Does NSFAS Cover Postgraduate Studies?

Does NSFAS Cover Postgraduate Studies – It is not always easy to get to the postgraduate stage of the academic ladder. This stage is such a significant and imperative one for students, especially those who have made up their mind to pursue their education and also look for better career opportunities. The National Student’s Financial Aid Scheme in South Africa has long-standing been instituted by the government to provide funding for students who want to go to school but cannot due to financial constraints. The NSFAS covers students who are in public universities or in TVET colleges, but the question of whether the fund supports postgraduates has always lingered.

In this article, we are going to talk about whether the NSFAS will cover your schooling expenses when you are a postgraduate.

Does NSFAS Cover Postgraduate Studies?

Completing school comes with lots of cost, although one would say that one has already completed the first leg of higher education. The National Student Financial Aid Scheme is a government body that serves as a funding body to provide money in the form of an allowance to students who want to pursue higher education. The fund is for students who are not financially capable of pursuing their education. Before 2021, the NSFAS covered students for postgraduate studies. What it meant was that those who were already in the scheme were allowed to continue their education under the funding.

Post 2021, students under the scheme were no longer funded for postgraduate studies. What this means is that if you are a postgraduate seeking funding from NSFAS, you will not be receiving funding from the scheme. If you are a student who is looking forward to continuing your education, it means that you will have to look for funding elsewhere, as NSFAS will not be funding your postgraduate studies.

Will NSFAS Fund PGCE in 2025?

It appears it is going to be a hard year for students who are in the PGCE this 2025. This is because the NSFAS will not be funding their education. This conclusion comes from the DHET Bursary Regulations and Guidelines, which state clearly that the National Student Financial Aid Scheme will not be funding the PGCE.

Fortunately for prospective students, there are other alternatives they can look at. They are encouraged to apply for financial assistance through the National Research Foundation, the Department of Basic Education, or the Funza Lushaka Bursary Scheme. This will be good, especially for students who are looking at a career in teaching and similar qualifications.

Does NSFAS Fund A Second Degree?

In previous years, the National Student Financial Aid Scheme used to fund postgraduate studies. As of 2021, postgraduate students were still being funded by the NSFAS, so it is understandable where the confusion is. Applicants who are already benefiting from the scheme and even prospective students would love to know what their chances are when it comes to funding.

Well, the truth is that the NSFAS will not fund a second degree. If a student completes one qualification, the NSFAS will no longer fund that student for another degree, although there are exceptions.

What this means is that the NSFAS will exclude any applicant who already has an undergraduate qualification. In essence, if you have completed one degree or even a diploma, you become ineligible for funding for a second qualification. It does not matter your discipline or how long you have graduated, it applies to you.

The exception comes into play when you already hold a higher certificate, this the NQF Level 5, and you are continuing your first undergraduate degree this a bachelor’s or a diploma. This way, it will be considered as legitimate enough as it is known as a legitimate progression pathway.

What you can do if you find yourself in a situation like this is to;

Seek a university or faculty bursary. It is no news that most South African universities and bursaries offer financial assistance to students.
You could also apply for private scholarships or bursaries by merit in your discipline you are studying.
One other avenue you can consider is to go for a student loan. Many students have gone for student loans, and it has worked quite well for them. With proper planning, you would be able to fund your education with student loans.
Explore employer sponsorship – If your second degree aligns with your career, some employers support further study.

The bottom line is that;

The NSFAS is not going to fund you if you have already gone through the process or have an undergraduate degree.
The funding is only first first-time undergrads
If you wish to achieve an undergraduate certificate, you have to look for other means of funding.
Certificate-to-degree progression is allowed, but not second bachelor’s degrees.

How Much Does NSFAS Pay Monthly For University?

The NSFAS provides financial assistance to public university students who do not have the financial capabilities to afford university fees and other expenses. The funding comes in the form of allowance that is issued out every month. It comes 10 times in a year starting from February through to November. In December and January, NSFAS does not make payments to students. The NSFAS pays R1,650 per month which is meant for expenses like food, toiletries, and basic daily needs.Conclusion

The National Student Financial Aid Scheme does not fund or cover postgraduate studies. If you are a looking for funding, you have to look for alternative funding from elsewhere. You can look at sponsorships, bursaries and other form of funding.

FAQs

Can NSFAS Fund You For A Postgraduate Degree?

Before 2021, the NSFAS covered students for postgraduate studies. What it meant was that those who were already in the scheme were allowed to continue their education under the funding. Post 2021, students under the scheme were no longer funded for postgraduate studies. What this means is that if you are a postgraduate seeking funding from NSFAS, you will not be receiving funding from the scheme. If you are a student who is looking forward to continuing your education, it means that you will have to look for funding elsewhere, as NSFAS will not be funding your postgraduate studies.

How Can I Fund My Postgraduate Studies?

Seek a university or faculty bursary. It is no news that most South African universities and bursaries offer financial assistance to students.

You could also apply for private scholarships or bursaries by merit in your discipline you are studying.

One other avenue you can consider is to go for a student loan. Many students have gone for student loans, and it has worked quite well for them. With proper planning, you would be able to fund your education with student loans.

Explore employer sponsorship – If your second degree aligns with your career, some employers support further study.

What Courses Are Not Funded By NSFAS?

Second undergraduate degrees

Postgraduate qualifications (e.g., Honours, Master’s, PhD, PGDip)

Short courses and certificates

Part-time or distance learning (in most cases)

Courses at private institutions

Unaccredited or unregistered programs

Which Postgraduate Courses Does NRF Fund

Undergraduate degrees (distinct from postgraduate levels)

Postgraduate certificates or diplomas

Professional Master’s or Doctoral degrees (including coursework-heavy, professional qualifications)

Does NSFAS Fund Second Degrees?

The NSFAS will not fund a second degree. If a student completes one qualification, the NSFAS will no longer fund that student for another degree, although there are exceptions.