Difference Between Nsfas And the Dhet Bursary?
If you’re a South African student seeking financial assistance for your higher education, you’ve likely come across the acronyms NSFAS and DHET Bursary. While both aim to support students financially, there are significant differences between them that every applicant should understand. This article sheds light on the two significant players in the realm of student support: NSFAS and the DHET Bursary. Read on!
Getting to Know NSFAS
NSFAS (National Student Financial Aid Scheme) stands tall as a beacon of hope for countless students across South Africa. This institution is on a mission to uplift individuals by providing financial assistance to those in need. But what sets it apart from the rest?
Purpose:
NSFAS (National Student Financial Aid Scheme): Established to provide financial aid to eligible students who demonstrate financial need.
What is the NSFAS DHET Bursary?
One particular kind of financial help offered by NSFAS in collaboration with the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) is the NSFAS DHET Bursary. The purpose of this bursary is to help qualifying South African students pay for their postsecondary education in TVET colleges and public universities. The DHET Bursary (Department of Higher Education and Training) offers bursaries to students pursuing specific fields of study deemed critical for the country’s development.
Also Read: Will NSFAS Pay For January 2024?
Difference Between Nsfas And the Dhet Bursary?
Eligibility:
NSFAS: Targets students from low-income households, considering various factors such as family income.
DHET Bursary: Typically focuses on students pursuing qualifications in priority fields identified by the government, such as engineering, health sciences, and education.
Funding:
NSFAS: Offers financial aid in the form of loans and bursaries, which may include covering tuition fees, accommodation, and study materials. The funding is repayable under specific conditions.
DHET Bursary: Provides non-repayable financial assistance, covering tuition fees, accommodation, and other related expenses for the duration of the student’s studies.
Application Process:
NSFAS: Requires applicants to submit detailed financial information and meet specific academic criteria. The application process typically involves filling out an online form and providing supporting documents.
DHET Bursary: Applicants need to meet the eligibility criteria set by the Department of Higher Education and Training, which may vary depending on the field of study and available funding.
Duration of Support:
NSFAS: Provides financial assistance for the duration of the student’s academic program, renewable annually based on continued eligibility.
DHET Bursary: Typically covers the entire duration of the student’s studies in the prioritized field, ensuring consistent support until the completion of the qualification.
The National Student Financial Aid Scheme and the DHET bursary are virtually identical. The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) scholarship is also known as the DHET bursary. NSFAS seeks to advance educational equity and expand access to postsecondary education. For qualified students, NSFAS offers financial aid for living expenses, study materials, and tuition.
FAQs
What does the bursary cover?
The amounts below indicate the accommodation, living allowance, transport and learning materials costs aligned with the latest DHET guidelines.
UNIVERSITY
- Accommodation
As per the actual costs charged by the university (costs for private accommodation must not be more than the costs for university residence) - Transport (up to 40 km from institution) R7 500/annum
- Living allowance R15, 000/annum
- Book allowances R5200/annum
- Incidental/personal care allowance R2900/annum for students in catered residences
TVET
- Accommodation in an urban area R24,000/annum
- Accommodation in an peri-urban area R18,900/annum
- Accommodation in an rural area R15,750/annum
- Transport (up to 40 km from institution) R7,350/annum
- Transport R7000/annum
- Incidental/personal care allowance R2900/annum
Who should not apply?
- Students who have previously completed a qualification.
- Students with a combined household income exceeding R350 000/annum.
- Students who have already applied, qualified and received funding.
Conclusion
Understanding the differences between NSFAS and the DHET Bursary is crucial for prospective students seeking financial aid for their higher education journey. By knowing the specific features and eligibility criteria of each, applicants can make informed decisions to secure the support they need to pursue their academic aspirations.
