Does NSFAS Fund Online Courses? Understanding the Eligibility and Limits

The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) is becoming an essential financial resource for South African students pursuing higher education at public universities and TVET colleges. It provides financial support for eligible learners by covering their educational expenses, including tuition, accommodation, transport, meals, and other living expenses. However, with the rise of online learning, many students wonder if NSFAS supports these modern educational options. 

In this article, we will help you answer the question, ‘Does NSFAS fund online courses?’ and explore alternative funding options for those interested in online education.

What Types of Courses Does NSFAS Fund?

For students looking to secure financial assistance through NSFAS, it is essential to clearly understand which courses are eligible for funding. This knowledge will help you effectively plan your studies and set achievable career goals. 

So, NSFAS primarily offers financial support to students enroled at public universities and TVET colleges for the following types of qualifications:

• Undergraduate Degrees
• Diplomas
• Higher Certificates

Note: While NSFAS provides substantial support for many students, it’s essential to know which courses are not covered by their funding. This will help you avoid applying for programmes outside the NSFAS’s scope. So, let’s take a look at the types of courses NSFAS does not fund:

• Postgraduate programmes
• Courses offered by private universities or institutions
• Short courses
• Second degrees
• Part-time programmes

Also, read our article on ‘Does NSFAS fund matric rewrite?’

Does NSFAS Currently Fund Online Courses?

The question on many students’ minds is, ‘Does NSFAS fund online courses?’ The answer is that NSFAS does provide funding for certain online courses, but there are important limitations to be aware of. Currently, NSFAS does not fund any courses offered by private institutions. That means to be eligible for NSFAS funding, students must be enroled at a public university or a TVET college, and the programme they chose to study must adhere to the National Qualifications Framework (NQF). Additionally, NSFAS only supports students who are working toward their first undergraduate qualification. 

We have outlined the specific criteria for public universities and TVET colleges to help you understand the requirements for getting funded by NSFAS.

For Public University:

If you are asking, ‘Does NSFAS fund online courses at public universities?’ here is what you must fulfil:

• You must be a South African citizen
• You must apply to or be accepted at a public university
• If you are a SASSA grant recipient, you will automatically qualify
• Your household income must be under R350,000 per year

For TVET College:

For those wondering, ‘Does NSFAS fund online courses at TVET colleges?’ below are the criteria you must meet to get NSFAS funding for online courses at TVET colleges:

• You must be a South African citizen.
• You must be enroled or planning to enrol in a programme at a TVET college.
• Your household income must be less than R350,000 per year.
• You cannot enrol in a programme that duplicates a previous state-funded qualification.
• Returning students must show good academic performance according to the college’s policy.

Explore how to apply for NSFAS funding.

Can You Get NSFAS Funding for Blended Learning Programmes?

Blended learning programmes offer flexibility by combining online and in-person instruction. This approach can be highly beneficial for students who need a mix of digital and traditional learning to balance their academic and personal lives. Today, some public universities offer blended learning programmes, providing students with diverse learning preferences and schedules.

So, the question is, ‘Does NSFAS fund blended learning?’. Yes, NSFAS supports blended learning programmes, but there are specific conditions that must be met for funding. To qualify for NSFAS funding, the blended learning programme must:

• Be provided by a public university or TVET college
• Result in a recognised qualification
• Follow the National Qualifications Framework (NQF) guidelines

What Are the Alternatives to NSFAS for Online Course Funding?

If NSFAS funding isn’t available for your online courses, you must know that there are other options to help you finance your education. These alternative funding sources open doors to various opportunities and ensure you achieve your academic goals. Here are the top alternative funding options for students wanting to pursue online courses:

• Bursaries: Bursaries are financial awards provided by institutions or organisations to cover a student’s educational expenses. Theyare often based on merit or financial need and do not require repayment.
• Scholarships: Scholarships are awarded to students based on their academic performance, talents, or specific criteria set by the scholarship provider. 
• Student loans: These loans cover higher education costs, including tuition and textbooks. One can obtain student loans through government schemes, banks, and other lenders, and repayments typically start after graduation or once they begin working.
• Government Initiatives And Skills Development Programmes: These programmes offer financial assistance for online vocational courses and skills training. They aim to support career development and upskilling through various grants and funding opportunities.

Conclusion

Funds from the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) are an essential financial resource for South African students pursuing higher education. While NSFAS does cover some online courses, it only offers funds for online programmes from public institutions and TVET colleges. However, if you are exploring online learning options that do not meet NSFAS criteria, you should know that there are alternative funding options. These include bursaries, scholarships, student loans, and government initiatives. By reading our article, we hope you have gained the answer to the question, ‘Does NSFAS fund online courses?’. 

For more insights, visit Regenesys‘ Reginsights page now!

Does NSFAS Fund Online Courses? – FAQs