VerifiedNSFAS funds first qualifications at public universities and public TVET colleges, within set NQF levels. Its 2026 eligibility criteria spell out which qualification types count.
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Public TVET colleges
| Qualification | Funded? |
|---|---|
| Pre-Vocational Learning Programme | Yes, for one term |
| NC(V) Levels 2 to 4 | Yes |
| Report 191 (NATED) up to N6 | Yes; introductory courses for one term only; nothing above N6 |
| DHET-approved occupational programmes | Tuition, for the length of the qualification; allowances only in some cases |
Public universities
| NQF level | Qualification | Funded? |
|---|---|---|
| 5 | Higher certificate | Yes |
| 6 | Diploma or advanced certificate | Yes |
| 7 | First bachelor’s degree | Yes |
| 8 | First professional bachelor’s degree | Yes |
| 8 and above | Postgraduate diplomas, honours, master’s, PhD | No |
What NSFAS does not fund
- A second qualification at the same level, such as a second undergraduate degree.
- Qualifications at private institutions.
- Unaccredited qualifications.
- Students already fully funded by another bursary.
Moving from a TVET college to a university requires a new NSFAS application, and you must have completed your TVET qualification.
See which TVET courses NSFAS funds and NSFAS and postgraduate study.
Frequently asked questions
Does NSFAS fund a second degree?
No. NSFAS funds a first undergraduate qualification only.
Does NSFAS fund N4 to N6?
Yes, Report 191 programmes up to N6 at public TVET colleges, while they are still offered.