Which courses are not funded by NSFAS?

NSFAS (National Student Financial Aid Scheme) generally does not fund postgraduate studies, short courses, part-time courses, second degrees, or studies at private colleges, focusing primarily on undergraduate programs at public universities and TVET colleges for qualifying South African citizens. Funding also stops if you exceed income thresholds or already have a degree.

Who does not qualify for NSFAS?

Who should not apply? Students who have completed a previous qualification. Students with a combined household income of more than R350 000 per annum. Students who have already applied, qualified and received funding.

Does NSFAS cover all tuition fees?

Costs covered include registration fee, tuition and learning materials, accommodation (capped) or transport, a living allowance, and a personal care allowance. The amounts are aligned with the latest approved DHET guidelines. NSFAS, however, is not a full-cost bursary.

Does NSFAS fund the boilermaker course?

Certification: QCTO Occupational Certificate leading to Trade Certificate upon successful completion of External Integrated Summative Assessment (EISA). Financial Aid: NSFAS funding available for qualifying students.

Does NSFAS fund online courses?

You can apply for NSFAS Bursary when you study via Distance Learning. The Bursary will cover: Full-Time Programme Fees Rate *Balance payable will be invoiced to you on Registration.

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Which courses are not funded by NSFAS at UNISA?

NSFAS does not cover the following: • Short courses • Courses offered at a private college or private higher education institution. Part-time studies. Postgraduate studies. Second degrees.

What happens if I fail with NSFAS?

A student whose application for financial aid is rejected, or the financial aid for a continuing student is withdrawn , may lodge an appeal with the NSFAS. The appeal decisions are subject to budget availability. Appeals will only be considered for students who has applied to NSFAS for Financial Aid.

Can NSFAS fund a second degree?

No, NSFAS only funds a student's first qualification.

Is Northlink funded by NSFAS?

Northlink College is a technical and vocational education and training (TVET) college that receives NSFAS funding for students who need the financial aid to further their studies.

Is NSFAS open for 2026?

The NSFAS Registration Upload Portal opened on 5 January 2026. Universities are strongly encouraged to submit complete and accurate registration data early. It must be noted that disbursements will be strictly based on data accuracy and completeness.

Does NSFAS pay the landlord directly?

NSFAS directly processes payments to individual landlords and does not make payments to associations.

Why does NSFAS reject people?

NSFAS confirmed that 49,538 rejected applications were mainly from first-time applicants whose household income exceeded the R350,000 threshold. The scheme said rejected students, including first-time entrants and continuing students, have the right to appeal funding decisions.

What happens if you don't pay back NSFAS?

13.1 In the event that the student does not satisfy the service commitment and further fails to repay the total amount of the Bursary, NSFAS shall be entitled to submit adverse information concerning the student to a credit bureau.

Do I have to pay back financial aid?

Yes, some financial aid must be paid back (like loans), while others (like grants and scholarships) generally don't, unless you withdraw early or change enrollment status, which can trigger repayment for both, plus work-study earnings are earned income. Federal student loans always need repayment with interest after you leave school, but grants (like Pell Grants) are "free money" unless conditions aren't met, like dropping out before 60% of the term. 

What is the most financial aid a student can get?

There's no single "maximum" for financial aid, as it depends on need, school cost, and type (grants, loans, work-study), but federal loan limits cap at $57,500 for undergrads ($138,500 for grad students), while the maximum Pell Grant is about $7,395/year (2025-26). Total aid packages can sometimes cover 100% of need at generous schools, but usually fall within federal limits set by your FAFSA and school. 

How many years is a 2nd bachelor's degree?

You can earn a second bachelor's degree in 1-2 years. You'll probably need to complete at least 30-36 credits, the equivalent of all your major courses, and your new school will give you credit for the core and elective courses you've already completed.

How will I fund my studies?

Find scholarships, bursaries, and grants

You could be eligible for more funding than you think. Explore scholarships, bursaries, and grants matched to your background, achievements, or chosen course, and get support for your study and living costs.

Will NSFAS pay for November 2025?

Dear NSFAS Student, Please be advised that November 2025 allowances for books, meals and transport, where applicable, will be disbursed by 1 November 2025. Payments for private accommodation will be processed by 7 November 2025.

Why does NSFAS stop funding a student?

6.4 Should a student become financially ineligible due to changes in household income or fail to meet academic requirements, NSFAS reserves the right to cancel the loan funding. The student may appeal for reconsideration based on their circumstances.

Can I fail a module and still graduate?

Failing a module can be the reason you will not graduate. However, you can explore several options to ensure that you don't perform poorly in any module or exam. For instance, you can re-sit the module or retake it in the following academic year.

How many years does NSFAS fund a student?

NSFAS funding follows the N+1 rule, which means students are funded for the minimum duration of their programme plus one additional year. This rule also applies when transferring between institutions. Students transferring to UCT must ensure they have enough funding years left to complete their degree at UCT.

Is it true that NSFAS will be 5200?

Kindly note this information is false and is causing confusion and concern amongst NSFAS beneficiaries and other stakeholders" Why fake news?

Does NSFAS pay for transport?

For NSFAS qualifying students we pay for:

Transport Allowance. Accommodation Allowance.