Will NSFAS Fund Me If I Have A Job?
NSFAS is a government-funded program that aims to provide financial assistance to students from poor and working-class backgrounds who want to pursue higher education in South Africa. NSFAS offers bursaries, which are grants that do not have to be repaid, for studies at public universities and TVET colleges.
But what if you are already employed? Can you still apply for an NSFAS bursary to further your education or change your career path? The answer is: it depends.
Eligibility Criteria for NSFAS Bursaries
The eligibility criteria for NSFAS bursaries are as follows:
- You must be a South African citizen
- You must have a combined household income of not more than R350 000 per year
- You must be applying for or enrolled in an undergraduate or postgraduate qualification at a public university or TVET college
- You must have passed Grade 9 and 10 to receive funding for a TVET college, or have passed Grade 12 to receive funding for a university
- You must not have received NSFAS funding in the past, unless you are applying for funding for a new qualification
As you can see, the criteria do not explicitly exclude employed applicants, as long as they meet the income threshold and the academic requirements. However, there are some other factors that may affect your chances of getting an NSFAS bursary if you are employed.
Factors That May Affect Your Application
NSFAS receives a large number of applications every year, and the demand for funding often exceeds the available budget. Therefore, NSFAS has to prioritize the most deserving and needy applicants, based on various criteria such as academic performance, financial need, disability status, and historical disadvantage.
If you are employed, you may have a lower financial need than someone who is unemployed or from a household that depends on social grants. You may also have a lower academic performance than someone who has dedicated more time and energy to their studies. These factors may reduce your chances of getting an NSFAS bursary, especially if you are applying for a popular or competitive field of study.
Additionally, NSFAS may consider your employment status as an indication of your ability to repay a loan(NSFAS Missing Middle), rather than a bursary. NSFAS offers loans, which have to be repaid with interest, for students who do not qualify for bursaries but still need financial assistance. If you are employed, you may be expected to take a loan instead of a bursary, or to co-fund your studies with your own income.
How to Apply for an NSFAS Bursary If You Are Employed
If you are employed and still want to apply for an NSFAS bursary, you will have to follow the same application process as any other applicant. You will need to:
- Register an account on the myNSFAS portal
- Complete the online application form with your personal and academic details
- Upload the required supporting documents, such as your ID, proof of income, and academic transcripts
- Submit your application before the closing date, which is usually in November for the following academic year
- Check your application status and respond to any queries or requests from NSFAS
Conclusion
NSFAS bursaries are a valuable opportunity for students who want to pursue higher education in South Africa, but who cannot afford the fees. If you are employed, you may still qualify for an NSFAS bursary, as long as you meet the income and academic criteria.
Disclaimer: This blog article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered official advice from NSFAS. Please refer to the official NSFAS website and resources for accurate and up-to-date information.
Source: nsfasappeal.za
