Does NSFAS Fund 6 Months Courses 2026?

Does NSFAS Fund 6 Months Courses 2026?

The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) is a great help for many South African students who need financial support to study at universities or TVET colleges. If you’re thinking about studying a short course that lasts only six months, you might wonder if NSFAS can help pay for it. Unfortunately, NSFAS does not typically fund short courses like these. Their funding is mostly for full-time, long-term qualifications that lead to a certificate, diploma, or degree.

If you want to get funding from NSFAS, it’s vital to choose a course that is fully accredited and offered by a recognised institution. NSFAS only supports courses that meet their rules and standards. You also have to qualify financially, which means your family’s income should be below a certain limit set by NSFAS. Even though NSFAS does not fund six-month courses, you shouldn’t be discouraged. There are other ways to pay for short courses, such as private bursaries, scholarships, or even employer funding if you’re working. Make sure to research these options early so you don’t miss out.

Also, if you’re applying for an NSFAS bursary for a longer course, always keep updated on deadlines and carefully follow the application process. Being organised and submitting everything on time will give you a better chance of getting the funding you need. For the most accurate and up-to-date information, check the official NSFAS website regularly. This way, you can plan well and focus on your studies with less worry about money.

Learn more: How Much Does NSFAS Give Students

NSFAS Eligibility Requirements for 2026

To be eligible for NSFAS funding, applicants must meet specific requirements and criteria. The following requirements must be met:

• Must be a South African citizen / permanent resident
• Combined gross household income should not exceed R350,000 per annum
• Combined gross household income (persons living with disabilities) should not exceed R600,000 per annum
• SASSA recipients automatically qualify for financial eligibility
• Must have an email and cell phone number.

Approved Qualification NSFAS Fund for 2026

NSFAS primarily offers financial support to students enrolled at public universities and TVET colleges for the following types of qualifications:

• Undergraduate Degrees
• Diplomas
• Higher Certificates

Courses Funded by NSFAS for 2026

However, the generally funded programmes are below:

• 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

Courses That NSFAS Does Not Fund

NSFAS does not cover some types of courses. These include:

• Second Qualifications: If you already have a degree or diploma, you may not get funding for another one.
• Private Colleges and Universities: Funding is only for public institutions.
• Short and Part-Time Courses: NSFAS mainly supports full-time studies.
• Postgraduate Degrees: Honours, Master’s, and Doctoral programs are mostly not funded, except for certain teaching and medical courses.

Supporting documents required for NSFAS

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

• Copy of student ID / Birth certificate
• Copy of parent/s or guardian/ spouse ID
• Smart card: both sides of the card are required
• Proof of income (where applicable)
• Persons living with disability (Disability Annexure A form)
• An applicant who is recognised as a vulnerable child by the Department of Social Development must provide a completed Vulnerable Child Declaration form completed by a social worker
• An applicant who has indicated that s/he has no family member details or an abridged birth certificate must complete the Declaration: Non-SASSA.
• Step 5: Click on ‘Submit’

Learn more: NSFAS Qualifications

How To Apply For NSFAS 2026

The NSFAS Application is done online on the official website of the agency. The NSFAS application procedure is simple, convenient, and straightforward. Follow the steps below to apply for NSFAS funding;

• Step 1: Go to www.nsfas.org.za and click on the ‘myNSFAS’ tab.
• Step 2: Create a myNSFAS account.
• Step 3: Click on the ‘APPLY’ tab and complete the sections on the screen.
• Step 4: Upload required supporting documents where applicable.
• Step 5: Click on ‘Submit’

Contact NSFAS

Contact NSFAS through the following details;

Email: info@nsfas.org.za

Facebook: National Student Financial Aid Scheme

Twitter: @myNSFAS

Instagram: @myNSFAS

WhatsApp: +27 78 519 8006

USSD:*120*67327#

While NSFAS remains a valuable resource for many students pursuing long-term qualifications at public institutions, its funding for short-term courses, including 6-month programs, is generally limited. Visit the official website of NSFAS for more information.

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