Does NSFAS Fund Advanced Diploma?
The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) has been a lifeline for students from poverty-stricken and working-class families since 1999. However, when it comes to advanced diplomas, the situation is nuanced. Let’s delve into the details:
Does NSFAS Fund advanced diplomas?
A common question from students is whether NSFAS covers advanced diplomas.
The answer is no, because NSFAS only supports long courses. Advanced diplomas are short courses, so students who want them fully funded cannot get money from NSFAS.
Understanding Advanced Diplomas and NSFAS
An advanced diploma is an educational qualification that lies between a diploma and a degree. It typically involves more specialized and in-depth study than a regular diploma.
NSFAS does not provide funding for Advanced Diplomas or advanced studies after obtaining your initial degree or diploma.
However, in specific circumstances, the fund may consider funding advanced diplomas, albeit rarely. So, if you were wondering whether NSFAS can fund you after completing a diploma, the answer is not straightforward.
Does NSFAS fund postgraduate diplomas?
Keep in mind that NSFAS generally does not fund postgraduate studies or second diplomas. However, there are exceptions for qualifications that are necessary for employment in fields such as Accounting or Education.
If you’re curious about which postgraduate qualifications NSFAS funds, here are some examples:
- B Tech: Engineering (Civil/Chemical/Industrial/Electrical/Refractories/Metallurgy, Mechanical, Mechatronics)
- B Tech: Chiropractic
- B Tech: Clinical Technology/Dental Technology
- B Tech: Architecture/Architectural Technology
- B Tech: Biokinetics/Biomedical Technology/Biotechnology
- B Tech: Emergency Medical Care
- B Tech: Homeopathy
- B Tech: Forestry
- B Tech: Nursing (Community Nursing/Nursing Science/Occupational Nursing/Primary Healthcare)
- Bachelor of Laws (LLB)
- Postgraduate Diploma in Accounting
- Postgraduate Certificate in Education
Students seeking funding for postgraduate qualifications are encouraged to contact and apply through the National Research Foundation (NRF). Visit www.nrf.ac.za for application dates.
List Courses That Are Not Funded by NSFAS
NSFAS will reject applications for the following:
- Courses Offered by Private Universities and Colleges: This includes institutions like CTI, MANCOSA, and Damelin.
- Short Courses: NSFAS does not provide funding for short-term courses.
- Part-Time Studies: If you’re pursuing part-time studies, NSFAS won’t consider your application.
- Postgraduate Studies: If you’re planning to pursue further studies after earning your undergraduate degree, NSFAS does not typically fund postgraduate studies.
- Second Degrees: Unless there are specified exceptions, NSFAS will not fund a second degree if they have already funded your first qualification.
NSFAS mainly helps students who are pursuing undergraduate degrees at public universities or TVET colleges, except for some cases that depend on the funds available every year.
Check out: Courses Funded By NSFAS -Complete List
