NSFAS Qualification Criteria | National Student Financial Aid Scheme

NSFAS Qualification Criteria

The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) provides loans and gives various NSFAS bursaries to students at all 25 of our public universities, as well as the 50 public FET (Further Education Training) colleges. Instead of having to repay the monetary value as with loans, bursars who apply for a NSFAS bursary will enter into a contract to work in a specific sector in South Africa for a specified amount of time after their graduation.

NSFAS BURSARY REQUIREMENTS FOR APPLICATION

The following basic requirements must be met in order to apply for any of the NSFAS bursaries; applicants must:

• Be South African citizens
• Comply with the entry requirements set by the universities of their choice / have proof of registration or acceptance to said university

Once successfully awarded the bursary, students must pass all courses and complete the qualification within the minimum time frame prescribed by the particular university to avoid the risk of having to repay the bursary amount.

In some cases, bursars may be required to report their particular NSFAS bursary exam results in order to continue to receive funding.

All applications will require certified copies of the following:

• ID document
• Grade 12 results
• Parent/guardian’s ID and employment documents (salary slips/pensions slips if applicable/affidavit if unemployed)
• Proof of university acceptance/registration

NSFAS BURSARY PACKAGE

Unless otherwise stated, the bursary fund will allow for a portion of, if not all of, the following study-related costs:

• Tuition
• Accommodation
• Meals
• Travel
• Prescribed books/study material

The amounts prescribed for the above-mentioned costs will be dependent on the outcome of the NSFAS Means Test. This test assesses to what extent the student’s family can contribute – mainly through determining the gross annual family income. Students can qualify for varying amounts up to the maximum of R60 000 per year.

1. FUNZA LUSHAKA BURSARY

The Funza Lushaka bursary is available to individuals who wish to study to become teachers.

2. SOCIAL WORK SCHOLARSHIP

This bursary is available to students who are currently studying Social Work as well as prospective students who wish to enroll and work towards a Social Work degree. The bursaries are conducted through the Department of Social Development.

The bursary package will also cover funds needed for practicals.

How to Apply

Applications can be found on the DSD website from 1 September every year (or visit your regional Department of Social Development office). This particular NSFAS closing date is 31 October.

Contact Details
Ms Vuyelwa Mngadi; tel: (012) 312 7294 / email: [email protected]

Ms Kefiloe Bosman; tel: (012) 312 7223 / email: [email protected]