NSFAS vrs Funza Lushaka Bursary: What is the Differences?
Obtaining financial aid to pursue your education in South Africa can involve navigating various bursary options. Two prominent schemes, the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) and the Funza Lushaka Bursary, provide support for students, but they cater to distinct needs and have different features.
Understanding these differences is crucial for making informed decisions about your financial aid strategy.
In this article, we delve into the differences between NSFAS and Funza Lushaka Bursary.
NSFAS vrs Funza Lushaka Bursary: What is the Differences?
Here are the major differences between NSFAS and Funza Lushaka Bursary;
1. Purpose and Target Audience:
- NSFAS: Primarily focuses on financial need. It supports students from low-income backgrounds across various public universities and Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) colleges in South Africa.
- Funza Lushaka Bursary: Aims to promote teaching as a profession by supporting individuals who aspire to become educators. It prioritizes South Africans who wish to pursue teaching qualifications, primarily at the Bachelor of Education (BEd) level.
2. Eligibility Criteria:
- NSFAS: Open to South African citizens/permanent residents with a valid permit who meet the income threshold set by NSFAS. Academic performance and disability status are also considered. You can find the latest information on the NSFAS website: https://www.nsfas.org.za/content/how-to-apply.html.
- Funza Lushaka Bursary: Requires applicants to be South African citizens and typically have a matric certificate with exemption from Afrikaans. Age limitations apply, with most universities setting the upper limit at 30 years old.
3. Funding Coverage:
- NSFAS: Covers various aspects of student life, including tuition fees, registration fees, living allowance, and learning materials allowance. The exact amount varies depending on your location, living arrangements, and disability status.
- Funza Lushaka Bursary: Primarily focuses on tuition fees and may offer additional support for living expenses on a case-by-case basis. The specific coverage details are best obtained by contacting the Funza Lushaka Bursary directly.
4. Application Process:
- NSFAS: Applications are submitted online through the NSFAS website during designated application windows.
- Funza Lushaka Bursary: Applications are typically submitted online through the Department of Basic Education’s eGov portal or directly through participating universities during designated application windows.
5. Additional Differences:
- NSFAS is generally broader, supporting students across various fields of study, while the Funza Lushaka Bursary is specifically targeted towards aspiring teachers.
- NSFAS funding is needs-based, while the Funza Lushaka Bursary prioritizes commitment to a teaching career.
- NSFAS allows for postgraduate funding (limited options), while the Funza Lushaka Bursary primarily focuses on undergraduate BEd programs.
Choosing the Right Option:
By understanding the key differences between NSFAS and the Funza Lushaka Bursary, you can make an informed decision about which option aligns best with your educational aspirations and financial needs.
Remember, you can potentially apply for both schemes if you meet their respective eligibility criteria and your chosen program is funded by both. Additionally, exploring other scholarship and bursary opportunities can further increase your chances of securing financial aid for your studies.
Source: nsfasappeal.za
