Second Undergraduate Qualifications Won’t be Funded by NSFAS

Second Undergraduate Qualifications Won’t be Funded by NSFAS. The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) was established to provide financial assistance to students from low-income households who cannot afford higher education. However, NSFAS funding is specifically designed for students pursuing their first undergraduate qualification.

Second Undergraduate Qualifications Won’t be Funded by NSFAS

It is clear that NSFAS’s funding policy excludes students who have already earned an undergraduate degree and wish to pursue a graduate degree.

NSFAS Funding Policy for Second Qualifications

Thousands of students apply for NSFAS bursaries and loans yearly to cover their tuition fees. However, those seeking financial aid for a second undergraduate qualification will be disappointed. NSFAS has explicitly stated that students who have already obtained an undergraduate degree are not eligible for further funding. Additionally, NSFAS will not fund students who have previously received a certificate qualification and want to pursue another certificate program.

Who NSFAS Will Not Fund?

Aside from students seeking a second qualification, NSFAS also does not cover:

• Students who already have loans, bursaries, or scholarships that fully cover their tuition and allowances.
• Students enrolled at institutions other than public universities or public TVET colleges.
• Students registered for unaccredited qualifications that the Department of Higher Education and Training does not recognize.
• Students who fail to meet the NSFAS eligibility requirements.

NSFAS Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for NSFAS funding, students must meet the following financial and academic requirements:

• Household Income Limit: Applicants must have a combined household income below R350,000 per year, while students with disabilities qualify if their household income is below R600,000.
• SASSA Grant Recipients: Students receiving Foster Care, Care Dependency, or Child Support grants automatically meet the financial eligibility criteria.
• Academic Performance Requirements:
  • University students must pass at least 60% of their modules.
  • TVET College students must achieve a 70% pass rate or meet subject-specific requirements.
  • National Certificate Vocational (NC(V)) students must pass five subjects.
  • Report 191 students must pass three subjects.
  • The N+Rule applies, allowing students one extra year of funding beyond the standard duration of their qualification. Disabled students qualify for N+2.

FAQs About NSFAS Funding

1. Can I reapply for NSFAS after completing my first degree?

No, NSFAS only funds first-time undergraduate students. If you have already obtained a degree, you are not eligible for further funding.

2. What if I failed some modules? Will NSFAS still fund me?

Yes, but you must pass at least 60% of your modules at university or 70% at a TVET college to continue receiving funding.

3. Can NSFAS fund my postgraduate studies?

NSFAS does not fund postgraduate qualifications, except for specific programs such as Postgraduate Certificates in Education (PGCE) and certain medical fields.

Conclusion

NSFAS provides crucial financial assistance to first-time undergraduate students from low-income backgrounds, but it does not fund second qualifications. Students who wish to further their education must explore alternative funding options such as scholarships, private bursaries, or self-funding. Meeting the NSFAS eligibility criteria is essential for securing and maintaining financial aid throughout your studies.