In this article, we break down what courses can be funded by NSFAS, which institutions are supported, the types and duration of qualifications eligible, and who qualifies for NSFAS assistance.
What Types of Courses and Qualifications Are Funded by NSFAS?
NSFAS does not fund private institutions or short courses at private colleges. However, it funds a wide variety of undergraduate qualifications at public universities and TVET colleges, including:
University Qualifications
NSFAS funds formal undergraduate qualifications, such as:
Bachelor’s Degrees (e.g. BCom, BA, BSc, BEd)
- Diplomas
- Higher Certificates
- Extended Curriculum Programmes (ECP)
NSFAS does not fund postgraduate qualifications (e.g. Honours, Master’s, or PhD degrees), with very few exceptions in fields like postgraduate teaching diplomas.
TVET College Courses
TVET colleges offer shorter and practical courses aligned with career-focused training. NSFAS funds:
- National Certificate (Vocational) – NC(V)
- Report 191 (NATED) Programmes – N1 to N6
- Occupational and Trade Programmes – selected artisan and skills-based programmes (where offered by public TVET colleges)
Courses must be full-time and accredited by the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) to qualify.
What Institutions Are Covered by NSFAS?
NSFAS only funds students studying at public institutions in South Africa. These include:
Main Categories of TVET College Courses Funded by NSFAS
NSFAS covers a wide range of career-focused, accredited programmes offered by South Africa’s public TVET colleges. These programmes are designed to equip students with practical skills and qualifications to enter the workforce or pursue further studies.
Below are the primary course categories eligible for NSFAS funding, along with examples of course titles commonly offered at TVET colleges:
National Certificate (Vocational) – NC(V)
Duration: 3 years (Levels 2 to 4)
Focus: Combines academic and practical vocational training from Grade 10 level.
Course Examples:
- NC(V) Office Administration – Learn business communication, financial literacy, and office practice.
- NC(V) Engineering & Related Design – Includes welding, fitting, and electrical technologies.
- NC(V) Hospitality – Covers food preparation, customer service, and hospitality operations.
- NC(V) Information Technology & Computer Science – Includes data communication, programming, and systems analysis.
Ideal for students who have completed Grade 9 and want to begin practical training aligned to specific careers.
Report 191 (NATED) – N1 to N6 Programmes
Duration: 18 months theory (N1–N6) + 18 months practical experience
Focus: Technical and business studies that prepare students for work or artisan careers.
Course Examples:
- Engineering Studies (N1–N6)
- Electrical Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering
- Civil Engineering
- Motor Trade Theory
Entry usually requires Grade 10–12 with Mathematics and Physical Science (for N1 level).
Business Studies (N4–N6)
- Human Resource Management
- Financial Management
- Marketing Management
- Public Management
- Entry requires a Grade 12 certificate. After N6, students can complete 18 months of workplace experience to qualify for a National Diploma.
- Utility Studies (N4–N6)
- Educare – Pre-school teaching and early childhood education.
- Hospitality and Catering Services
- Clothing Production
- Occupational and Artisan Training Programmes
Duration: Varies (often 6–24 months)
Focus: Trade-specific training for artisans and technicians in high-demand fields.
Course Examples:
- Plumbing
- Boilermaking
- Carpentry
- Hairdressing
- Electrical Installation Skills Programme
These programmes are typically accredited learnerships, apprenticeships, or skills programmes. NSFAS will fund them only if they are offered full-time by a public TVET college and registered with DHET.
26 Public Universities, such as:
- University of Cape Town (UCT)
- University of the Witwatersrand (Wits)
- University of Pretoria (UP)
- Stellenbosch University
- University of Johannesburg (UJ)
- University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN)
- Nelson Mandela University
- Tshwane University of Technology (TUT)
- Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT)
- 50 Public TVET Colleges, including:
- Ekurhuleni East TVET College
- Central Johannesburg TVET College
- False Bay TVET College
- Thekwini TVET College
- Boland TVET College
Private colleges and online short courses at private providers (like Udemy, Coursera, Damelin, etc.) are not eligible for NSFAS funding.
Course Duration Requirements
To qualify for NSFAS, your course must:
- Be full-time
- Lead to a recognised qualification registered with the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA)
- Be completed within the N+1 Rule: You must complete your qualification within the minimum duration of the course plus one extra year. (e.g., A 3-year degree must be completed in no more than 4 years.
NSFAS Qualifying Criteria: Who Can Apply?
To be eligible for NSFAS funding, you must meet the following requirements:
You Must:
- Be a South African citizen
- Be applying to, or currently studying at, a public university or TVET college
- Be enrolled in a full-time undergraduate qualification or approved TVET programme
Financial Requirements:
- Household income must be R350,000 or less per year
- If you have a disability, the household income threshold increases to R600,000
- If you’re already receiving SASSA grants, you are automatically eligible
Academic Requirements:
- First-time applicants to university: Must meet admission requirements for the programme
- TVET college applicants: Must meet programme entry requirements
- Continuing students: Must pass at least 50% of your modules each year to continue receiving funding
What NSFAS Covers
Once approved, NSFAS provides funding for:
- Tuition fees
- Registration fees
- Study materials
- Accommodation or transport
- Living allowance
- Incidental/personal care allowance
Final Thoughts
NSFAS is a vital support system for thousands of South African students. While short courses at private institutions are not funded, there are many full-time qualifications at public universities and TVET colleges that are eligible. If you’re aiming to pursue a formal qualification and meet the financial and academic requirements, NSFAS can open the door to higher education without the burden of student debt.
For more information on how to apply, visit the official NSFAS website at www.nsfas.org.za.