Important note:
NSFAS funds ALL public universities and ALL public TVET colleges in South Africa. If an institution is public and registered with the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET), NSFAS funding is accepted for eligible students.
Public Universities Funded by NSFAS (Full List)
Eastern Cape
- University of Fort Hare (UFH)
- Walter Sisulu University (WSU)
- Nelson Mandela University (NMU)
- Rhodes University
Free State
- University of the Free State (UFS)
- Central University of Technology (CUT)
Gauteng
- University of Johannesburg (UJ)
- University of Pretoria (UP)
- University of the Witwatersrand (Wits)
- Tshwane University of Technology (TUT)
- Vaal University of Technology (VUT)
KwaZulu-Natal
- University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN)
- Durban University of Technology (DUT)
- Mangosuthu University of Technology (MUT)
Limpopo
- University of Limpopo (UL)
- University of Venda (UNIVEN)
Mpumalanga
- University of Mpumalanga (UMP)
North West
- North-West University (NWU)
Northern Cape
- Sol Plaatje University (SPU)
Western Cape
- University of Cape Town (UCT)
- Stellenbosch University (SU)*
- University of the Western Cape (UWC)
- Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT)
*Stellenbosch University accepts NSFAS and may offer top-up or gap funding for qualifying students.
TVET Colleges That Accept NSFAS Funding
NSFAS funds all 50 public TVET colleges in South Africa.
Examples by Province
Gauteng
- Central Johannesburg TVET College
- Ekurhuleni East TVET College
- Ekurhuleni West TVET College
- Tshwane North TVET College
- Tshwane South TVET College
Western Cape
- Boland TVET College
- False Bay TVET College
- Northlink TVET College
- College of Cape Town
Limpopo
- Capricorn TVET College
- Mopani South East TVET College
- Lephalale TVET College
(All other public TVET colleges nationwide are also NSFAS-funded.)
What NSFAS Covers at These Institutions
For universities, NSFAS generally covers:
- Tuition fees
- Approved accommodation
- Living allowance
- Transport allowance (where applicable)
- Learning materials allowance
For TVET colleges, NSFAS covers:
- Tuition
- Accommodation (where applicable)
- Transport allowance
- Personal care allowance
Funding depends on financial eligibility, academic progression rules, and registration status.
How to Confirm If Your Institution Accepts NSFAS
- Check whether the institution is public and DHET-registered
- Visit the official NSFAS website and view the list of funded institutions
- Confirm with the institution’s financial aid office
How to Apply for NSFAS Funding
- Applications are done online via the NSFAS portal
- NSFAS applications usually open September–October for the next academic year
- You must apply even if the university accepts NSFAS
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Do private colleges accept NSFAS?
No. NSFAS does not fund private colleges or private universities.
Can NSFAS fund postgraduate studies?
Generally no. NSFAS mainly funds undergraduate qualifications at public institutions.
Opportunities & Resources:
If I change universities, will NSFAS still fund me?
Yes, if the new institution is public and you meet NSFAS progression rules.
Summary
If you are studying or planning to study at a public university or public TVET college in South Africa, that institution accepts NSFAS funding. The key requirement is meeting NSFAS eligibility criteria, not the institution itself.
