As much as NSFAS promotes education by providing financial support to students, there are rules to obey. The classes in tertiary education can be categorized based on the number of years to complete, including diplomas, first degrees, doctorates, or short courses.
Does NSFAS Fund Short Courses?
Applicants looking to apply for NSFAS funds should understand the standard and criteria. And as we update our readers with the latest findings, we will look at the relations between NSFAS funds and short courses.
Short courses are designed to equip individuals with the necessary skills and knowledge within a specific industry within a short period. As the world grows, the educational curriculum also changes hence the need to have short courses.
If you want to study a short course and wonder if NSFAS will provide funds for you, then you need to keep reading.
Indeed, NSFAS provides support for tertiary education. You may be looking forward to studying some short course in a public university but may need financial support from NSFAS; therefore, the need to inquire whether NSFAS actually funds short courses. One thing that is right with NSFAs is that they do not fund short courses. The short courses category does not align with the missions and vision of NSFAS. Applicants looking to get funds from NSFAS to pursue a short course in a public university should know there is no possibility of that.
In some cases, short funds are considered an informal program.
Which courses are not funded by NSFAS?
Are you considering enrolling in post-secondary education and wondering if NSFAs will fund the program you wish to take? You may have already started making preparations and are trying to figure out which courses NSFAS won’t pay for. You will find courses here that are not supported by NSFAS.
Students attending TVET institutions and universities are covered for their study-related costs by the national student financial aid program. The NSFAS has funded numerous studies to enable them to attain their full educational potential as part of its purpose.
Students now have options for applying to study at tertiary institutions because of the partnership between other agencies and NSFAS. To guarantee that students from low-income, working-class parents can receive the necessary financial help for their education, NSFAS is always pursuing a great agenda. All public universities and TVET colleges are covered by NSFAS. If you’re considering enrolling in a private college, be aware that NSFAS won’t give you any financial aid for your studies. Consider the following programs that NSFAS does not support.
- Second-degree
- Graduate programs
- Part-time classes
- Short courses
- Courses taken in private colleges or universities.
What courses does NSFAS cover?
The national student financial aid scheme seeks to ensure all South Africans have access to better education. It is assumed that individuals who choose private universities have the funds to cater for their studies and all related expenses.
Once you plan to study in a public university and apply for NSFAS funds, it is commonly seen as a cry for help.
NSFAS covers courses that fall in line with its policies and vision. They cover courses within the bachelor’s degree program and diploma within the TVET colleges. There are a few exceptional courses that NSFAS does not cover in public universities or TVET colleges. It is important to note that NSFAS only provides funds for your first qualification, degree or diploma.
How much does NSFAS pay if you stay at home?
Staying at home simply means moving from home to campus to pursue your studies. Whereas many students may find accommodation on campus or close to campus, others may choose to stay home for their own reasons.
In this case, one would ask, will NSFAS pay me if I stay at home? The provision of NSFAS allowance is to provide support so you can study the course offered. Once you are cooking from home to campus, NSFAS must still provide some allowance for you but will not support you with accommodation allowance.
If you are looking to know if NSFAS will pay you if you stay at home, then you should know some sort of allowance will not be given to you.
However, if you are offered a course and choose not to pursue that course in the university, thereby staying home, note that NSFAS will not pay you a penny.
Which courses will NSFAS not fund in 2026?
In an update, the national student financial aid scheme communicated to the public that although they seek to provide financial support to individuals to study in public universities or TVET colleges, they will not bend their policies for anyone. If your course chosen is not confirmed by NSFAS for funds, note that you will not receive any allowance. NSFAS does not fund extended programs and short studies. If your course is approved by NSFAS in the university or TVET college, be assured your funds will be paid to you.
Here are the courses NSFAS will not fund in 2026.
- Second degrees
- Postgraduate courses
- Part-time courses
- Short courses
- Courses pursued in private universities or institutions.
