The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) is a government student bursary scheme which receives its funding budget from and reports to the Department of Higher Education and Training. NSFAS will cover more than just your tuition fees, should you qualify.
NSFAS provides financial assistance in the form of bursaries to eligible students at public universities and Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Colleges in South Africa.
The bursary covers you with the following if you qualify:
- Tuition fees
- Accommodation
- Transport
- Living allowances
- Book allowances
- Incidental/personal care allowance for students in catered residences
With regards to how long NSFAS funds their students, it depends on the duration of your course or degree. Most degrees take about 3 to 4 years, whereas medical degrees for example take up to 7 years.
If you fail one year, NSFAS has granted students an extra year of funding.
