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Please note: the information shared on this webpage is that of the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) and does not belong to the Central University of Technology, Free State. The information is shared to assist prospective and current students. The University does not take responsibility for the communication.

 

Who is NSFAS?

The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) is a public entity reporting to the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET). It provides financial assistance in the form of study bursaries to qualifying students who plan to study at Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) colleges and public universities.

This is what the scheme does:

• Supports access to, and success in, higher education and training for students from poor and working-class families who would otherwise not be able to afford the cost of studying at a TVET college or university.
• Provides bursaries to qualifying students at TVET colleges and public universities.

What does the NSFAS bursary cover?

To ensure that students get the most out of their studies, NSFAS makes their educational journey enjoyable and free of any financial burden by providing all necessary support from registration until graduation.

Students who are approved for NSFAS funding are covered for the following:

• Registration fees
• Tuition fees

They also receive allowances for the following:

• Food
• Personal care
• Learning Material
• Accommodation or transport

Extra support is provided to students living with disabilities, such as:

• Medical assessments: The assessment is limited to one assessment for the duration of the qualification and on request by the Disability Unit/Student Support.
• Assistive devices: Limited to one assistive device for the duration of the qualification.
• Human support: To cover the cost of human support such as a caregiver, guide dog, scribe, tutor, or sign language interpreter.

Who qualifies for NSFAS funding?

You qualify for an NSFAS bursary if you are a South African citizen who plans to study at a public university or TVET college and you fall within one or more of the below categories:

• All SASSA grant recipients.
• Applicants whose combined household income is not more than R350 000 per year.
• Persons with disabilities combined household income must not be more than R600 000 per year.
• Students who started studying before 2018 and whose household income is not more than R122 000 per year.

Guidelines for the Department of Higher Education and Training Bursary Scheme: Students in Public Universities

1. 2021 DHET Guidelines for students in Public Universities (PDF)
2. Annexure A:  Policy on funding students with disabilities (PDF)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Do I need to apply for NSFAS funding again if I am currently funded by NSFAS?

No. Once you are approved for NSFAS funding, the funding covers you until you complete your qualification; provided you continue to meet the academic progression criteria. You just need to focus on studying and passing your modules to secure your continued funding.

I plan to register for two qualifications at the same time. Can I receive funding for both qualifications?

A student can only be funded for one qualification at one institution at any one time.

I was approved for NSFAS funding before, but never registered for that academic year; do I need to re-apply?

Yes, to receive NSFAS funding you will be required to apply again. Applications are currently closed, keep checking our website and social media for application dates.

I am an orphan (vulnerable child), how and where do I get hold of a social worker in order to complete an NSFAS application?

You may speak to a Life Orientation educator or principal to direct you to your nearest Department of Social Development (DSD) within the area.

Where can I study if I am approved for NSFAS funding?

Applicants who are approved for NSFAS funding must register to study at the following universities

List of universities

Cape Peninsula University of Technology

Central University of Technology

Durban University of Technology

Mangosuthu University of Technology

Nelson Mandela University

North-West University

Rhodes University

Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University

Sol Plaatje University

Tshwane University of Technology

University of Cape Town

University of Fort Hare

University of Johannesburg

University of KwaZulu-Natal

University of Limpopo

University of Mpumalanga

University of Pretoria

University of South Africa (UNISA)

University of Stellenbosch

University of the Free State

University of the Western Cape

University of the Witwatersrand

University of Venda

University of Zululand

Vaal University of Technology

Walter Sisulu University

Where do I apply for NSFAS funding?

You apply via the NSFAS website: www.nsfas.org.za

Must I pay CUT registration fees if I have NSFAS funding?

No. NSFAS approved students are not expected to pay any upfront registration fees.

How will CUT know that I have NSFAS funding?

The University Fees and Financial Aid officials have access to the NSFAS system where they can verify your funding status and NSFAS also shares lists of funded students to the University.

NSFAS contact details

Visit www.nsfas.org.za for more information.

Facebook: National Student Financial Aid Scheme

Instagram: @myNSFAS

Twitter: @myNSFAS