Are you a student enrolled in a Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) college in South Africa and searching for financial aid to support your studies? If so, you might be interested in knowing more about the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS), which provides funding to eligible students to cover their tuition fees, accommodation costs, and other study-related expenses. Would you like me to provide more information about NSFAS and how to apply for their funding? Then continue reading.
NSFAS Funding for TVET students
The Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) is extending an invitation to students seeking financial assistance for the 2025 academic year through NSFAS (National Student Financial Aid Scheme) funding.
This funding opportunity is targeted at disadvantaged students pursuing or intending to pursue undergraduate qualifications at public universities or TVET (Technical and Vocational Education and Training) colleges in South Africa.
TVET courses are centered on vocational and occupational training, providing students with skills tailored for specific career paths, employment opportunities, or entrepreneurial ventures. Unlike traditional university education, TVET emphasizes hands-on learning experiences over theoretical assessments and assignments.
Why study at a TVET college?
Enrolling in a TVET college offers numerous advantages. Students not only acquire vocational skills crucial for securing employment but also unlock their entrepreneurial potential, opening doors to diverse career opportunities. Given South Africa’s current shortage of professionals in key sectors like engineering, construction, manufacturing, and agriculture, TVET education plays a vital role in addressing this gap by imparting relevant knowledge and skills.
Courses offered at TVET colleges
TVET colleges offer a wide array of programs tailored to address South Africa’s skills shortages. These programs vary in duration, ranging from short courses lasting a few hours to comprehensive diploma programs spanning three years. While course costs may vary, DHET programs are subsidized by 80% of the delivery cost, with students responsible for the remaining 20%.
NSFAS typically funds Ministerially approved programs, and students are advised to consult individual colleges for specific details. However, several programs are commonly funded at TVET colleges, including:
- Engineering studies (National Certificate – Vocational): NQF Level 2-4 and Engineering studies (Report 191 N1-N6)
- Engineering and Related Design, Electrical Infrastructure, Civil Engineering Construction, and Information Technology and Computer Science
- Business and Utility Studies (National Certificate – Vocational): NQF Level 2-4 and Report 191 N1-N6
- Management, Marketing, Finance, Office Administration, Economics and Accounting, Education and Development, Hospitality, Tourism, Safety in Society, and Transport and Logistics
- Pre-learning Programme (PLP) funding via NSFAS
NSFAS Bursary Application Criteria for TVET Students:
To be eligible for an NSFAS bursary, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Citizenship: Only South African citizens are eligible to apply for NSFAS funding.
- Enrollment: Applicants must be registered or intending to register for a Pre-learning Programme (PLP), National Certificate (Vocational) [NC(V)], or Report 191 programme at any of the 50 available TVET colleges across the country.
- Financial Need: Candidates must demonstrate a genuine need for financial assistance, as determined by NSFAS’ financial eligibility criteria.
- Academic Performance: Returning students must exhibit proven and acceptable academic performance, indicating academic merit. This assessment will be based on the chosen college’s progression policy or the stipulations outlined in the Bursary Rules and Guidelines.
- Previous Funding: Applicants should not be enrolled in a qualification identical to any previous state-funded learning they have undertaken.
- Family Income: Candidates’ combined family income should not exceed R350,000 per annum. Additionally, they must have received admission or a definite offer of enrollment from a TVET college.
Application Cycles for TVET Colleges:
- National Certificate Vocational (NC(V)): The application cycle for NC(V) programs occurs annually through online applications and walk-in assisted capture sessions typically conducted at the beginning of each year.
- Trimester 2 and 3 (as per the DHET calendar): Application cycles for Trimester 2 and Trimester 3 occur in May and September, respectively. These cycles also include walk-in assistive calendar applications.
- Semester 2 (June) – July: Walk-in assisted capture applications for Semester 2 are typically held between June and July.
Where to apply for TVET college funding
For TVET college funding, you can apply through:
- TVET colleges bursary offices (see the list of TVET colleges below)
- Online by following the NSFAS application instructions
- NSFAS’ head office
Expenses NSFAS covers for TVET college students
- Registration fees
- Tuition fees
- Personal care allowance
- Transport allowance
- Accommodation allowance
TVET colleges NSFAS covers
NSFAS covers studies at any of these 50 TVET colleges within South Africa:
Gauteng:
- Central Johannesburg TVET College
- Ekurhuleni East TVET College
- Ekurhuleni West TVET College
- Sedibeng TVET College
- South West Gauteng TVET College
- Tshwane North TVET College
- Tshwane South TVET College
- Western College for TVET
Western Cape:
- Boland TVET College
- College of Cape Town
- False Bay TVET College
- Northlink TVET College
- South Cape TVET College
- West Coast TVET College
Northern Cape:
- Northern Cape Rural TVET College
- Northern Cape Urban TVET College
North-West:
- Orbit TVET College
- Taletso TVET College
- Vuselela TVET College
Eastern Cape:
- Buffalo City TVET College
- East Cape Midlands TVET College
- Ikhala TVET College
- Ingwe TVET College
- King Hintsa TVET College
- King Sabatha Dalindyebo TVET College
- Lovedale TVET College
- Port Elizabeth TVET College
Free State:
- Flavius Mareka TVET College
- Goldsfields TVET College
- Maluti TVET College
- Motheo TVET College
KwaZulu-Natal:
- Coastal KZN TVET College
- Elangeni TVET College
- Esayidi TVET College
- Majuba TVET College
- Mnambithi TVET College
- Mthashana TVET College
- Thekwini TVET College
- Umfolozi TVET College
- Umgugundlovu TVET College
Mpumalanga:
- Ehlanzeni TVET College
- Gert Sibande TVET College
- Nkangala TVET College
Limpopo:
- Capricorn TVET College
- Lephalale TVET College
- Letaba TVET College
- Mopani South East TVET College
- Sekhukhune TVET College
- Vhembe TVET College
- Waterberg TVET College
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