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Students studying at Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET) colleges can now apply for a bursary from the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) to cover their Trimester 3 studies.

NSFAS Trimester 3 applications for TVET College students opened on Monday, 4 September 2023, and will close on Wednesday, 20 September 2023.

This timeline gives students just over two weeks to ensure that their applications are submitted.

Prospective students are reminded that this is the last to apply for NSFAS funding for the 2023 academic year and have been urged to complete their applications early to avoid disappointment.

Complete Guide on NSFAS Applications For TVET College Students

NSFAS Eligibility for TVET Colleges

The NSFAS criteria for TVET students are as follows:

• Must be a South African citizen
• Must be registered or intending to register on a PLP, NC(V), or Report 191 program at any public TVET College in South Africa
• Must be admitted/received a firm offer for enrolment in a College
• Must be in need of financial assistance
• Applicants will qualify if they fall within the maximum threshold of up to R350 000 of combined gross family income per annum
• Returning students must demonstrate proven and accepted academic performance (academically deserving) in line with the College’s progression policy or the progression prescriptions of the Bursary Rules and Guidelines (whichever is higher)
• Must not be enrolling for a qualification that duplicates previous learning that was state-funded

TVET College Courses Funded My NSFAS

NSFAS only funds certain courses offered at TVET colleges. These courses include engineering studies courses, business and utility studies courses, education and development courses, and marketing and management courses.

• Engineering Studies – (National Certificate -Vocational) NQF levels 2-4 & Engineering studies – Report 191 N1-N6
• Engineering and Related Design; Electrical Infrastructure; Civil Engineering Construction and Information Technology & Computer Science
• Business & Utility Studies (National Certificate – Vocational) NQF levels 2-4 & Report 191 N1-N6
• Management; Marketing; Finance; Office Administration; Economics & Accounting; Education & Development; Hospitality; Tourism; Safety in Society and Transport & Logistics
• Pre-Learning Programme (PLP) funding through NSFAS

NSFAS Allowances For TVET students

The allowances received by TVET college students vary depending on where they live. This as some students will live in college residences while others may stay in private accommodations.

The NSFAS bursary provides comprehensive funding to qualifying students and aims to cover all the costs related to their studies. This includes:

• Accommodation in an urban area: R24,000 annually
• Accommodation in a peri-urban area: R18,900 annually
• Accommodation in a rural area: R15,750 annually
• Transport (up to 40 km from the institution): R7,350 annually
• Living expenses allowance: R7,000 annually
• Incidental/personal care allowance: R2,900 annually

Where to apply for TVET College funding?

1. TVET college bursary offices – A TVET official will apply on your behalf
2. Online via the NSFAS portal
3. NSFAS head offices
4. NSFAS application centres

How To Submit Your Online NSFAS Funding Application

Applications for the NSFAS bursary must be submitted online through the NSFAS website.

Step 1: Visit the NSFAS website.

Step 2: Click on the ‘myNSFAS’ tab.

Step 3: Create a myNSFAS account.

Step 4: Click on the ‘APPLY’ tab and complete the sections on the screen.

Step 5: Upload required supporting documents where applicable.

Step 6: Click on ‘Submit’

What is Needed For NSFAS Applications

TVET college students are required to submit documents to support their NSFAS bursary application.

• Your own cell phone number and email address.
• A copy of your ID or birth certificate.
• ID copies of parents, guardian or spouse (or death certificate where applicable).
• Marriage certificate (if applicable).
• Your proof of income or 1 year’s IRP5 (if applicable).
• Your parents, guardian, or spouse’s proof of income; if you are a SASSA grant recipient, no proof of income will be required.
• A court order (if applicable).
• Applicants with a disability must submit a completed and signed Disability Annexure A Form.
• An applicant who is recognized as a Vulnerable Child by the Department of Social Development must provide a completed and signed Vulnerable Child Declaration and Consent Form.

Students are advised to submit all the necessary supporting documents to avoid any delays in the application process or being rejected by NSFAS.

How To Track Your NSFAS Application

1. Visit the NSFAS website.
2. Click on the “myNSFAS” tab on the menu bar at the top of the page.
3. Log in to your myNSFAS account using your username and password.
4. Once you are logged in, click on the “track funding progress” option.
5. Your application status will be displayed on the screen, indicating whether your application has been approved or not.

The final opportunity for applying for funding will be during Trimester 3 applications. Students who are yet to submit their applications have been urged to do so to avoid missing the deadline.