Can Nsfas Fund You For A Second Degree 2025/2026
Can Nsfas Fund You For A Postgraduate Second Degree 2025/2026
Exploring Funding Options for Further Education:
A second-degree course refers to pursuing an additional undergraduate or postgraduate degree program after completing an initial degree. Students often choose to undertake a second degree to gain specialized knowledge, enhance their skills, or increase their employability in their chosen field.
The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) is a government-funded organization that provides financial assistance to underprivileged students in South Africa. With many students considering pursuing a second degree to enhance their skills and employability, it is essential to understand if NSFAS can fund this level of education in the 2024/2025 academic year. This article will explore NSFAS funding for second degrees and discuss alternative financial assistance options.
Can NSFAS Fund You for a Second Degree in 2025/2026
- NSFAS usually does not provide funding for students pursuing a second degree, unless the second degree is in a specific field that is in high demand or has been identified as a priority by the government. The primary focus of NSFAS is to support students who are pursuing their first undergraduate degree or diploma.
Read: Nsfas supporting documents
List of Undergraduate Courses Funded By Nsfas 2025/2026
The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) provides financial assistance to eligible South African students pursuing undergraduate courses at public universities and Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) colleges. NSFAS funding covers a wide range of fields and disciplines.
While it is not feasible to provide an exhaustive list of all undergraduate courses funded by NSFAS, the following categories give an overview of the types of programs eligible for funding:
Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) courses:
- Bachelor of Science (BSc) in various fields, such as Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, Computer Science, Biology, and Geology
- Bachelor of Engineering (BEng) in disciplines like Electrical, Mechanical, Civil, Chemical, and Industrial Engineering
Health Sciences courses:
- Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS or MBChB)
- Bachelor of Nursing Science (B.Cur or BNSc)
- Bachelor of Pharmacy (BPharm)
- Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS)
Commerce and Business courses:
- Bachelor of Commerce (BCom) in areas like Accounting, Economics, Finance, Human Resource Management, and Marketing
- Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA)
Humanities and Social Sciences courses:
- Bachelor of Arts (BA) in subjects such as Psychology, Sociology, Political Science, History, and Languages
- Bachelor of Social Work (BSW)
- Bachelor of Education (BEd)
Law courses:
- Bachelor of Laws (LLB)
Creative Arts and Design courses:
- Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA)
- Bachelor of Music (BMus)
Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) courses:
- National Certificate Vocational (NCV) programs
- Report 191 programs (NATED)
Can Nsfas Fund You For A Postgraduate Second Degree 2025/2026
NSFAS does fund postgraduate students. However, only select courses are funded. If the second qualification is a professional requirement for employment, then it will be funded. Even if NSFAS funded these students for their first degree, there is no guarantee that they will be funded for their second qualification.
For postgraduate studies, only students in the following fields are accepted:
- B Tech – Architecture/Architectural Technology
- B Tech – Biokinetics/Biomedical Technology/Biotechnology
- B Tech: Chiropractic
- B Tech: Clinical Technology/Dental Technology
- B Tech: Emergency Medical Care
- B Tech: Engineering (Chemical/Civil/Electrical/Industrial/Mechanical/Mechatronics/Metallurgy/Refractories)
- B Tech: Forestry
- B Tech: Homeopathy
- B Tech: Nursing/Nursing Science/Community Nursing/Primary Healthcare/Occupational Nursing)
- Postgraduate Certificate in Education
- Postgraduate Diploma in Accounting
- Bachelor of Laws/LLB
Read Also: Nsfas Postgraduate Courses 2025/2026
Postgraduate diplomas, Honours degrees, Masters degrees as well as PhD degrees are not generally funded. Postgraduate students in fields not mentioned above are advised to apply to the National Research Foundation (NRF).
Alternative Funding Options for a Second Degree 2025/2026
NSFAS does not fund postgraduate courses but if you are considering pursuing a second degree and are not eligible for NSFAS funding, you may want to explore the following alternative funding options:
Private Student Loans:
- Private student loans are available through banks and other financial institutions in South Africa. These loans often have competitive interest rates and flexible repayment terms, making them an attractive option for students who require financial assistance.
Bursaries and Scholarships:
- Many organizations and institutions offer bursaries and scholarships to students pursuing further education. These awards may be based on academic merit, financial need, or specific demographic criteria. Research and apply for relevant bursaries and scholarships to help fund your second degree.
Company Sponsorships:
- Some companies offer sponsorships to employees or prospective employees who wish to pursue a second degree related to their field of work. These sponsorships can cover tuition fees, textbooks, and other expenses. Reach out to your employer or potential employers in your industry to explore this option.
Part-time Work or Internships:
- Working part-time or completing an internship while pursuing your second degree can help offset the costs of tuition and living expenses. This approach can also provide valuable work experience, increasing your employability after graduation.
Nsfas Contact Details
- Postal Private Bag X1, Plumstead, 7801
- Physical- 2nd Floor, House Vincent, 10 Brodie Road, Wynberg, Cape Town, 7700
- Tel- 021 763 3200 / 08000 67327
- Web- www.nsfas.org.za
Hope The information given above has been useful to you. If you have any suggestions, kindly leave them in the comments section below. You can also visit the official website of Nsfas for more clarification.
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