Courses that are not Funded by NSFAS
The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) is a government-funded initiative in South Africa designed to assist financially disadvantaged students in accessing higher education. While NSFAS covers a wide range of qualifications at public universities and TVET colleges, there are certain courses that do not qualify for funding.
Understanding which courses are not funded by NSFAS can help prospective students make informed decisions before applying for financial aid. In this article, we will explore the courses that NSFAS does not fund and provide alternative funding options for students interested in these qualifications.
Courses that are not Funded by NSFAS
- Courses at Private Institutions
One of the key limitations of NSFAS funding is that it only supports students studying at public institutions. Private universities, colleges, and training academies are not eligible for NSFAS funding.
This means that if you are considering enrolling in a private institution such as Damelin, Boston City Campus, or IIE Varsity College, you will need to explore alternative funding options, such as private bursaries, scholarships, or student loans.
- Postgraduate Degrees
NSFAS primarily funds undergraduate qualifications. If you are planning to pursue a postgraduate degree such as an Honours, Master’s, or Doctoral degree, you will not be eligible for NSFAS funding.
However, students seeking financial assistance for postgraduate studies can explore other funding opportunities such as the National Research Foundation (NRF), university merit bursaries, and corporate scholarships.
If you want to pursue postgraduate studies, you can apply for the NSFAS Loan, which will need to be repaid back.
- Short Courses and Part-Time Studies
NSFAS does not fund short courses or part-time studies. The funding scheme is designed to support students who are enrolled in full-time qualifications at public universities and TVET colleges. Short courses, which often last a few weeks or months and are offered by both public and private institutions, are not eligible for NSFAS funding.
If you are looking to enrol in a short course, you may consider funding options such as:
- Employer sponsorship (if the course is related to career development)
- Private bursaries
- Self-funding options
- Certain Certificate and Diploma Programs
While NSFAS does fund some certificate and diploma courses at TVET colleges and universities, there are limitations. Specifically, NSFAS does not fund non-credit-bearing courses, certain bridging programmes, or qualifications that are not aligned with the National Qualifications Framework (NQF).
Before enrolling in a diploma or certificate programme, it is advisable to check whether your course is recognized by NSFAS and meets the eligibility requirements. Ensure that you visit the NSFAS website to see if the course you want to study is funded by NSFAS.
- Courses That Are Not Accredited by SAQA
The South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) oversees the accreditation of qualifications within the country. NSFAS only funds courses that are accredited and recognized by SAQA. If a course does not have SAQA accreditation, it is not eligible for NSFAS funding.
Students should verify the accreditation status of their chosen course by checking the SAQA website or consulting with their prospective institution.
- Courses Offered by Institutions Outside South Africa
NSFAS funding is strictly available for students studying within South Africa at recognized public universities and TVET colleges. If you are considering studying abroad, whether at an international university or through an exchange program, you will not be able to receive financial aid from NSFAS.
Students who wish to study abroad can explore alternative funding sources such as:
- International scholarships (e.g., Mandela Rhodes Foundation, Fulbright Scholarship, Commonwealth Scholarship)
- Education loans
- Crowdfunding or sponsorship programs
- Non-Degree/diploma Courses
Non-degree or diploma programmes, such as skills-based training courses, are not covered by NSFAS. This includes courses in fields like:
- Beauty therapy
- Hospitality and catering short courses
- Event management workshops
- Computer literacy courses
Alternative Funding Options
If you are interested in a course that is not funded by NSFAS, here are some alternative funding options:
University Scholarships and Bursaries
Most universities offer internal scholarships and bursaries based on academic merit, financial need, or other criteria. Check with your chosen institution’s financial aid office for available options.
Corporate and Government Bursaries
Many companies and government departments provide bursaries to students pursuing specific fields of study. Some well-known bursary providers include:
- Funza Lushaka Bursary (for teaching studies)
- Eskom Bursary (for engineering and technical studies)
- Department of Health Bursaries (for medical and nursing students)
Bank Loans and Student Loans
Banks such as Standard Bank, ABSA, and Nedbank offer student loans to help cover tuition fees. These loans often require a guarantor and accrue interest over time.
SETA (Sector Education and Training Authority) Funding
SETA provides funding for skills development in various industries. If you are pursuing a skills-based qualification, you may be eligible for SETA funding.
Crowdfunding and Fundraising
Some students turn to crowdfunding platforms such as BackaBuddy and GoFundMe to raise funds for their studies.
6. Employer Sponsorship
If you are currently employed, your employer may be willing to fund your studies if the course aligns with your job role and career development.
Conclusion
While NSFAS is an excellent financial aid option for many South African students, it does not cover all courses and programmes. It is important for students to carefully research and confirm whether their chosen qualification is eligible for funding before applying.
For those whose courses are not funded by NSFAS, there are many alternative options, including scholarships, bursaries, student loans, and employer sponsorships. Exploring these options can help ensure that financial constraints do not become a barrier to achieving your educational and career goals.
If you are unsure whether your course qualifies for NSFAS funding, visit the official NSFAS website or contact your institution’s financial aid office for guidance.
