List Of Courses Funded By NSFAS

The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) in South Africa is dedicated to helping students access tertiary education by providing essential financial assistance. They aim to support students from diverse backgrounds and promote equal access to quality education. This support extends across a wide range of fields of study at public universities and TVET colleges throughout the country. However, if you are considering higher education in 2025, you must know which courses NSFAS funds. 

In this article, we will outline the list of courses funded by NSFAS, thus helping you to make informed decisions about your future studies.

Which Type of Institutions Are Covered by NSFAS?

When considering financial assistance for your studies, it is essential to understand which institutions are covered by the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS). So, before we get into the list of courses funded by NSFAS, we will explore the institutions supported by NSFAS:

• Public Universities: NSFAS provides funding for students enroled in undergraduate courses at public universities across South Africa. This funding is available to South African citizens and is designed to cover essential expenses such as tuition fees, accommodation, and study materials. 
• TVET Colleges: NSFAS also offers financial assistance for students attending Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) colleges. It covers vocational and technical courses that equip students with practical skills needed in various industries. 

Note: It is important to remember that private institutions are not eligible for NSFAS funding. Students enroled at private colleges or universities must seek alternative financial assistance options.

Also, read our article on ‘Does NSFAS fund online courses?’

List of Courses Funded by NSFAS At Public Universities

NSFAS supports various undergraduate programmes across diverse fields, ensuring students from different academic backgrounds can access quality education. Therefore, knowing the list of courses funded by NSFAS at public universities is essential, especially for students seeking financial assistance. Here, we have outlined the undergraduate courses funded by NSFAS: 

1. Engineering & Technology

The following are the programmes funded by NSFAS in the engineering and technology field:

• Civil Engineering
• Electrical Engineering
• Mechanical Engineering
• Information Technology
• Computer Science

2. Health Sciences

Here is the list of courses funded by NSFAS in the Health Sciences field:

• Medicine
• Nursing
• Pharmacy
• Public Health

3. Education

In the field of Education, the NSFAS will fund the following programmes:

• Bachelor of Education (BEd)
• Early Childhood Development

4. Law and Social Sciences

Listed below are the top NSFAS-funded programmes in the law and social sciences:

• Bachelor of Laws (LLB)
• Social Work
• Psychology

5. Business and Economics

In Business and Economics, you will find the following list of courses funded by NSFAS:

• Accounting
• Economics
• Business Management
• Finance

6. Science

Below are the courses funded by NSFAS in the field of Science:

• Environmental Science
• Biotechnology
• Physics and Chemistry
• Agriculture

NSFAS-Funded Courses at TVET Colleges

While we have discussed the list of courses funded by NSFAS at public universities, it is also essential to highlight the vocational and technical courses offered at TVET colleges. Here, we have listed down the NSFAS-funded courses at TVET colleges:

1. Engineering Studies

In Engineering studies, NSFAS funds for the courses given below:

• Electrical Infrastructure Construction
• Civil Engineering and Building Construction
• Mechanical Engineering

2. Business Studies

The following is the list of courses funded by NSFAS for business studies 

• Business Management
• Marketing Management
• Financial Management

3. Information Technology

Below are the top programmes funded by the NSFAS in the Information Technology field:

• IT and Computer Science

4. Hospitality and Tourism

In the Hospitality and Tourism field, you will find the following programmes funded by NSFAS:

• Hospitality and Catering Services
• Tourism

How to Check If a Course Is Funded by NSFAS?

Before applying for NSFAS funding, it’s crucial to verify whether your chosen course is eligible for support. Here, we have highlighted how you can confirm if your preferred course is covered by NSFAS funding. Let us take a look at it:

Visit the NSFAS Website

The official NSFAS website is the most reliable source for information on funded courses. Here, you can find a comprehensive list of courses funded by NSFAS. It typically publishes updated lists for each academic year on its website, so check that your preferred course is included in the relevant year (e.g., 2024-2025).

Contact your university or TVET College

Another effective method is to contact the admissions or financial aid office at the public university or TVET college you are interested in. They can confirm whether NSFAS covers your chosen course and provide additional information about the funding process.

NSFAS Eligibility Requirements

To get access to the funds from NSFAS, you need to meet certain eligibility requirements. These requirements will help the NSFAS pick the deserving students who need financial assistance for their studies. Below, we have outlined the essential eligibility requirements that students must fulfil to get NSFAS support: 

• You must be a South African citizen
• You must have a combined household income of less than R350,000 per year
• You must have enroled at a public university or TVET college
• You must be a first-time undergraduate student or a continuing student who meets academic requirements.

What is the Application Process for NSFAS Funding?

Students looking for financial assistance for their higher education from NSFAS must know the application process to get the funding. Here, we have provided the essential steps you must follow to apply for NSFAS funding:

• Step 1: Visit the NSFAS website and navigate to the myNSFAS portal.
• Step 2: Click “Create an account” and fill in your details (ID number, name, email address, contact number).
• Step 3: Log into your myNSFAS account using your credentials.
• Step 4: Fill in the application form with all required information.
• Step 5: Upload the supporting documents you prepared earlier.
• Step 6: Review all information for accuracy and completeness.
• Step 7: Submit your application before the deadline.

Understand how to apply for NSFAS funding in South Africa. 

Conclusion

The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) is essential for helping South African students access higher education. By funding various undergraduate and vocational courses at public universities and TVET colleges, NSFAS ensures that financial barriers do not stop students from pursuing quality education. Therefore, students need to know which institutions and courses are eligible for funding. In this article, we have provided the list of courses funded by NSFAS to help you secure the financial support you need. With this information, you can make informed choices about your studies and take important steps toward a successful future.

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List Of Courses Funded By NSFAS – FAQs