VerifiedNo. Since the 2021 academic year, the NSFAS bursary no longer funds postgraduate study. This includes postgraduate certificates, postgraduate diplomas, honours degrees, master’s degrees and PhDs. Students funded in 2020 were allowed to finish.
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What the NSFAS bursary does fund
| NQF level | Qualifications funded |
|---|---|
| 5 | Higher certificates |
| 6 | Advanced certificates and diplomas |
| 7 | First bachelor’s degrees |
| 8 | First professional bachelor’s degrees, such as four-year degrees |
NSFAS does not fund qualifications above NQF Level 8, or a second undergraduate qualification.
A PGCE (Postgraduate Certificate in Education) is a postgraduate qualification, so the NSFAS bursary does not fund it.
Options for postgraduate funding
| Funder | Notes |
|---|---|
| National Research Foundation (NRF) | NSFAS refers postgraduate students to the NRF |
| NSFAS Student Loan | For households earning R350,001 to R600,000; NSFAS says it is open to undergraduate and postgraduate programmes |
| University bursaries and merit awards | Offered by individual universities |
| Employer and sector bursaries | Often linked to work-back agreements |
Planning ahead
- If you want an honours degree, budget for it during your final undergraduate year.
- Apply early: NRF and university postgraduate funding usually closes the year before study starts.
Source: NSFAS postgraduate funding page. See also NSFAS and Funza Lushaka.
Frequently asked questions
Does NSFAS fund honours degrees?
No. The NSFAS bursary has not funded honours or other postgraduate qualifications since 2021.
Does NSFAS fund a PGCE?
No. The PGCE is a postgraduate qualification and falls outside the NSFAS bursary.