UNDERGRADUATE STUDIES

The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) is a loan and bursary scheme administered by the Department of Education and funded in terms of Act 56 of 1999. NSFAS was formed to aid academically deserving and financially needy South African students achieve their academic goals at tertiary institutions. It has low interest rates and will convert up to 40% of the loan amount into a bursary if the student completes all courses registered in the year funding was obtained.

Who qualifies?

• All South African citizens
• All SASSA grant recipients qualifies for funding
• Applicants whose combined household income is not more than R350 000 per annum
• Person with disability: Combined household income must not be more than R600 000 per annum
• Students who started studying before 2018 whose household income is not more than R122 000 per annum.

How much can a student get?

Annually, NSFAS determines the minimum and maximum award. Please enquire about the current limits at the Financial Aid office. However, a person will be expected to contribute to the total cost of your studies, i.e. Expected Family Contribution (EFC).

According to the NSFAS Means Test, the size of the award is determined by the family income.

Where to apply:

Application forms are obtainable from the Financial Aid Office.

Closing Dates:

• Registered students: Mid-October
• First-year students: Mid-March

Documents which should accompany the application forms:

• Certified copy of ID document/passport of student and mother/father/guardian/wife/husband
• Original/certified copy of pay slips/pension slips for both parents/guardian/spouse – these should not be older than three (3) months
• In the case of deceased parents, attach certified death certificates
• If parents are divorced, attach a copy of the decree of divorce
• If parents/guardian/spouse are self-employed, attach a copy of the latest financial statement
• If parents are unemployed, attach sworn affidavits accompanied by a report from a social worker, religious leader/traditional leader or Council
• An amount for income must be provided on all affidavits
• If parents are separated, attach pay slips for both and an official letter from the social worker or religious leader confirming the separation
• Certified copy of previous degree or diploma certificate
• If you are currently in in-service training, attach a pay slip or provide the University with proof from your employer stating whether your study leave is paid or unpaid
• ID copies/birth certificates or letters from the school of other family members
• Proof of registration for siblings at other tertiary institutions

Criteria

• First-time entering Master’s and Doctoral students are entitled to a tuition fee bursary of up to R10 000-00 for the duration of their study.
• NB: Students will still be responsible for paying administration fees.
• First-time entering Honours and B.Ed Honours students qualify as follows: they must have obtained 60% in the final year of their undergraduate study in the subject(s) or course(s) in which they intend to pursue their postgraduate degree..

NB: Tuition fee bursary of up to R10 000-00 (tuition fee bursary is capped by the amount of tuition fee levied for the year) will only be awarded on completion of one’s study..

Conditions

• A tuition bursary capped at the total amount of tuition levied in the academic year of registration for the stipulated period of study will be awarded. The bursary will not cover other costs on the fee account.
• Eligible students who fail to successfully complete their studies within the stipulated time under normal circumstances do not qualify for University-administered financial aid.
• Students who receive tuition fee support from their employers or from other sources under normal circumstances do not qualify for University-administered financial aid.
• Students registering for the qualification equivalent to the one already received do not qualify for a tuition fee bursary.
• Students who have previously registered with another institution for the same qualification do not qualify
• The University reserves the right to withdraw the tuition bursary should the student fail to disclose that he/she has an equivalent degree from another institution.
• No retrospective application is allowed..

The following documents should be attached to the application form:

• Acceptance letter from the School indicating the student number, degree and discipline
• Copy of a detailed transcript of academic records
• Copy of degree certificates
• Copy of ID (certified)
• If the student fails to disclose that he or she has another bursary that pays towards tuition fees, the university’s tuition bursary will be withdrawn.