NSFAS For TVET College Students | How Does It Work. If you are a TVET college student, here’s a breakdown of how NSFAS funding works. Funding for tertiary education poses challenges, but the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) seeks to provide financial assistance.
Qualifying Criteria for TVET College Students
A TVET college student must meet these criteria to qualify for NSFAS funding, which is a government financial aid program available to students in public higher learning institutions, including TVET colleges.
- South African Citizenship: Applicants must be South African citizens.
- Program Registration: Students must be registered or intending to register for a PLP, NC(V), or Report 191 program.
- Financial Need: Applicants should demonstrate a genuine need for financial assistance, with NSFAS determining eligibility based on financial criteria.
- Academic Performance (Returning Students): Returning students must exhibit proven and accepted academic performance aligned with the college’s progression policy or Bursary Rules and Guidelines.
- Qualification Duplication: Students cannot enroll in a qualification duplicating prior state-funded learning.
- Income Threshold: Applicants falling within the maximum gross family income threshold of up to R350,000 per annum qualify for NSFAS funding.
Supported TVET College Programmes
NSFAS provides funding for various TVET college programs, including:
Engineering Studies
- National Certificate – Vocational NQF levels 2-4
- Report 191 N1-N6
- Engineering and Related Design; Electrical Infrastructure; Civil Engineering Construction; Information Technology & Computer Science
Business & Utility Studies
- National Certificate – Vocational NQF levels 2-4
- Report 191 N1-N6
- Management; Marketing; Finance; Office Administration; Economics & Accounting; Education & Development; Hospitality; Tourism; Safety in Society; Transport & Logistics
Pre-Learning Programme (PLP)
NSFAS extends funding support to Pre-Learning Programmes.
NSFAS Coverage for Tuition Expenses
NSFAS covers various tuition expenses for TVET college students, including:
- Registration & Tuition Fees
- Personal Care Allowance
- Transport Allowance
- Accommodation Allowance
Application Process
NSFAS follows specific application cycles for TVET funding:
- National Certificate Vocation (NC(v)), Semester 1, and Trimester 1: Annual online application and walk-in assistive capture application at the beginning of each year.
- Trimester 2 & 3: In May and September, respective walk-in assistive capture applications are accepted, as per the DHET calendar.
- Semester 2: June – July walk-in assistive capture application.
Applications can be submitted through TVET college bursary offices, online, or at the NSFAS head office.
Conclusion
NSFAS plays a pivotal role in easing financial burdens for TVET college students, fostering educational accessibility. By providing targeted funding and clear application cycles, NSFAS empowers students to pursue their academic goals and contribute to a brighter future.
