How Many Qualifications Does Nsfas Fund 2025/2026

How Many Qualifications Does Nsfas Fund 2025/2026

Understanding NSFAS Funding Limits: How Many Qualifications are Covered in 2025/2026:

NSFAS funding plays a pivotal role in facilitating the pursuit of higher education for numerous South African students, enabling them to obtain qualifications essential for their personal and professional advancement. While NSFAS primarily caters to funding students’ initial undergraduate qualifications, it also accommodates provisions for supporting second qualifications and specific postgraduate programs.

Prospective beneficiaries of NSFAS funding should acquaint themselves with the eligibility criteria and constraints to optimize the financial assistance available to them during the 2025/2026 academic period. The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) constitutes a government-funded initiative in South Africa dedicated to extending financial aid to disadvantaged students enrolled in higher education at public universities and TVET colleges.

By prioritizing educational accessibility and mitigating financial impediments, NSFAS assumes a crucial role in facilitating students’ academic pursuits. This article delves into the funding constraints of NSFAS for the 2025/2026 academic cycle, particularly focusing on the scope of qualifications covered by the program.

Read: Nsfas And Tvet Colleges 2024/2025

NSFAS Funding Criteria: Qualifications and Study Programs

NSFAS provides funding for a range of qualifications, including undergraduate degrees, diplomas, and certificates at public universities, as well as TVET college programs. However, there are some limitations to the number of qualifications that NSFAS covers for each student:

• First Qualification:

NSFAS primarily funds students pursuing their first undergraduate qualification, whether it is a degree, diploma, or certificate program. This funding includes tuition fees, prescribed learning materials, accommodation, and living allowances.

• Second Qualification:

In some cases, NSFAS may fund a student’s second qualification, but this is subject to specific criteria and the availability of funds. Generally, funding for a second qualification is considered if the student has completed their first qualification and the second qualification is essential for their chosen career path or is required by their profession (for example, a postgraduate diploma in education).

• Postgraduate Qualifications:

NSFAS funding for postgraduate qualifications is limited and subject to specific criteria. The Postgraduate Funding Policy outlines which programs are eligible for funding. Notably, NSFAS provides funding for the Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) and some scarce skills programs, such as the Bachelor of Laws (LLB) for students who have completed their undergraduate degree in a different field.

Limitations and Exceptions

While NSFAS aims to support as many students as possible, there are limitations to the funding available. Students should be aware of the following restrictions:

• Duration of Funding:

NSFAS funding is provided for the minimum duration of the chosen study program, plus one additional year, known as the “N+1” rule. Students who exceed this duration may not receive further funding.

• Funding Exclusions:

NSFAS does not fund qualifications at private institutions or students pursuing short courses or skills development programs that are not part of an accredited study program.

• Academic Progress:

Students must maintain satisfactory academic progress to continue receiving NSFAS funding. Failure to meet the required academic performance may result in the termination of funding.

How Many University Qualifications Does Nsfas Fund 2025/2026

NSFAS provides funding for a wide range of undergraduate qualifications at public universities in South Africa. While the specific programs funded may vary between universities, the following list provides a general overview of the types of qualifications that are typically funded by NSFAS:

Bachelor’s Degrees:

NSFAS funds various undergraduate degree programs across different fields, including but not limited to:

• Bachelor of Arts (BA)
• Bachelor of Science (BSc)
• Bachelor of Commerce (BCom)
• Bachelor of Education (BEd)
• Bachelor of Social Work (BSW)
• Bachelor of Laws (LLB)

Diplomas:

Students pursuing diploma programs can also receive NSFAS funding. Some examples of diplomas include:

• National Diploma in Engineering
• National Diploma in Business Management
• National Diploma in Information Technology
• National Diploma in Public Management
• National Diploma in Human Resource Management

Higher Certificates:

NSFAS also funds higher certificate programs in various fields, such as:

• Higher Certificate in Business Administration
• Higher Certificate in Information Technology
• Higher Certificate in Tourism Management
• Higher Certificate in Public Management

Advanced Diplomas:

In some cases, NSFAS may fund advanced diploma programs, which are typically a step above a diploma qualification and can lead to further studies or specialization in a particular field.

Postgraduate Certificates:

• NSFAS provides limited funding for specific postgraduate programs, such as the Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) for students who wish to become teachers.

It is necessary to note that the availability of specific qualifications may differ between universities, and students should consult the respective university prospectus and the NSFAS website for the most up-to-date information on funded programs.

List Of University Qualifications That Are Not Funded By Nsfas In 2025/2026

NSFAS primarily funds undergraduate qualifications at public universities in South Africa, with limited funding for some specific postgraduate programs. However, there are certain qualifications that NSFAS does not fund. The following list provides the list of the types of qualifications not funded by NSFAS:

• Private Institutions:

NSFAS does not fund qualifications offered by private universities, colleges, or other tertiary institutions.

• Short Courses and Skills Development Programs:

NSFAS does not fund short courses, skills development programs, or non-credit-bearing courses that are not part of an accredited study program.

• Most Postgraduate Qualifications:

NSFAS generally does not fund postgraduate qualifications, with a few exceptions, such as the Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) and some scarce skills programs. This includes qualifications like:

• Master’s degrees
• Doctoral degrees
• Postgraduate diplomas (excluding PGCE and specific scarce skills programs)
• Second Undergraduate Qualifications: In most cases, NSFAS does not fund second undergraduate qualifications for students who have already completed a first undergraduate qualification, except in specific situations where the second qualification is essential for the chosen career path or required by the profession.

Distance Learning:

• While NSFAS funds some distance learning qualifications, funding for such programs may be limited or restricted, depending on the specific program and institution.

International Qualifications:

• NSFAS does not provide funding for students pursuing qualifications at universities or colleges outside of South Africa.

How Many Tvet College Qualifications Does Nsfas Fund 2025/2026

NSFAS extends financial support for a diverse array of qualifications offered by Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) colleges in South Africa. These qualifications are designed to furnish students with the practical expertise and theoretical understanding requisite for various occupations or trades. Below is an outline delineating the types of qualifications typically eligible for NSFAS funding at TVET colleges:

National Certificate (Vocational) [NC(V)]:

These are vocational qualifications offered at Levels 2, 3, and 4 in various fields, including but not limited to:

• Civil Engineering and Building Construction
• Electrical Infrastructure Construction
• Engineering and Related Design
• Finance, Economics, and Accounting
• Hospitality
• Information Technology and Computer Science
• Office Administration
• Primary Agriculture
• Tourism

Report 191 (NATED) Programs:

These programs are part of the National Accredited Technical Education Diploma (NATED) system and include courses in the fields of Business Studies, Engineering Studies, and Services Studies. They consist of six levels (N1-N6) and are divided into trimester or semester courses, such as:

• Business Management (N4-N6)
• Human Resource Management (N4-N6)
• Marketing Management (N4-N6)
• Financial Management (N4-N6)
• Public Management (N4-N6)
• Management Assistant (N4-N6)
• Electrical Engineering (N1-N6)
• Mechanical Engineering (N1-N6)
• Civil Engineering (N1-N6)

Occupational Qualifications:

NSFAS also funds specific occupational qualifications that focus on practical skills training for various trades or occupations. These qualifications are typically registered on the Occupational Qualifications Sub-framework (OQSF) and may include courses such as:

• Automotive Repair and Maintenance
• Welding Application and Practice
• Plumbing
• Carpentry
• Hairdressing
• Early Childhood Development

List Of Tvet College Qualifications that are not funded by Nsfas

NSFAS predominantly supports qualifications provided by public Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) colleges in South Africa, emphasizing National Certificate (Vocational) [NC(V)], Report 191 (NATED) programs, and select occupational qualifications. Nonetheless, there are specific qualifications and programs excluded from NSFAS funding. Below is a summary outlining the types of qualifications typically ineligible for NSFAS funding at TVET colleges:

• Private Institutions:

NSFAS does not fund qualifications offered by private TVET colleges or other private tertiary institutions.

• Non-Accredited Courses:

NSFAS does not fund courses or programs that are not accredited by the relevant South African regulatory authorities, such as the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) or the Quality Council for Trades and Occupations (QCTO).

• Short Courses and Skills Development Programs:

NSFAS does not fund short courses, skills development programs, or non-credit-bearing courses that are not part of an accredited study program.

• Part-Time or Continuing Education Programs:

NSFAS generally does not fund part-time or continuing education programs, as their primary focus is on providing funding for full-time students pursuing accredited qualifications.

• International Qualifications:

NSFAS does not provide funding for students pursuing qualifications at TVET colleges or other tertiary institutions outside of South Africa.

Read Also: Nsfas postgraduate

Contact Details Of Nsfas

NSFAS Contact Center:

• Phone: 08000 67327 (toll-free)
• Operating hours: Monday to Friday, 8:30 AM – 5 PM (South African Standard Time)

Nsfas Email:

• General inquiries: info@nsfas.org.za
• Application inquiries: apply@nsfas.org.za

Nsfas Postal Address:

• Private Bag X1
• Plumstead
• 7801
• South Africa

Physical Address:

• 10 Brodie Road
• House Vincent, 2nd Floor
• Wynberg
• Cape Town
• 7700
• South Africa

Hope The information given above has been useful to you. If you have any suggestions, kindly leave them in the comments section provided below. You can also visit the official website of Nsfas for more clarification.

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