NSFAS, South Africa’s National Student Financial Aid Scheme, provides financial aid to students from poor and working class backgrounds who wish to further their studies at public universities and Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) colleges. NSFAS funding covers tuition and registration fees, as well as living expenses such as accommodation, transport, meals and learning materials. To qualify for NSFAS funding, students must meet certain criteria, including academic merit and financial need. NSFAS funding is essential for many students in South Africa, as it allows them to access higher education and improve their future prospects.
Nsfas-Accredited Public Institutions
The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (Nsfas) is a government-funded programme that provides financial assistance to students from poor and working-class families in South Africa. Nsfas funds students who are studying at public universities, universities of technology, and public Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) colleges.
The following is a list of Nsfas-accredited public institutions:
- Universities
- University of Cape Town
- University of the Western Cape
- University of Stellenbosch
- University of Pretoria
- University of the Witwatersrand
- University of Johannesburg
- University of KwaZulu-Natal
- University of Fort Hare
- University of Limpopo
- University of Venda
- University of the North
- Walter Sisulu University
- University of Zululand
- Universities of Technology
- Cape Peninsula University of Technology
- Central University of Technology
- Durban University of Technology
- Mangosuthu University of Technology
- Nelson Mandela University
- North-West University of Technology
- Tshwane University of Technology
- Vaal University of Technology
- Walter Sisulu University of Technology
- Public TVET Colleges
- Bolton College
- Central Johannesburg College
- Dr Kenneth Kaunda District TVET College
- East Coast College
- Ekurhuleni East TVET College
- Ekurhuleni West TVET College
- False Bay College
- Gauteng City College
- Goldfields TVET College
- Gqeberha TVET College
- Indumiso TVET College
- Ingwe TVET College
- Inkosi Langalibalele TVET College
- Isundu TVET College
- IVETA TVET College
- King Hintsa TVET College
- Lephalale TVET College
- Mangaung TVET College
- Motheo TVET College
- Mzamba TVET College
- Nkangala TVET College
- Northlink College
- Northern Cape Urban TVET College
- Olive Schreiner TVET College
- OR Tambo TVET College
- Overstrand TVET College
- Randburg TVET College
- Sedibeng TVET College
- Seta College
- South Cape TVET College
- Southern Cape TVET College
- Soweto TVET College
- Tambo TVET College
- Thuthuka TVET College
- Umfolozi TVET College
- Umsobomvu TVET College
- Umzimkhulu TVET College
- Umyuzi TVET College
- Utrecht TVET College
- Vhembe TVET College
- West Coast TVET College
- West Rand TVET College
- Xhariep TVET College
- Zululand TVET College
| Institution Type | Number of Institutions |
|---|---|
| Universities | 26 |
| Universities of Technology | 10 |
| Public TVET Colleges | 50 |
| Total | 86 |
Nsfas-Partnered Private Institutions
Nsfas provides financial support to students studying at various private institutions in South Africa. These institutions have partnered with Nsfas to offer affordable and accessible education to students from disadvantaged backgrounds.
Partnered Private Institutions
- Centenary Bible College
- Christian Life College
- CUFA School Business & Accounting
- Damelin College
- Dominion Theological Seminary
- EMS College (Cape Town Campus)
- EMS College (Durban Campus)
- EMS College (Johannesburg Campus)
- EMS College (Pretoria Campus)
- Fortis College of Higher Education
- IMM Graduate School
- Independent Institute of Education
- Indwe College
- Institute for Business and Management Consultants
- ITech IT College
- Knowledge Academy of Southern Africa
- Medi-Tech College
- Midrand Graduate Institute
- Milpark Education
- Multiskill College
- Northlink College
- Omega International College of Nursing
- Oxbridge Academy
- Relgious of the Assumption Education Trust
- Regenesys Business School
- Regent Business School
- Rosebank College
- Ruth Meiring College
- Saint Francis College of Nursing and Education
- Saint Paul’s Biblical Institute
- Seminary Southern Africa
- Sherwood College
- Southern Africa Institute of Pastoral Studies
- Southern Business School
- Springs College of Education
- St. Joseph’s Theological Institute
- The Bridge College
- The Learning Institute of South Africa
- Truffle College
- University of the Free State
- Varsity College
- Victoria Bible College
- Wesley Bible College
- West Coast College
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for Nsfas funding at a private institution, students must meet the following criteria:
- Be a South African citizen or permanent resident
- Be from a household with a combined annual income of R350,000 or less
- Be enrolling in a qualifying course of study
- Be a first-time entering student or a student returning to complete a qualification that was interrupted due to financial reasons
How to Apply
Students can apply for Nsfas funding through the Nsfas website. The application process involves completing an online application form and submitting supporting documents.
Benefits of Nsfas Funding
Nsfas funding can cover the following expenses:
- Tuition fees
- Accommodation
- Transport
- Textbooks and study materials
- Living expenses
Contact Information
For more information about Nsfas funding for private institutions, students can contact Nsfas at:
- Website: www.nsfas.org.za
- Email: [email protected]
- Telephone: 0860 673 227