VerifiedYes, if you qualify for the NSFAS bursary. Answer the questions below: if every answer is yes, your tuition at a public TVET college can be covered, and you may receive allowances too.
Check Your Personalized Bursary Options
Step 1: Choose Study Level
Step 2: Choose Field of Study
Step 3: Describe Your Interest
Tell us if you want bursaries, scholarships, admissions, or student loans?
Quick eligibility check
| Question | You need |
|---|---|
| Are you a South African citizen or permanent resident? | Yes |
| Is your household income R350,000 a year or less (R600,000 with a disability)? | Yes |
| Are you applying to one of the 50 public TVET colleges? | Yes |
| Is your programme DHET-approved and still open to new students? | Yes |
| Is this your first qualification at this level? | Yes |
What “free” covers
- Tuition and the initial registration fee.
- Personal care allowance plus accommodation or transport.
- No learning materials allowance unless you have a disability.
- Some occupational trades carry no allowances.
What can still cost you money
- Protective clothing, tools or uniforms for practical programmes.
- Transport if your allowance does not cover it.
- Repeating beyond your funded time.
SASSA grant recipients qualify on the financial test. If a college or agent asks you to pay to “get free study”, it is not official.
See free courses at TVET colleges and applying for NSFAS.
Frequently asked questions
Is TVET college free for SASSA beneficiaries?
SASSA grant recipients meet the NSFAS financial test, so they can be funded if they meet the other requirements.
Do I pay registration if NSFAS funds me?
No. Under the 2026 NSFAS criteria, the initial registration fee is not charged to qualifying students.