Can NSFAS Fund Me Without Matric

Can NSFAS Fund Me Without Matric

The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) is a government program that supports students to pay for their studies. It works under the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) and offers bursaries to students who qualify and want to study at public universities or TVET colleges in South Africa. Many people believe that you must have a matric certificate to qualify for NSFAS funding. While it’s true that matric is usually one of the main requirements, there are some exceptions.

NSFAS knows that not everyone finishes high school or follows the usual school path, and they try to support students from different backgrounds. If you don’t have a matric certificate, you may still be able to get NSFAS funding, especially if you’re planning to study at a TVET college. Some courses at these colleges accept students without matric, and NSFAS may cover the costs for those programs. For example, the Pre-Vocational Learning Programme (PLP) helps students get ready for further studies and is sometimes funded by NSFAS.

NSFAS aims to make education more accessible to all South Africans, not just those with traditional qualifications. So even if you didn’t finish matric, you still have a chance to further your education and build a better future. In this complete guide, we’ll explore the options available to students without a matric and how NSFAS can help support your journey.

Learn more: How Many Modules Should I Pass For NSFAS 2026?

Eligibility Criteria for TVET College Funding

To be eligible for NSFAS TVET College funding, applicants must meet specific criteria

• All South African citizens
• All SASSA grant recipients qualify for funding
• Applicants whose combined household income is not more than R350,000 per annum
• Person with disability: Combined household income must not be more than R600,000 per annum
• Students who started studying before 2018, whose household income is not more than R122,000 per annum.

What are the Alternatives to NSFAS Funding

If you do not have a matric certificate, there are still options for obtaining NSFAS funding:

• Higher Education Access Program (HEAP): Some institutions provide bridging programs for students who do not satisfy the prerequisites for matriculation. Completing a HEAP can help you improve your academic status and qualify for NSFAS.
• Mature Age Entry: You may be deemed a mature-age student if you are over a specific age (usually 23 or older). For mature-age students, NSFAS offers particular provisions that take into consideration life and job experience, as well as past learning.
• Repeating Matric: If you are motivated to pursue further education and qualify for NSFAS, you may want to consider repeating your matric examinations.
• Scholarships and Private funding: Look into additional scholarship opportunities and funding options that do not have high matriculation criteria.

Can NSFAS Fund Me Without Matric

Courses Funded by NSFAS at TVET Colleges

NSFAS pays for certain approved courses at TVET colleges. These include a range of programs in different fields:

Business and Services Studies:

• NSFAS also supports courses in fields like Management, Marketing, Finance, Office Administration, Tourism, Hospitality, Education & Development, Transport & Logistics, and Safety in Society.
• These are available as both NC(V) Level 2–4 and Report 191 N1–N6 programs.

Pre-Learning Programmes (PLP):

• Even some foundation or preparatory courses can be funded.

Engineering Studies:

• You can get funding for courses like the National Certificate (Vocational) from levels 2 to 4 and Report 191 programs from N1 to N6.
• These cover areas such as Civil Engineering, Electrical Infrastructure, IT & Computer Science, and other engineering-related subjects.

Supporting documents required for NSFAS

NSFAS needs information to confirm the employment and income of an applicant’s parents, guardians, or spouse.

• NSFAS Declaration Form: completed by the school principal or social worker. (Non-SASSA only)
• Orphan and Vulnerable Child Declaration Form: completed by a social worker for applicants under 18. (Non-SASSA only)
• NSFAS Consent Form: signed by the applicant and/or parent, guardian, or spouse. (Not needed for SASSA recipients)
• If the applicant has a legal guardian, court-issued proof is required.
• For non-court-appointed guardians, submit the NSFAS Declaration Form.

Learn more: What Courses Are Not Funded By NSFAS 2026?

How To Apply For NSFAS Online 2026

Follow the guide below to apply online for NSFAS.

• Go to www.nsfas.org.za and click on the ‘myNSFAS’ tab.
• Create a myNSFAS account
•  Click on the ‘APPLY’ tab and complete the sections on the screen
• Upload the required supporting documents, where applicable
• Click on ‘Submit’.

Contact NSFAS

Email: info@nsfas.org.za
Facebook: National Student Financial Aid Scheme
Twitter: @myNSFAS
Instagram: @myNSFAS
WhatsApp: +27 78 519 8006
USSD:*120*67327#

While possessing a matric certificate may make it easier for you to receive NSFAS financing, it is not the only consideration evaluated when determining eligibility. NSFAS considers your financial need, academic achievement, and the course you want to follow. Visit the official website of NSFAS for more information.

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