NSFAS Funding for 2023

NSFAS (National Student Financial Aid Scheme) is a South African public entity governed by the NSFAS Act that provides financial assistance to students in the form of loans and bursaries. Its primary objective is to provide financial aid to students from low-income families, enabling them to pursue higher education and training.

For the year 2023, NSFAS is offering several bursary programs to eligible students who wish to further their education. The bursary programs available include:

1. Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) – This bursary program covers the full cost of college fees, including travel and accommodation expenses, for students enrolled in TVET colleges.
2. Funza Lushaka Bursary Programme – This program provides support for students pursuing teaching degrees and is available to university students. The bursary covers most of the recipient’s expenses for their studies, including tuition fees, accommodation and meals, book allowance, and a small allowance for monthly living expenses. Bursary recipients are required to teach in public schools for the duration of the bursary received.
3. Social Work Bursary – Provided by the Department of Social Development, this bursary is aimed at students who wish to pursue a Bachelor of Social Work degree. Financial assistance is provided to youth between the ages of 18 to 35 years with a priority given to those who meet government goals for youth participation in socio-economic activities. The bursary covers the cost of registration, tuition fee, book allowance, accommodation, meals, and stipends for practical work experience.
4. Disability Bursary Programme – This bursary provides financial support to applicants with disabilities who have good academic performance. Eligible students must provide proof of disability and a quotation for assistive devices, which will be provided to the student disability unit at the university or TVET college where they are studying. This is aimed at improving the quality of life of students with disabilities and reducing their costs of dependency and care while also enhancing their prospects of employment and participation in the economy through higher education.

NSFAS bursary holders are required to work in South Africa for a specified period after graduation. If they are unable to find employment within three months of completing their studies, they must apply in writing to NSFAS for a fair exit clause or buy-out clause to be considered.

To be eligible for NSFAS funding, applicants must be South African citizens and must meet certain academic requirements for their chosen field of study. For undergraduate studies, applicants must be enrolled in a public university or TVET college, must not already have an NSFAS application reference number, and must not be receiving any NSFAS funding for the current academic year. For postgraduate studies, only students in specific fields of study are eligible, including B Tech in Architecture or Biokinetics, a Postgraduate Certificate in Education, a Postgraduate Diploma in Accounting, and a Bachelor of Laws. For TVET college bursaries, students must be registered at a public South African TVET college and enrolled in a National Certificate (vocational) or a Report 191 (NATED) program.

To apply for NSFAS funding, students must first register or re-register on the myNSFAS account at the NSFAS website (www.nsfas.org.za). The application process involves completing an online application form and providing the necessary supporting documentation. More information on the application process and deadlines can be found on the NSFAS website.