulfill academic and other eligibility requirements;
- Provide required documents.
According to NSFAS guidelines, the following documents are vital and should be provided:
Personal information
Parent or guardian information
Income proof
The NSFAS website
2. SETA bursaries
Prospective students who do not meet the NSFAS bursary eligibility criteria should not despair, as the Sector Education and Training Authorities (SETAs) offer bursaries and other study funding options to qualifying applicants. The government has identified SETA bursaries as an alternative source of student financial aid to fund studies at public universities and TVET colleges. SETA bursaries target students who do not meet the NSFAS eligibility criteria and have vacant critical-skill positions.
SETA bursaries are not a standardized scheme because each SETA has its own bursary program with varying eligibility criteria, fields of study, deadlines, academic requirements, funding guidelines, and application procedures. Therefore, it is crucial to research the SETA(s) that fund your field of study and follow the guidelines these organizations set.
3. University bursaries and financial aid
Public universities have bursaries and financial aid programs for qualifying students based on financial need, academic merit, and other criteria, including sporting excellence.
The Department of Basic Education notes that universities offer bursaries and awards to fund studies for financially disadvantaged students, as well as those with academic excellence and athletic talent, according to their respective eligibility criteria. Therefore, students should contact the financial aid office at their preferred institution and ask about the bursaries and awards available to prospective students. The type of bursary and awards differ per university, and students should use the official website of their preferred institution instead of social media platforms.
4. Funza Lushaka Bursary
Funza Lushaka Bursary offers bursaries to students pursuing teaching degrees at public universities and TVET colleges. According to Funza Lushaka Bursary guidelines, the bursary covers the cost of study at public universities and colleges. In addition, it targets the country’s teaching needs by funding students in shortlisted fields of study.
However, Funza Lushaka Bursary comes with a condition that binds the recipient to work in a public school for the same number of years as the duration of their studies funded by the bursary. In other words, Funza Lushaka Bursary is not a student grant but a conditional award with specific terms and conditions.
5. Student loans
Unlike bursaries and awards, student loans require repayment and should be explored with caution.
NSFAS grants student loans to eligible applicants whose household income falls below the specified NSFAS bursary threshold and meets the income guidelines for student loans. According to the NSFAS , student loans are available to South African citizens and permanent residents whose combined household income does not exceed R600,000 but is above the R350,000 threshold, considering other eligibility criteria.
In addition to the household-income criteria, student applicants must meet the academic requirements NSFAS sets for student loans. In short, students should understand all the criteria and terms and conditions of a student loan before applying for a student loan.
Apart from subsidized student loans, private education finance companies, banks, and other financial institutions also fund students’ studies through unsubsidized student loans. It is crucial to compare the terms and conditions of a student loan, including repayment terms, before applying.
NSFAS website
Is NSFAS a student grant?
When discussing student funding schemes in South Africa, it is essential to note that NSFAS is not a student grant scheme but a bursary scheme for qualifying students. The South African government refers to bursary schemes when discussing financial aid programs for students who need assistance with their studies. Therefore, students should be wary of social media posts that lure applicants into providing personal information by advertising a so-called NSFAS student grant.
Can TVET college students get funding?
TVET college students can get funded through NSFAS . In fact, NSFAS funds qualifying students at public TVET colleges and public universities. However, TVET college students should be aware that NSFAS funding covers registration, tuition fees, and other allowances based on specific eligibility criteria. In addition, NSFAS sets out different application cycles for TVET college students depending on whether the applicant has opted for a trimester, semester, or annual program.
Can I get a bursary if I do not qualify for NSFAS?
Students who do not qualify for NSFAS bursaries have several funding options, including SETA bursaries, university bursaries, government bursaries, company bursaries, foundation bursaries, student loans, and other financial aid programs administered by financial institutions. The government has identified SETA bursaries as a funding option for students, including the so-called missing middle.
How can I get more funding?
Students should identify the student funding options that apply to their situations and follow the application procedures.
For example, students interested in teaching should explore the Funza Lushaka Bursary in addition to NSFAS bursaries, SETA bursaries, and university bursaries and financial aid options, including bursaries for sporting excellence. At the same time, TVET college students should apply for NSFAS bursaries and SETA bursaries in their field of study. On the other hand, students whose household income falls below the NSFAS threshold can explore SETA bursaries and student loans. It is always essential to apply well in advance of the application deadline while retaining all the documents submitted. In addition, students should frequently visit the websites of prospective funding organizations since bursaries and other financial aid opportunities change throughout the year.
Avoiding student-funding scams
Students should be wary of funding scams, including counterfeit bursaries and unauthorized application procedures.
Some of the red flags that indicate a student-funding scam include being asked for money to unlock a bursary, guaranteeing an NSFAS grant, requesting the student’s banking PIN, asking for money to facilitate the application process, using unofficial website links, and impersonating a university or SETA without verifiable evidence.
Therefore, when applying for a bursary, it is crucial to use the official website of the institution offering the bursary, scholarship, or financial aid.
FAQs
Is there a universal student grant in South Africa?
South Africa does not have a universal student grant. However, students who meet specific eligibility criteria can explore bursaries, financial aid programs, and student loans.
What is the main government funding option for university students?
The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) is the main student funding option for qualifying students at public universities and TVET colleges.
What is the NSFAS income limit?
The combined income of a qualifying student’s household should be below R350,000 gross per year, with an increased threshold of R600,000 for persons with disabilities, taking into account other eligibility criteria.
Can students who do not qualify for NSFAS get a bursary?
Students who do not qualify for NSFAS bursaries can explore SETA bursaries, university bursaries and financial aid, government bursaries, company bursaries, foundation bursaries, and student loans.
Do I have to repay a bursary?
Generally, bursaries do not require repayment. However, specific bursaries, such as the Funza Lushaka Bursary, come with conditions, such as a mandatory teaching service at a public educational institution. Therefore, it is essential to understand the terms and conditions of a bursary before accepting it.
Final advice for students
There is no one-size-fits-all student funding solution in South Africa. NSFAS bursaries are the preferred student funding option for public university and TVET college students, whereas SETA bursaries, university financial aid programs, and other funding schemes are also viable options. It is essential to visit the website of the organization offering a bursary, scholarship, or financial aid program to confirm eligibility criteria and application procedures.
Students should note that funding eligibility is a separate application from university or TVET college admission. Although both are required to study at a public university or TVET college, they have different application procedures and deadlines.
Sources
This article was compared against information published by NSFAS, the South African Government, and the Department of Basic Education.
NSFAS official bursary information
South African Government: NSFAS financial assistance
Department of Basic Education: Funding your studies
Editorial Policy
Our education and careers content is intended to offer learners, students, parents, and job seekers helpful, informative and independent reports and resources.
We consult official sources and make sure to double-check funding rules, income thresholds, application periods, and eligibility requirements before publishing articles.
Disclaimer
This article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered an application for financial assistance. Eligibility for funding does not guarantee that an applicant will receive a scholarship or bursary. Additionally, funding providers may impose other academic, institutional, qualification, and administrative requirements. This article does not constitute an offer of any kind.
Student Awareness
Students should never pay an unofficial person to help them secure NSFAS , SETA , or bursary funding. Always use verified websites and official institutional procedures and ensure that you safeguard your credentials when using online platforms. Keep copies of all documents you submit to any funding organization.
