Does The NSFAS Fund Advanced Diplomas?

By Klnam Kurt •  Updated: 01/11/25 •  5 min read

The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) has financially supported students from poverty-stricken and working-class families since 1999. Learners from poorer households that earn less than R350 000 and no more than R600 000 for disabled students per year can access the NSFAS Website to apply.

Does NSFAS Fund an Advanced Diploma?
- ADVERTISEMENT -

Unfortunately, the NSFAS does not fund Advanced Diplomas or advanced studies after earning your initial degree or diploma. Although rarely, the fund will only consider funding advanced diplomas in specific conditions. So, if you were wondering: “can NSFAS fund you after a diplomathe answer is not as clear-cut as you may have hoped.

Does The NSFAS Fund Postgraduate Diplomas?

Although the NSFAS does not generally fund postgraduate studies or second diplomas, funding will be considered if the qualification is necessary for employment as a professional in Accounting or Education.

If you are wondering if NSFAS Only the postgraduate qualifications below will be considered for funding:

It is exceedingly rare for the NSFAS to fund Masters, Honours, and PhD degrees or postgraduate diplomas. However, students in fields besides those mentioned above may approach the National Research Foundation (NRF) regarding funding.

Which Courses Are Not Funded by NSFAS?

The NSFAS will not consider applications for the following:

So, if you and your friends have been wondering, “can NSFAS fund you after your diploma?” the answer is, unfortunately, no.

Which Qualifications Are Funded By The NSFAS?

If you’re wondering, “which diplomas does the NSFAS fund?” you’ve come to the right place. The NSFAS covers registration fees, tuition, and some allowances, such as accommodation in residence, transport and personal care.

The fund supports undergraduate qualifications, such as:

The NSFAS aims to fund all undergraduate courses with a few exceptions, determined according to funds available in any given year.

2025 Applications

The NSFAS is accepting applications for the 2025 academic year until 31 January 2025. To improve service to students, more time will be allowed for submitting the relevant documentation.

This year students can use the new mobile app or WhatsApp to track applications, and work is underway to improve the implementation of the bursary scheme.

Previously Colleges and Universities opened their offices late in January or early February, while the financial year only started in April. Therefore, the National Treasury is also working to align the Post School Education and Training (PSET) calendar with the NSFAS to secure funds when institutions open.

- ADVERTISEMENT -

Other Sources for Postgraduate Bursaries (Non-NSFAS)

If you’re considering postgraduate studies but lack funding, Bursaries South Africa, is a useful site to see lists of bursaries and their minimum requirements. For example:

Sasol Bursary for Masters Degrees:

This postgraduate bursary is available for Master’s Degree studies in Cyber Security (MEng/MSc/PhD). The bursary provides a monthly stipend for registration, tuition, accommodation, research, and other study-related expenses. Sasol will also provide technical mentorship to support the student throughout this course.

Mandela Rhodes Foundation Scholarship for Honours Degrees:

This scholarship will fund Honours Students for one to two years in any field of study in South Africa. The bursary provides tuition, registration, study material allowance, personal care, accommodation, and meals. The foundation will also consider special requests for conference grants. This scholarship also expects students to participate in leadership development workshops and, where applicable, the Mentoring Programme.

Unisa Postgraduate Bursary for PhD or Doctoral Studies:

This bursary is open to persons who already hold a Master’s degree in a field of study and wish to pursue a Doctoral qualification in the same discipline in a three-year full-time course. The tuition fees and research funding is capped at R80 000 for the first four years of study for a Doctor’s Degree by research. And R120 000 over the first four years of study for a PhD by experimental research.

National Research Foundation (NRF)

The NRF advocates for South African innovation and research countrywide and internationally. In tandem with the industry, other research facilities, business and global partners, it seeks mutual benefit among the research community for the development of our country.

In addition to a myriad of other essential responsibilities, the NRF makes several NRF Postgraduate Scholarships available, including:

  1. Extension Support for Masters and Doctoral Studies
  2. First-time Doctoral Scholarships (Including SARAO Doctoral Scholarships)
  3. First-time Masters Scholarships (Including SARAO Masters Scholarships) General Application Guide 2025 Final Ver 5.1 –31 March 2025
  4. Honours Scholarships (Including SARAO Honours Scholarships)
  5. NRF/Nuffic Doctoral Scholarships (Split-site)

Conclusion

The NSFAS offers an extensive range of loans and bursaries for deserving students. However, thousands of students apply yearly; unfortunately, not everyone will receive a positive response. Also, the NSFAS does not offer postgraduate support. Therefore, it’s essential to ensure that your marks are of such a nature that educational institutions and corporations providing bursaries in South Africa will find potential and excellence in your application.

- ADVERTISEMENT -

Keep Reading

Can I Transfer NSFAS Wallet to a Bank Account?

Can I Transfer NSFAS Wallet to a Bank Account?

Can I transfer NSFAS Wallet to a bank account. First-time recipients of funding from NSFAS must create and activate their NSFAS Wallets

How To Withdraw Cashless With NSFAS Card

How To Withdraw Cashless With NSFAS Card

How To Withdraw Cashless With NSFAS Card. Here’s what you should know about this new offering. 

What is NSFAS?

What is NSFAS?

What is NSFAS? NSFAS helps undergraduates who cannot afford tertiary education, enabling students to contribute to the country's development.

How To Write NSFAS Appeal Form

How To Write NSFAS Appeal Form

The NSFAS Appeal Form/Letter is an important part of the appeal process that sets in the event where an application for funding has been rejected by NSFAS

How Do You Check If NSFAS Has Approved You

How Do You Check If NSFAS Has Approved You

NSFAS offers different options you can use to track progress on your application. Read on to learn How Do You Check If NSFAS Has Approved You

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

How to Check Your NSFAS Wallet balance

How to Check Your NSFAS Wallet balance

How to check your NSFAS wallet balance online can keep in a state of mind that is conducive to your academic career

Do Government Employees Qualify for NSFAS?

Do Government Employees Qualify for NSFAS?

In this article, we examine the NSFAS bursary eligibility standards, including who is eligible to apply and who is not

How to Write an Affidavit for NSFAS

How to Write an Affidavit for NSFAS

This post will instruct you on creating an NSFAS affidavit, what to include, and what to leave out.

Why Is My NSFAS Status Stuck On Validation?

Why Is My NSFAS Status Stuck On Validation?

Today we look at the validation stage of your NSFAS application, what it means, and what you can do to make it faster.

How to Verify NSFAS Application Status with Reference Number

How to Verify NSFAS Application Status with Reference Number

In this guide, we will explore the process of checking NSFAS status using a reference number and provide step-by-step instructions

How To Fill NSFAS Online Application Form The Right Way

How To Fill NSFAS Online Application Form The Right Way

All you need to do right now to make it easier on yourself is to follow the simple steps we’ll cover here as you Fill NSFAS Online Application Form

What Documents Are Needed For NSFAS Appeal?

What Documents Are Needed For NSFAS Appeal?

What Documents Are Needed For NSFAS Appeal? Here’s what you need to know about NSFAS appeals and the required documents.

What Does ‘Awaiting Registration’ Mean on NSFAS?

What Does ‘Awaiting Registration’ Mean on NSFAS?

Sometimes you will find your application status showing ‘awaiting registration.’ Today, we look at what this means and what you should do about it.

How To Create eZaga NSFAS Account

How To Create eZaga NSFAS Account

How To Create eZaga NSFAS Account. This article will show you how to set up your eZaga NSFAS account and use its features.