VerifiedAll 50 public TVET colleges can be free for students who qualify for NSFAS. The NSFAS bursary pays registration and tuition for eligible students on the Pre-Vocational Learning Programme, the NC(V), NATED N-courses and DHET-approved occupational programmes, and adds allowances in many cases. Qualifying students also do not pay the initial registration fee.
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Who studies free
- South African citizens and permanent residents.
- Household income of R350,000 a year or less, or R600,000 with a disability.
- SASSA grant recipients, who qualify on the financial test.
- Students on approved programmes at public TVET colleges.
Limits of the free funding
| Rule | Detail |
|---|---|
| Bridging and introductory courses | The Pre-Vocational Learning Programme and N-course introductory courses are funded for one term only |
| Levels | Nothing above N6 is funded |
| Occupational programme allowances | Paid only in some cases |
| Time | Normal duration plus one extra term (N+1) |
| Private colleges | Never funded |
If you do not qualify for NSFAS
- Public college fees are still far lower than private college fees.
- Many colleges allow instalments.
- Households earning R350,001 to R600,000 may qualify for the NSFAS Student Loan, which is not free.
No public TVET college charges for NSFAS applications, and many charge no application fee. Anyone asking for money to “get you free study” is not official.
See is TVET college education free? and applying for NSFAS as a TVET student.
Frequently asked questions
Are TVET colleges free in South Africa?
For NSFAS-qualifying students, tuition and registration at public TVET colleges are covered. Other students pay fees.
Does NSFAS pay the registration fee at TVET colleges?
Yes. NSFAS’s 2026 policy says qualifying students do not pay the initial registration fee.