Top NSFAS Bursary Alternatives to Fund your Education

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

One problem that has stopped many people from pursuing their tertiary education is money. Many people haven’t had any funds to further their education, and that has hindered their ability to enroll in public universities or TVET colleges.

NSFAS is one of the largest bursary organisations in South Africa. This financial institution has supported students in paying their fees and other expenses since 2000. The main objective of NSFAS is to fund students

- ADVERTISEMENT -
looking to study at university or TVET colleges. Funding is a requirement in all universities, whether public or private, but as to who funds your tertiary education is noted for bursary criteria.

Certainly, not only NSFAS provides financial support for tertiary institutions; there are other institutions doing good work across South Africa. There are other bursary alternatives to fund your education in South Africa by following a set of instructions. There are requirements that every applicant must follow to get the needed bursary to pursue their tertiary education. 

What is a bursary in South Africa?

What comes into your mind when you hear bursary in South Africa? Well, bursaries are not only found in South Africa. In this article, we will be sharing mainly with you what bursary is in south Africa.

A bursary is money given to someone to help the person study at the TVET colleges or universities. This is a grant awarded to someone who needs financial support for his expenses in university or TVET colleges, including the payment of full tuition.

If you want to study in a university or college and can not afford the full tuition, bursaries are awarded to provide the necessary financial support. Similarly, bursaries are like scholarships that organizations or firms award to individuals across South Africa. This makes the full tuition affordable for students enrolling in the university or colleges. 

It is one of the biggest investments you can ever have. The cost of a university education can really be high. Therefore bursary gives individuals the chance to have access to good education. 

There are certain requirements that normally come with the awarding of a bursary. Either you complete a project or provide information that convinces the organisation that you need the necessary support. The requirements that come with the bursary differ accordingly. One unique thing about the bursary is that your overall academic performance should reflect accordingly.

The requirements and the documentation that the organisation requires for the bursary purposes is a benchmark used to get people to for the bursary. Bursaries are free money given to qualified individuals who have been enrolled in the university or TVET. The terms and conditions of a bursary are stated during the application process. These requirements tend to confirm if you can not afford tertiary education and still need support. You do not need to pay back the bursary; you only need to meet the necessary criteria throughout your study in the TVET colleges. 

List of NSFAS Bursary Alternatives
- ADVERTISEMENT -

There are a number of bursaries in South Africa. The government of Ghana is the largest bursary in South Africa. It anchors many organisations in terms of grants or funds to create bursary opportunities for individuals. 

Everyone knows NSFAS to be the largest organisation offering bursary in South Africa. This has to do with enrollment and the staff size within the various NSFAS offices. The national student financial aid scheme provides bursary opportunities for over 100,000 students.

If you are looking for funding and were rejected by NSFAS, you should know there are other bursary alternatives available for you. You should also know that there are other funding opportunities available which include Loans, grants, subsidies, endowments, stipends, financial aid, awards, and many more. 

There are also bursary categories that have to do with the field of study. The course one chooses to study in the university or TVET colleges can be categorised as a bursary. These categories of bursary include; Accounting Bursary, Commerce Bursary, Art Bursary, Computer science and IT bursary, education bursary, Engineering bursary, government bursary, general bursary, MBA bursary, postgraduate bursary, medical bursary, law bursary, science bursary, business management bursary and many more.

 NSFAS is not the only institution that offers bursaries. There are over 300 bursaries in South Africa, but we will be looking at a number of the top bursaries available. Obviously, the bursaries may not be compared to NSFAS, but they are other options that any individual seeking bursary can look out for. We will provide you with other Bursary alternatives to fund your education based on our research and a few queries. And in this article, we will share with you a list of NSFAS bursary alternatives available in South Africa that can fund your education, whether degree, postgraduate, or doctorate. 

- ADVERTISEMENT -

Keep Reading

What Does It Mean When Your NSFAS Status Is Blank?

What Does It Mean When Your NSFAS Status Is Blank?

so today, we are breaking down why a blank NSFAS status can occur and what to do about it. Luckily, it is not a major issue.

When is NSFAS Opening for 2025 Late Application?

When is NSFAS Opening for 2025 Late Application?

Read on to know when NSFAS is opening for the 2024 late application, the documents required and the benefits you should expect.

How To Find Your NSFAS Reference Number: A Comprehensive Guide

How To Find Your NSFAS Reference Number: A Comprehensive Guide

How To Find Your NSFAS Reference Number? Follow these three easy steps to get the NSFAS reference number

NSFAS Payment Schedule

NSFAS Payment Schedule

This article aims to provide comprehensive information on the NSFAS payment schedule for the year

How to Get NSFAS Username And Password

How to Get NSFAS Username And Password

How to Get NSFAS Username And Password. To summarise, login credentials are a very important part of keeping the NSFAS platform safe.

How Much Does the NSFAS Pay for Tuition?

How Much Does the NSFAS Pay for Tuition?

How much does the NSFAS Pay for Tuition?. The NSFAS covers all tuition costs for approved students as well as an additional allowances

How Do You Find Out How Much You Owe NSFAS

How Do You Find Out How Much You Owe NSFAS

If you are a students received funding prior to 2018, they will still need to pay it back if any of it is still outstanding.

How To Create myNSFAS Account 2025

How To Create myNSFAS Account 2025

How to Know If My NSFAS Application Was Successful

How to Know If My NSFAS Application Was Successful

Well, in this article, we will be taking you through how to know if my NSFAS application was successful. 

How Do I Change my Personal Information On NSFAS?

How Do I Change my Personal Information On NSFAS?

If you have ever wondered how changing your personal details on the NSFAS platform could be, then I guess you are yet to learn more

How to Reapply For NSFAS Online

How to Reapply For NSFAS Online

Reapplying for NSFAS online can be a burden to who had their application declined. In this guide, we will take you through how to reapply for NSFAS online

What Happens If You Cancel NSFAS Application?

What Happens If You Cancel NSFAS Application?

The consequences of canceling your NSFAS application will be discussed in this article, along with some related and frequently asked questions.

How Much Does NSFAS Give Students Per Year?

How Much Does NSFAS Give Students Per Year?

How much does NSFAS give students per year?. Something covered in this article on how much NSFAS gives a student per year.

What To Do After NSFAS Approves Your Application

What To Do After NSFAS Approves Your Application

How Long Does NSFAS Awaiting Evaluation Take?

How Long Does NSFAS Awaiting Evaluation Take?