Is Oxbridge Academy Funded by NSFAS? | Alternate Options

Many fresh students out of high school turn to skilled-oriented colleges and academies. One such college is Oxbridge Academy in Stellenbosch, popular for its distance learning artisan-driven courses. The academy is registered as a distance-learning college with the Department of Higher Education under Act 101.

Does NSFAS Fund Oxbridge Academy?

A common question among the new applicants is whether NSFAS funds the Oxbridge Academy. Simply put, NSFAS does not fund any course offered by the Oxbridge Academy. If you want to know more about Oxbridge Academy funding, keep reading this guide.

Does NSFAS Cover Oxbridge Academy Distance Learning Courses?

Founded in 1997, Oxbridge Academy is a renowned private distance-learning college based in Stellenbosch, South Africa. The college was established to address the skill shortage in the local South African job market. All programs at the college are nationally accredited, meaning that they pass all standards demanded by the relevant industry.

Most of the student body at the Oxbridge Academy comes from upper-middle-class families; thereby, it is not funded under the NSFAS program. Simply put, any student enrolled in any distance learning course at Oxbridge College cannot apply for NSFAS funding. However, it allows students to pay their tuition fees in affordable monthly installments.

Alternate Funding Options for Oxbridge Academy

Now that we have established that NSFAS does not fund your education at Oxbridge Academy, let us check out alternate funding options for students.

Student Loans

If you cannot afford your education at this college, the option of a student loan is always available. Oxbridge offers loans to their students at low interest rates and flexible payment terms. All you need to do is visit the student affairs and inquire about relevant loan programs.

They can help you narrow down a few options. Some documents you will need to secure a loan include an ID document, a letter of acceptance from the college, fee receipts, proof of residence, employment proof, and academic results. A few reliable options for student loans are the FNB First National Bank, Absa, Standard Bank, Nedbank, and Fundi.

Scholarships and Bursaries

Oxbridge Academy offers several internal and external-sponsored bursaries for students who are unable to afford their studies and need funding. A few reliable scholarships at the Academy are Vodacom bursaries, Square Kilometer Array Bursaries, and Transnet Bursaries.

The best way to narrow down your bursary options is to visit the student office and check the options. Sometimes, industry giants sponsor student fees and offer placement opportunities when they are studying. However, please note that scholarships are usually more competitive than loans, and students with high academic achievements are preferred.

What Type of College is Funded by NSFAS?

The National Student Financial Aid Scheme is an education initiative by the South African government to fund students from humble backgrounds. The program is funded by the government and uses tax revenue; thereby, it majorly funds public TVET Technical Vocational Education and Training colleges and public universities across South Africa.

According to this legislation, the program does not fund private colleges and universities, even when they are accredited by the Department of Education. Moreover, NSFAS funding is not available for foreign students currently enrolled in any college or university in the country (public or private). Students can also check with their student office for funding options.

In essence, getting admission at Oxbridge Academy is an excellent opportunity for students to gain industry-relevant experience and prepare for the job market. Unfortunately, the courses at this college are not funded by NSFAS. However, you can look for alternate funding offered by internal and external sponsors.