Does NSFAS Fund A Second Degree?
Many students who have completed their first undergraduate degree may wish to pursue a second degree to enhance their skills, knowledge, and career prospects. However, funding a second degree can be challenging, especially for students who come from low-income households.
One of the main sources of financial aid for students in South Africa is the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS), which provides bursaries to eligible students who want to study at any public university or TVET college.
But does NSFAS fund a second degree?
The answer is not straightforward, as it depends on various factors, such as the type of degree, the field of study, and the academic performance of the student.
In general, NSFAS does not fund second degrees, as its primary goal is to support first-time entrants to higher education. However, there are some exceptions, where NSFAS may fund a second degree if it is a professional requirement for employment.
The following are the postgraduate degrees that NSFAS may fund for students who have already obtained a first degree:
- B Tech – Architecture/Architectural Technology
- B Tech – Biokinetics/Biomedical Technology/Biotechnology
- B Tech – Chiropractic
- B Tech – Clinical Technology/Dental Technology
- B Tech – Emergency Medical Care
- B Tech – Engineering (Civil/Chemical/Electrical/Industrial/Mechanical/Mechatronics/Metallurgy/Refractories)
- B Tech – Forestry
- B Tech – Homeopathy
- B Tech – Nursing (Primary Health Nursing/Nursing Science/Community Nursing/Occupational Nursing)
- Postgraduate Diploma in Accounting
- Postgraduate Certificate in Education
- Bachelor of Laws/LLB
These degrees are considered to be in scarce and critical skills areas, and are aligned with the national priorities and development goals of South Africa. Students who qualify for NSFAS funding for these degrees may receive tuition fees, registration costs, and some allowances to cover their living and learning expenses. However, they are not guaranteed funding, as NSFAS has a limited budget and may not be able to fund all eligible students.
On the other hand, NSFAS does not fund the following postgraduate degrees, regardless of whether the student has a first degree or not:
- Postgraduate diplomas (except for Accounting and Education)
- Honours degrees
- Masters degrees
- PhD degrees
These degrees are considered to be advanced academic qualifications, and are not within the scope of NSFAS funding. Students who wish to pursue these degrees may have to look for other sources of funding, such as scholarships, bursaries, loans, or self-funding.
Students who meet these criteria can apply for NSFAS funding online through the myNSFAS portal, or at any National Youth Development Agency (NYDA) centre. They must submit their application before the closing date, which is usually in November of the preceding year. They must also submit the required supporting documents, such as their ID copy, proof of income, consent form, and disability form (if applicable).
NSFAS will notify the applicants of the outcome of their application via SMS, email, or the myNSFAS portal. If the application is successful, the applicant will receive a bursary agreement that they must sign and return to NSFAS. If the application is unsuccessful, the applicant can appeal the decision by submitting a written motivation and relevant evidence to NSFAS within 14 days of receiving the notification.
FAQ
Does NSFAS fund people who already have a Degree?
If you still meet the NSFAS criteria, you can get NSFAS funding again. You can appeal to NSFAS if you lose your funding for any reason that NSFAS gives.
Conclusion
NSFAS is a great opportunity for students who want to pursue higher education but lack the financial means to do so. However, NSFAS funding for a second degree is not guaranteed, and students must carefully consider their options and eligibility before applying.
