How Many Qualifications Does Nsfas Fund 2024/2025

By | August 20, 2021

How Many Qualifications Does Nsfas Fund 2024/2025

How Many Qualifications Does Nsfas Fund 2024/2025

Understanding NSFAS Funding Limits: How Many Qualifications are Covered in 2024/2025:

NSFAS funding is instrumental in enabling many South African students to pursue higher education and attain qualifications that contribute to their personal and professional development. While NSFAS primarily funds students’ first undergraduate qualifications, there are some provisions for funding second qualifications and specific postgraduate programs. Students seeking NSFAS funding should familiarize themselves with the eligibility criteria and limitations to ensure they make the most of the financial support available to them in the 2024/2025 academic year.

The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) is a government-funded program in South Africa that aims to provide financial support to underprivileged students pursuing higher education at public universities and TVET colleges. With a focus on promoting access to education and reducing financial barriers, NSFAS plays a critical role in helping students achieve their academic goals. In this article, we will explore the funding limitations of NSFAS in the 2024/2025 academic year, particularly in terms of the number of qualifications that the program covers.

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 successfully 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.

Read: Nsfas And Tvet Colleges 2024/2025

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 2024/2025

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 needful 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 2024/2025

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 2024/2025

NSFAS provides funding for a variety of qualifications offered by Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) colleges in South Africa. These qualifications are aimed at equipping students with the practical skills and knowledge necessary for specific occupations or trades. The following list provides an overview of the types of qualifications typically funded by NSFAS 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

Read Also: Nsfas postgraduate

List Of Tvet College Qualifications that are not funded by Nsfas

NSFAS primarily funds qualifications offered by public Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) colleges in South Africa, focusing on National Certificate (Vocational) [NC(V)], Report 191 (NATED) programs, and some occupational qualifications. However, there are certain qualifications and programs that NSFAS does not fund. The following list provides an overview of the types of qualifications typically not funded by NSFAS 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.

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 on the comments section provided below. You can also visit the official website of Nsfas for more clarification.

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