Does NSFAS Fund Part-Time Students? | Requirements
A common question among students starting their higher education is: does NSFAS fund part-time students? No, NSFAS does not support part-time students or students who are attending private colleges or universities across institutions. This is because the program was established to fund degree programs for students from low-income backgrounds.
Therefore, anyone taking short courses, even from public universities, will not be able to fund their education through NSFAS, except UNISA. Want to know more about the NSFAS requirements for funding certain programs and courses? Keep reading this guide.
NSFAS Funding Requirements
NSFAS, or National Student Financial Aid Scheme, finances the study, accommodation, meals, transport, and other necessary expenses of selected students enrolled at TVET colleges or public universities. However, to apply for this funding, students must be able to meet the following criteria.
- Students who have finished Grades 9 to 12 or wish to enroll at a public university or TVET college. Anyone already enrolled at these institutions can also apply for funding.
- The student must be a South African citizen and permanent resident.
- The student must be a SASSA grant recipient.
- The student must not have a combined household income of more than R350,000 per year. The income threshold for people with disability is R600,000 per year.
Does NSFAS Fund Part-Time Students at TVET College?
No, NSFAS does not fund part-time courses and short courses even for students enrolled at TVET colleges. However, one exception in this case is UNISA, popularly known as the University of South Africa. UNISA has taken a different approach, focusing on distance learning programs to address the skill shortage across the country.
This way, they are better equipped to train the students for industry-relevant skills and job market demands. Hence, given the university is funded through tax revenue, a third of all their degrees are covered by NSFAS. Students can always visit the administrative office to check whether NSFAS funds their chosen program.
Alternate Options for Part-Time Students
There are several alternate sources of financial assistance for students whose degrees and courses are not funded by NSFAS. Some of them are explained in detail here.
Bursaries
Various public and private entities across South Africa offer bursaries and scholarships to part-time students to free them from financial burdens. It helps them cover tuition fees and related expenses without worrying about repayment conditions. Some popular bursaries for part-time students include SAAFoST, CIMA, Compensation Fund Bursary, ABSIP bursary, Capitec, and Sasol bursary.
Student Loans
Students who work part-time can explore several student loan options offered by government entities, banks, and private institutions. Universities and colleges even have their partner institutions, so their students can get loans with low interest rates and flexible repayment methods. A few reliable options for student loans are College Ave, Absa, Nedbank, FNB, Fundi, and Standard Bank.
Employer Sponsorship
If you are working part-time with studies, employer sponsorships might come in handy. Some employers in the job market offer financial support to their employees currently pursuing part-time students, which is relevant to their career development. So, it is better to check the fund availability with your employer.
In essence, NSFAS does not fund part-time students; however, you can still try for alternate funding options. Please note that bursaries and scholarships work best for students with high academic achievements. Discuss it with your college student office, and they may help you find the right funding source specific to your profile.