Is NSFAS Going To Pay For Second Undergraduate Qualifications?

Is NSFAS Going To Pay For Second Undergraduate Qualifications? The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) is a crucial financial aid program in South Africa, designed to help students from disadvantaged backgrounds access higher education. Through a combination of bursaries and loans, NSFAS provides funding for students who meet its eligibility criteria. If you already hold a degree and are considering pursuing another undergraduate qualification, it’s essential to understand NSFAS’s policies on this matter. Let’s break it down.

Who Qualifies for NSFAS Funding?

NSFAS primarily funds students who are enrolling in their first undergraduate qualification at public universities or Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) colleges in South Africa. This means that students who have already completed an undergraduate degree or diploma are not eligible for further funding under NSFAS.

Who Does NSFAS Not Fund?

Understanding the exclusions in NSFAS funding is crucial to avoid disappointment. Here are some scenarios where NSFAS does not provide financial assistance:

1. Second Undergraduate Qualification: If you have already obtained a degree or diploma, NSFAS will not provide funding for another undergraduate qualification.
2. Second Certificate Qualification: If you have already completed a certificate qualification, you are not eligible for funding for another certificate.
3. Students with Alternative Funding: If you have secured a full scholarship, bursary, or student loan that covers your tuition and allowances, NSFAS will not provide additional funding.
4. Private Institutions: NSFAS only funds students at public universities and TVET colleges. Private institutions are not covered under the scheme.
5. Unaccredited Qualifications: Your chosen qualification must be accredited by the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) to be eligible for NSFAS funding.
6. Failure to Meet NSFAS Eligibility Criteria: If you do not meet the financial and academic eligibility requirements, your application will be declined.

NSFAS Eligibility Criteria

To receive NSFAS funding, students must meet specific financial and academic requirements.

Financial Eligibility

• Household Income: Applicants from households earning less than R350,000 per year qualify for NSFAS.
• Students with Disabilities: Students living with disabilities may qualify if their household income is below R600,000 per year.
• SASSA Grant Beneficiaries: If you receive grants such as the SASSA Foster Care, Care Dependency, or Child Support grants, you automatically qualify for NSFAS (provided you meet academic criteria).
• Income Verification: NSFAS verifies income through third-party checks, making it essential to provide accurate financial information.

Academic Eligibility

• University Students: Returning students at universities must pass at least 60% of their modules.
• TVET College Students: TVET students must achieve a 70% pass rate or meet subject-specific criteria.
• National Certificate Vocational (NC(V)) Students: Must pass at least five subjects.
• Report 191 Students: Must pass at least three subjects.
• N+Rule: NSFAS applies the N+Rule, which allows funding for the minimum duration of a qualification plus one additional year.
• Students with Disabilities (N+2 Rule): Students with disabilities are allowed an extra two years beyond the standard funding period.

Alternative Funding Options for a Second Undergraduate Qualification

Since NSFAS does not fund a second undergraduate degree, students seeking additional qualifications must explore alternative funding sources. Here are some options:

1. University Financial Aid: Many public universities offer institutional bursaries and scholarships for academically deserving students.
2. Government or Private Sector Bursaries: Several government departments, private companies, and non-profit organisations offer bursaries and sponsorships for students pursuing a second degree.
3. Student Loans: Banks and financial institutions provide student loans, such as those offered by the Funza Lushaka Bursary Scheme (for education students) and Eduloan.
4. Employer Sponsorship: Some employers provide tuition assistance or study grants for employees looking to further their education.
5. Scholarships for Postgraduate Studies: If your goal is career advancement, you may consider a postgraduate degree instead, as there are more funding opportunities for postgraduate students.

Conclusion

While NSFAS provides vital financial support to thousands of students in South Africa, its funding is limited to first-time undergraduate students. If you are looking to study for a second undergraduate qualification, you will need to explore alternative funding options such as private bursaries, student loans, or employer sponsorships.