NSFAS has various application cycles for students studying at TVET colleges, here is how to apply for NSFAS funding to cover Semester 1 studies.
The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) funds disadvantaged South African students who study at public universities and Technical and Vocational Education Training (TVET) Colleges.
Students at TVET Colleges have a different application cycle for NSFAS funding than those studying at public universities.
Semester 1 (also known as Trimester 1) NSFAS applications are part of the application cycle which the bursary scheme only carries out at TVET colleges around South Africa. Thus, Semester applications only apply to TVET colleges and not universities.
These Semester 1 applications occur at the beginning of each year.
Students can apply via TVET college bursary offices or online via the NSFAS website.
They can also make use of the walk-in online application platform and assistive capture application platform.
Students apply through the walk-in online application platform by making use of the TVET college computer lab to submit their applications. Whereas, TVET college officials apply on behalf of the student through the assistive capture application platform.
When applying students will be required to provide the following supporting documents:
- Copy of South African birth certificate/copy of ID document/Temporary ID of student
- Copy of South African birth certificate/copy of ID document/Temporary ID of parent(s)/guardian/spouse
- Proof of income (where applicable) – student/parent(s)/guardian or spouse (not older than 3 months.
- SASSA recipients no proof of income required.
- A student recognised as a vulnerable child (e.g. Orphan) must submit a completed Vulnerable Child Declaration Form completed by the Social worker
- Students with disabilities must complete and submit the Disability Annexure A form.
Once the application and all the supporting documents have been submitted then NSFAS will process the application and provide students with their application outcomes.
Students are encouraged to visit the NSFAS website to track their applications.
NSFAS funding covers registration, tuition fees, accommodation, learning materials, and transport, and living allowances.
