Does NSFAS Fund Second Undergraduate Qualification?

By Klnam Kurt •  Updated: 09/28/22 •  5 min read

The National Student Financial Aid Scheme, NSFAS, has consistently supported economically challenged and financially disadvantaged students from less privileged backgrounds undertaking study programs at accredited institutions of tertiary learning in South Africa.

This support is expressed through financial facilities available through allowances that cover study-related and personal needs like living allowance, travel, study materials, accommodation, and incidental allowance.

- ADVERTISEMENT -

The support offered by the NSFAS comes with attached terms and conditions that stipulate study programs that are eligible for NSFAS funding; it behoves an average student desiring NSFAS funding support to be acquainted with the scheme’s eligibility requirements.

Which qualifications does NSFAS fund?

The National Student Financial Aid Scheme, NSFAS provides financial support to eligible students for specified study and personal costs that arise while undertaking a study program at a tertiary education institution.

Consequently, students enrolled in studies at a technical and vocational education training college or university in South Africa can apply for funding from the NSFAS. The scheme does not typically fund postgraduate studies. However, students studying for the following postgraduate qualifications can apply for funding from NSFAS:

Eligible subfields include Chemical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Mechatronics, Metallurgy, and Refractories.

Eligible qualifications covered by the NSFAS are organised into two broad categories:

It is useful to note that NSFAS funding is offered to students of public tertiary institutions in South Africa. Consequently, students at private institutions are excluded from the scheme’s eligibility pool.

Recipients of NSFAS funding can expect the following perks and benefits:

In certain instances, additional benefits may be included, such as:

These benefits are available for students with disabilities.

Does NSFAS fund second undergraduate qualification?

NSFAS funding offers financial support to students undertaking study programs at an institution of tertiary learning in South Africa. In the case of undergraduate students, this support covers a broad range of living and study costs, including housing and feeding. However, this support does not extend to a second degree or qualification.

As announced by the NSFAS in reply to an inquiry on Twitter, students with an existing qualification are ineligible for funding support from the scheme. Funding support available under the scheme is reserved for students with no previous qualification and seeking a university qualification for the first time.

However, this stipulation is waived for students who studied at a technical and vocational education training (TVET) college and are applying for a university qualification for the first time. Fundamentally, students pursuing a second undergraduate qualification are excluded from the scheme.  

Can you apply for NSFAS for a second undergraduate degree?

Students studying for a second undergraduate degree are considered ineligible for NSFAS financial support. Consequently, anyone within this category cannot apply for NSFAS funding. However, this restriction clause is lifted for students enrolled in studies at a public university in South Africa with an existing qualification from a technical vocational education and training college, also known as a TVET college.

In summary, NSFAS applications are only open to individuals enrolled for their first undergraduate degree at a public university in South Africa. This provision excludes students enrolled for studies at private universities.

Can NSFAS fund you twice for different qualifications?

NSFAS funding offers cover for study-related and personal needs like living allowance, travel, registration fees, study materials, accommodation, and incidental allowance. This support is available for first-time degree students at public universities in South Africa and individuals studying at a technical, vocational education, and training college.

Beyond this, funding is not guaranteed for students pursuing second qualifications. In the case of students enrolled for studies at a public university in South Africa, sequel to the attainment of a qualification from a TVET college, they can receive funding to cover the undergraduate program after application and due approval.

Students pursuing selected postgraduate programs can also secure NSFAS funding to cover their courses. t any time. Funding is only granted upon application and approval by the concerned student. 

- ADVERTISEMENT -

Keep Reading

How Many Times Can You Appeal NSFAS

How Many Times Can You Appeal NSFAS

As we continue to share the information, we want to ensure our readers find the best answers to queries relating to NSFAS appeal and rejection. 

How Much Does Nsfas Pay For NCV Students?

How Much Does Nsfas Pay For NCV Students?

In this piece, we will delve into the financial assistance extended by the NSFAS with a specific focus on students enrolled in NCV programs

What is LAF NSFAS?

What is LAF NSFAS?

The LAF NSFAS is a binding document given by NSFAS to students to sign. The signing of this document guarantees the disbursement of your funds.

Is NSFAS A Bursary Or A Loan?

Is NSFAS A Bursary Or A Loan?

Is NSFAS a Bursary or a Loan?. This article will examine the distinction between an NSFAS bursary and an NSFAS loan

Where To Apply For NSFAS In Your Province

Where To Apply For NSFAS In Your Province

This article offers a thorough overview of where to apply for NSFAS in your province, when the 2024 application period was available

How Much Does NSFAS Pay For Accommodation

How Much Does NSFAS Pay For Accommodation

Here's How Much Does NSFAS Pay For Accommodation. Fees vary across universities, so there is no fixed maximum allowance set for student accommodation. 

How to Download the NSFAS Agreement Form

How to Download the NSFAS Agreement Form

What is sBux NSFAS?

What is sBux NSFAS?

what is sbux nsfas? In general, the SBux by NSFAS is a system designed to distribute allowances

Five Essentials Covered By NSFAS

Five Essentials Covered By NSFAS

Essentials Covered By NSFAS. It is important to know what it is exactly that the bursary scheme covers for its beneficiaries

What To Do After NSFAS Approves Your Application

What To Do After NSFAS Approves Your Application

Why My NSFAS Application Was Unsuccessful?

Why My NSFAS Application Was Unsuccessful?

My application for the NSFAS bursary was unsuccessful for several reasons. It may be because you violated their rules.

NSFAS Payment: What To Do If You’ve Not Received Your Allowance

NSFAS Payment: What To Do If You’ve Not Received Your Allowance

The NSFAS payment process can be painful and cause a lot of worry. Here’s what you should do if your NSFAS allowance hasn’t been received.

How Can I Check My NSFAS Balance Without Airtime?

How Can I Check My NSFAS Balance Without Airtime?

How to check My NSFAS balance without airtime. If you want to check your NSFAS balance without using your airtime and do not know just how to go about it

Bursaries Similar To NSFAS

Bursaries Similar To NSFAS

Today we look at South African bursaries similar to the NSFAS program you may also want to consider, as well as exploring the wider concept of bursaries.

How Long Does It Take UNISA to Respond?

How Long Does It Take UNISA to Respond?

Do you know how long UNISA will take to respond if it accepts your application for admission? This article will help you to know if your application has been accepted or not.