NSFAS For Private Colleges

NSFAS For Private Colleges

Private colleges are schools that are owned and managed by private individuals or companies, not by the government. These colleges usually offer a wide variety of courses, from short skills-based programs to full qualifications in fields like business, health, or technology. Some focus on specific areas and provide hands-on training to prepare students for the job market. While private colleges can give students a quality education, they are often more expensive than public universities or TVET colleges.

The National Student Financial Aid Scheme is a government program that helps students in South Africa who come from low-income families. It provides funding to cover important costs like tuition fees, accommodation, study materials, and living expenses. NSFAS aims to make higher education more affordable and accessible for those who cannot pay for it on their own.

Unfortunately, NSFAS does not provide funding for students who choose to study at private colleges or universities. The financial aid is only available to students who are enrolled in one of the 26 public universities or 50 public TVET colleges in the country. This means that if you’re thinking about going to a private college, you will need to find alternative funding options such as private bursaries, sponsorships, or student loans. It’s important to plan and explore all available resources if you’re considering a private institution.

Learn more: NSFAS Private Accommodation Form 2026

Why Doesn’t NSFAS Fund Private Colleges?

NSFAS is a government-funded program that helps students who can’t afford to pay for higher education. It works under the Department of Higher Education and Training and is designed to support students studying at public universities and public TVET colleges.

The main reason NSFAS does not fund private colleges is that these colleges are not part of the public education system. NSFAS funding is meant only for public institutions that are fully approved and meet national education standards. Public colleges and universities are monitored by the government to make sure they offer good quality education and follow the right rules.

NSFAS Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for NSFAS, you must meet the following requirements:

• 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.

Who Does Not Qualify For NSFAS Funding?

The students within the category below do not qualify to apply for NSFAS funding.

• Students who have received 100% study funding from non-NSFAS sources.
• A student who has already obtained an undergraduate qualification and wants to study for a second undergraduate qualification.
• A student who has achieved a certificate qualification and wants to study for a second certificate qualification.
• Students studying at a private institution.
• Students enrolled for qualifications that are not approved by DHET and/or SAQA-accredited.

Supported Institutions for NSFAS Funding

NSFAS Funds are provided in the form of bursaries to eligible students. The following TVET Colleges offer NSFAS 2026;

• Buffalo City TVET College
• East Cape Midlands TVET College
• Ikhala TVET College
• Ingwe TVET College
• King Hintsa TVET College
• King Sabatha Dalindyebo TVET College
• Lovedale TVET College
• Port Elizabeth TVET College
• Boland TVET College
• College of Cape Town
• False Bay TVET College
• Mnambithi TVET College
• Mthashana TVET College
• Thekwini TVET College
• Umfolozi TVET College
• Umgugundlovu TVET College
• Orbit TVET College
• Taletso TVET College
• Vuselela TVET College
• Central Johannesburg TVET College
• Ekurhuleni East TVET College
• Ekurhuleni West TVET College
• Sedibeng TVET College
• South West Gauteng TVET College
• Tshwane North TVET College
• Coastal KZN TVET College
• Elangeni TVET College
• Esayidi TVET College
• Majuba TVET College
• Tshwane South TVET College
• Western College TVET College
• Ehlanzeni TVET College
• Gert Sibande TVET College
• Northlink TVET College
• South Cape TVET College
• West Coast TVET College
• Northern Cape Rural TVET College
• Northern Cape Urban TVET College
• Flavius Mareka TVET College
• Goldsfields TVET College
• Maluti TVET College
• Motheo TVET College
• Nkangala TVET College
• Capricorn TVET College
• Lephalale TVET College
• Letaba TVET College
• Mopani South East TVET College
• Sekhukhune TVET College
• Vhembe TVET College
• Waterberg TVET College

Learn more: Which Colleges Offer NSFAS 2026

Other Ways to Get Financial Help for Private College Students

If you’re studying at a private college, here are some funding options you can explore since NSFAS doesn’t apply:

Student loans from banks or lenders

• Some banks offer student loans with flexible repayment options. Be sure to understand the terms before applying.

External scholarships

• You can also apply for scholarships from companies, charities, or foundations. These may be based on your grades, financial need, or field of study.

Scholarships and bursaries from the college

• Many private colleges offer financial aid to help cover tuition or study costs. Ask your college about what’s available.

How To Apply For NSFAS

NSFAS applications are done online on the official website of the NSFAS agency during the application period. Follow the steps below to apply 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
• Click on ‘Submit’.

NSFAS Contact Details

NSFAS Virtual Contact Centre

We are available to assist through the following channels:

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

Visit the official website of NSFAS for more information. I hope the provided information is helpful. Share your thoughts below in the comment section.

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