Contact NSFAS: Facebook message Tel No.: 0860 067 327 Email: info@nsfas.org.za
Our previous NSFAS blog focused on how to apply to NSFAS and maximize the chance of a successful application. This blog explains how to get NSFAS bursaries. Similarly to the NSFAS loan, you must apply on time and with all the required paperwork attached. Although you may be asked for proof of family income, there is no cut-off after which you will not be successful. The intention of the NSFAS bursaries is to build interest in scarce skills sectors by attracting academically able and interested young people. Financial need is considered as a factor but not the deciding factor.
Just as with the NSFAS loans, the NSFAS bursaries are a limited pool of funds. NSFAS will award as many bursaries as they can from their pool of funds. The bursary pool is not the same pool as the loan pool so you can apply for both at the same time.
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The NSFAS brochure tells us that they offer NSFAS bursaries for teaching, social work, students with disabilities, the National Vocational Certificate and NATED Engineer N1-N6 and other FET fields N4-N6. What does this mean?
| Bursary | What is the offer? | Application details |
| Teaching | Any teaching degree or diploma at a public institute that will qualify you to teach in a government school. This includes a BEd or the PGCE year that follows an undergraduate degree but not the undergraduate degree. | Apply to Funzalushaka Trust Applications open October for new applicants and close in January. |
| Social Work | Any Social Work Degree at a public institute that will qualify you to work as a Social Worker for Social Development. | Apply to Department of Social Development. Applications open September and close October. |
| Students with Disabilities | Apply directly to NSFAS.
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| National Certificate (Vocational) | The NCV is an alternative route to gaining a National Senior Certificate (NSC). NCVs are careers oriented matric certificates offered by FET colleges. The NCV takes three years to complete and you can apply for admission when you have passed Grade 9, however many courses prefer that you have progressed further with your schooling before you apply. | Apply directly to NSFAS. Applications close at the end of November for the year before you study. You do not need confirmation that you are accepted to study to apply for funding. For a list of FET colleges click here.
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| Report 191 (NATED) | NATED programs are offered at FET colleges. You can apply for engineering at any level (N1-N6) or other fields at a post-matric level (N4-N6) | Apply directly to NSFAS. For a list of FET colleges click here.
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If you have a NSFAS loan you can convert up to 40% of your loan to a bursary based on your academic results. This is not the same sort of bursary as the ones described in this NSFAS bursaries blog. To find out more about NSFAS, go to their website.
