Does NSFAS fund part time students?

If you’re considering pursuing higher education on a part-time basis, you might be wondering if NSFAS (National Student Financial Aid Scheme) offers support for part-time students. Let’s delve into this topic to provide clarity on NSFAS funding eligibility for part-time studies.

Understanding NSFAS Funding

NSFAS is a financial aid scheme in South Africa aimed at assisting eligible students in covering the costs associated with tertiary education. It primarily focuses on full-time undergraduate studies at accredited public universities and TVET colleges.

Does NSFAS fund part time students?

Students enrolled part-time or attending private schools are not eligible for funding from NSFAS. Even at universities, the financial assistance program does not provide funding for students enrolled in short courses. Yet, NSFAS provides funding for Unisa students. Since Unisa offers distant learning to its students, a distinct strategy is being used. This implies that there are differences in the types of allowances given to students.

Also Read: Which Courses Does NSFAS Not Fund 2024

For South African students enrolled in TVET institutions and public universities, NSFAS provides bursaries. With financing for registration, tuition, and allowances, NSFAS has you covered.

You meet certain requirements to be eligible for NSFAS funding if you have finished Grades 9 through 12 and want to attend a university or TVET college. The following are the additional prerequisites:

You must be a South African citizen
You must be a SASSA grant recipient
You have a combined household income of not more than R350 000/ year
Person with disability: Combined household income must not be more than R600 000/year.

Alternatives for Part-Time Students

While NSFAS may not fund part-time studies, there are alternative sources of financial aid and support available for part-time students:

Student Loans
Part-time students may explore student loan options offered by financial institutions or government entities to cover tuition fees and related expenses. These loans often have favorable terms and repayment conditions.

Bursaries and Scholarships
Various organizations, institutions, and companies offer bursaries and scholarships specifically for part-time students. These financial awards can help offset the costs of education and do not require repayment.

Employer Sponsorship

Some employers provide financial assistance or sponsorship for employees pursuing part-time studies relevant to their profession or career development. Employees should inquire about such opportunities within their organizations.

FAQs

Which Courses Funded by NSFAS 2024

Below are the courses funded by the NSFAS;

Hospitality, Tourism, Travel, Gaming, and Leisure
Human Resources
Industrial & Organizational Governance and HR Development
Information Studies
Information Technology and Computer Sciences
Justice in Society
Language
Life Sciences
Literature
Manufacturing and Assembly
Marketing
Mathematical Sciences
Mechatronics
Media Studies
Music
Nature Conservation
Occupationally Directed ETD Practice
Office Administration
People/Human-Centre for Development
Performing Arts
Personal Care
Physical Planning, Design, and Management
Physical Sciences
Preventive Health
Process Instrumentation
Primary Agriculture
Process Plant Operations
Procurement
Project Management
Promotive Health and Developmental Services
Psychology
Public Administration
Public Policy, Politics, and Democratic Citizenship
Public Relations
Rehabilitative Health/Services
Religious and Ethical Foundations of Society
Rural and Agrarian Studies
Safety in Society
Schooling
Secondary Agriculture
The sovereignty of the State
Sport
Traditions, History, and Legacies
Transport, Operations, and Logistics
Urban and Regional Studies
Visual Arts
Wholesale and Retail
Adult Learning
Building Construction
Building Construction
Cleaning, Domestic, Hiring, Property and Rescue Services
Communication Studies
Consumer Services
Cultural Studies
Curative Health
Design Studies
Drawing Office Practice
Early Childhood Development
Earth and Space Sciences
Electrical Infrastructure Construction
Engineering and Related Design
Environmental Relations
Environmental Sciences
Fabrication and Extraction
Film Television and Video
Finance, Economics, and Accounting
Forestry and Wood Technology
General Social Science
Generic
Generic Management
Higher Education and Training
Horticulture

Conclusion

NSFAS does not typically fund part-time students, there are alternative avenues for financial assistance available. Part-time students can explore student loans, bursaries, scholarships, and employer sponsorship to support their educational endeavors. It’s essential for prospective part-time students to research and consider all available options to ensure they can pursue their educational goals effectively.

NSFAS remains a vital resource for full-time undergraduate students, offering comprehensive financial aid packages to eligible applicants.