The purpose of the bursary has surpassed particular objectives and eased up the process for students or applicants who require funds to have access.
Bursaries are meant to support applicants or students looking to fund their education at certain levels, especially after high school.
Education is expensive, and as part of the schemes to make it attractive and easy for all, bursaries were introduced. These are meant to provide financial assistance to individuals who apply and get approval. Bursaries have become common among many households, especially applicants and students looking to study in tertiary or TVET colleges. It is an essential need for many South Africans.
Since the introduction of bursaries in South Africa, attendance in tertiary education has seen rapid growth. Many people are always looking for options to fund their tertiary education; hence, the need to understand the purpose of the bursary and other financial institutions that support students’ tertiary like the NSFAS.
The national student financial aid scheme since 1999 has created a great impact on the educational system in South Africa. Many questions surround bursaries and NSFAS.
This article will look at the difference between NSFAS and other bursaries, if you can have NSFAS And other bursaries, and other related questions that will provide great insight to many applicants.
Can you have NSFAS and other bursaries?
When preparing for tertiary, the question of having two financial institutions supporting you will always come up. The tertiary institution can be costly and therefore require financial support. This can, however, be detrimental to the development of students who may have excelled well in high school and can not afford tertiary education.
The question of having NSFAS and other bursaries is common in South Africa. An individual preparing for tertiary education may want to know if financial support can come from NSFAS and another bursary.
Well, to explain, students who may have applied for NSFAS and are receiving support from NSFAS can not enjoy another bursary. The national student financial aid scheme has indicated that students enjoying full NSFAS bursaries can not apply and receive another bursary. There are only a few times that this can happen, and in this case, if you find yourself receiving partial support from another bursary, NSFAS can provide additional support.
However, in this scenario, NSFAS will not cover the cost of the items covered previously by the other bursary. As we know, NSFAS does not provide partial support for applicants unless for exceptional reasons. To firmly say, You can not enjoy a full bursary from NSFAS and have another bursary.
Can you apply for NSFAS If you have a bursary?
Applying for NSFAS is available to all individuals who have passed their tertiary institution. Once you meet the requirements, you can put in your application to get the needed financial support.
As it goes on, bursaries are also available to all applicants. The requirement is what is considered the vital point of the application.
It is possible to apply for as many bursaries as you want. The ulterior motive is to get financial support; therefore, whatever it takes to apply for more, the needful must be done.
If you are looking to apply for NSFAS knowing you have another bursary, then your chances are slim. If the other bursary institution already provides full financial support, your application for NSFAS will be void.
Can you have two bursaries in South Africa?
Having two (2) bursaries in South Africa can be possible depending on the financial disbursement to the applicants in question. However, having two or more bursaries is not advisable, as this has been disregarded as unsuitable.
Multiple bursaries it not encouraged as this could lead to certain legal consequences. In another sense, it may seem like the applicant or student is trying to enjoy two benefits at the same time which is seen as unethical and a criminal act.
Having two bursaries in South Africa is advised if your funds are capped at some point, meaning you only enjoy partial financial support from both bursaries. For instance, if your funds cannot cover all your expenses, with the first bursary admitting that their support is not full, you can easily apply and have two bursaries while studying in the tertiary.
Can you be funded by NSFAS and Funza Lushaka?
Before we look at the possibility of getting funded by NSFAS and Funza Lushaka, let us look at what both institutions serve.
The Funza Lushaka program was established to provide support to students studying educational courses in tertiary. The educational courses are considered teaching degrees. The Funza Lsuhaka bursary teaching support only goes to applicants ready to have a degree in education.
As we continue, the national student financial aid scheme provides full support to students going into the public tertiary. Once you meet the requirements of NSFAS, you are eligible to receive support from NSFAS.
Now individuals studying in public institutions and pursuing teaching degree courses may want to know if they can receive funds from NSFAS and Funza Lushaka.
You can receive funds from both NSFAS and Funza Lushaka, provided you meet the requirements.
How many times can NSFAS fund you?
The funding period for NSFAS has no limitations. If you are an applicant studying for a four-year degree in a public institution, NSFAS can fund you until completion. Once you meet the requirements of NSFAS, you are qualified to receive funds from NSFAS.
However, NSFAs will fund you for one qualification and in an institution at a particular time. Every point of application is accessed, and your NSFAS fund is paid to you upon approval.
What are the requirements for a bursary?
The application for a bursary can be tedious when you do not provide the needed documents. The requirements for a bursary are the details and documentation needed to qualify for a bursary. If you are looking to apply for a bursary, here are the requirements for the bursary
- A copy of the applicant’s identification card.
- A copy of the applicant’s parents/guardian identification.
- A document confirming the proof of a household income.
- Proof of address
- Proof of academic record
- A letter of motivation(this letter indicates to the bursary why you need the funds and your academic pursuit)
