Many students rely on the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) to fund their education. This government-funded bursary covers registration, tuition, and monthly allowances for eligible students. But does NSFAS fund private colleges and institutions? Let’s break it down.Does NSFAS Fund Private Colleges?
The simple answer is no. NSFAS only provides funding for students enrolled at public universities and Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) colleges.If you're planning to study at a private college or institution, you’ll need to explore other funding options, as NSFAS does not cover private institutions.
Check out the list of TVET Colleges here.Who Qualifies for NSFAS Funding?
If you're planning to study at a public university or TVET college, you must meet the following criteria to be eligible for NSFAS funding:
You are a South African citizen You are a SASSA grant recipient (automatic qualification) Your combined household income is R350,000 or less per year If you have a disability, your combined household income must not exceed R600,000 per yearWhat Happens After You Apply?
Once you've applied for NSFAS, your application will be reviewed. If your chosen institution confirms your acceptance, you’ll receive feedback from NSFAS before the academic year begins. Notifications will be sent via SMS, email, and your myNSFAS account.Once approved, NSFAS will cover your entire qualification as long as you continue to meet the academic requirements. That means your main focus should be studying and passing your modules to secure your funding.
For more details about NSFAS, click here.