Frequently Asked Questions
Bursaries
Where can I get funding for my studies?
There is a variety of funding options available, it is important to know what those options are and before applying or accepting the funding. It is also important to read the funding agreement and understand it before signing it and contractually binding yourself to it.
Types of Funding:
There are 3 kinds of funding for academic study, namely:
- a scholarship,
- a bursary and
- a study loan.
Scholarship
A scholarship is academic financial sponsorship awarded to an academically deserving student which consists of conditions and criteria the candidate must meet. The sponsorship awarded covers at the least a portion of the student’s tuition, if the payment made does not fully cover the fees the student or their parents have to make up the rest.
The good thing about a scholarship is that the student does not have to pay any of the money back. In most cases the beneficiary of the scholarship has to maintain a certain average in terms of their marks and stick to conditions set by the sponsor. For example an athletic scholarship may require that you maintain a 60 % average and do very well in athletics.
Bursary
Is academic sponsorship that covers the full costs of study including study material, tuition, accommodation and sometimes pocket money for living expenses. It is granted on the basis of financial need and/ or good academic results. A bursary is paid back in service to the company or entity that sponsored the candidate, they will have to work for the sponsor for the same amount of years they sponsored them or paid for their fees. Although a bursary covers your fees, if there is a module the student fails they will be expected to pay for it themselves
Study Loan
A study loan refers to money borrowed to pay for academic tuition (in some instances accommodation too) that has to be paid back with interest. Different loans charge interest differently, it is important to know how the loan you intend to take charges interest. A loan should only be given out by a registered financial institution.
We have a financial aid pack available on our Careerhelp website on: http://www.careerhelp.org.za/page/financing-studies/bursary/626576-Bursa.... This can be used to access a wide range of bursary and study loan opportunities available to South Africans.
Where can I get bursaries to study B.Ed.?
The Funza Lushaka Bursary Programme is a programme that promotes teaching in public schools. The bursary is available to South African citizens who have been accepted into a recognized and accredited higher education institution who have a valid South African ID. The applicant must meet Funza Lushaka selection criteria as well in order to be eligible.
Who Can Apply?
- Individuals currently in grade 12
- Unemployed individuals who would like to become teachers
- Graduates who want to complete a teaching qualification
- Individuals who want to make a career change into teaching
How Can You Apply?
You must apply for admission for a teaching qualification (B Ed or PGCE) or a Bachelor’s degree (e.g. BSc, B Tech, BA) with at least one major course in a priority area at a university of your choice. Once you have gained admission at a university, you are required to apply for the bursary via: http://www.funzalushaka.doe.gov.za/application/application.jsp
Note:the priority areas for the Funza Lushaka Bursary are:
- Foundation Phase (Grade R - 3)with specialization in an Indigenous African Language.
- Intermediate Phase (Grade 4 - 9)With a teaching major in two of the following: Mathematics; Natural Science; Technology
-
TVET Phase (Grade 10 - 12)With a teaching major in two of the following:
Accounting; Agricultural Sciences; Agricultural Technology; Civil Technology;
Computer Applications Technology; Economics; Electrical Technology; Engineering Graphics and Design; Geography; Information Technology; Life Sciences; Mathematics; Mechanical Technology; Physical Sciences.
Social Work Scholarship
As part of addressing the critical and scarce skills in the sector the Department of Social Development makes available a scholarship in the field of social work. The scholarship will cover registration, tuition, prescribed books, stipend for the practical’s and official accommodation provided by the university.
Who can apply and how?
- Individuals currently in grade 12 or have completed grade 12 and current first year students in Social Work
- Comply with the entry requirements of the university
- Must be able to complete the qualification within the minimum period as prescribed by the university
- Complete an application form accessible from the provincial DSD (Department of Social Development) or download the application form from the DSS website: http://www.dsd.gov.za/index.php?option=com_docman&task=cat_view&gid=71&Itemid=39
- Completed applications should be delivered to your provincial offices of the Department of Social Development. No applications will be accepted at the DSD National Office.
What Documents Must I Attach To My Application?
New Applicants.
- Certified copy of Grade 12 results
- Certified copy of ID of applicant
- Certified copy of ID and proof of income of parents/Guardian
- Current first year students/prospective students in Social Work who need to undergo a selection process as prescribed by the University, must provide proof that they have been selected to continue with their studies.
Current Social Work Scholarship Holders
Current social work scholarship holders students must have passed and be progressing to the next level of their studies as per respective universities requirements to be considered for further funding.
What is NSFAS?
NSFAS is the South African government student loan and bursary scheme. The loans cater to students at all 25 public South African universities and 50 public South African TVET colleges throughout the country.
Who Can I Apply?
South African citizens who have the academic potential to succeed at university or TVET college who are from a disadvantaged background.
How Do You Apply?
When you apply for a NSFAS student loan, you must attach all the documents listed below:
- Grade 12 Certificate.
- South African Identity Document.
- Proof of parents' income.
- Proof of registration at school, college or university of brothers and sisters who live in the same household. Proof of registration can be obtained at the institutions where your brothers and sisters are registered at.
- Certified copies of their Birth Certificates and their Identity Documents.
- If you have a permanent disability, a letter from your doctor to confirm proof of disability.
- Letter of acceptance from the public university or college where you have applied to study.
Where to apply?
Option 1: Online Application
You can apply on the NSFAS website on: http://www.nsfas.org.za/NSFAS/STUDENTS/APPLY
Option 2: Institution Application
You can also apply at the public institution you are registered with by contacting their Financial Aid Office and enquiring what the application process is for NSFAS and they will take you through the entire process.
If you are a student with a disability you must provide proof of your disability and a quotation for assistive devices as required documents with the application form.
Funding for assistive devices follows the same approval process as financial aid. If you are successful in your application for financial aid and you have received notice of the final approval amount from NSFAS, you may arrange to purchase your assistive device through the Student Disability Unit at the university or TVET college you are going to study at.
The university or TVET college can purchase the assistive device on your behalf. Please contact NSFAS on 0860 067 327or visit your university student disability unit to get information about providers of assistive devices.
NSFAS Bursaries
A NSFAS bursary is the money you receive to cover the costs of your studies for certain qualifications at any public university or college in South Africa. This money does not have to be repaid to NSFAS.
NSFAS administers various bursary funds, including:
- The Funza Lushaka Bursary Programme to train teachers
- Bursaries for studying Social Work through the Department of Social Development
- Bursaries from the National Skills Fund for scarce skills
- Bursaries for the National Certificate (Vocational) and for certain Report 191 courses at TVET colleges
- The bursary programme of the Department of Higher Education and Training for students with disabilities.
Contact the NSFAS contact centre for more information on these bursaries:
http://www.nsfas.org.za
0860 067 327
info@nsfas.org.za
