What Courses Are Not Funded By NSFAS 2026?

What Courses Are Not Funded By NSFAS 2026?

The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) helps many South African students go to college or university by covering costs like tuition, accommodation, books, and living expenses. This support makes it easier for students who can’t afford school on their own to focus on their studies and succeed. But it’s important to know that NSFAS doesn’t pay for every course or school. Courses not funded by NSFAS are academic programs or educational courses that are not eligible for financial support or funding from South Africa’s National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS).

NSFAS no longer provides funding for some postgraduate courses. This includes postgraduate certificates, postgraduate diplomas, honours degrees, master’s and PhD degrees. NSFAS mainly helps students studying for undergraduate degrees or diplomas at public universities and TVET colleges in South Africa. It does not fund private colleges or universities, so students who apply to private schools won’t get NSFAS money. Also, NSFAS usually doesn’t cover short courses or programs that aren’t officially recognized or accredited.

Another important point is that NSFAS mostly funds first degrees and diplomas. Postgraduate studies like Honours, Master’s, or PhDs are generally not covered, except in a few special cases. Because of these rules, it’s good for students to understand what NSFAS covers before planning their studies and finances for 2026. This way, they can avoid surprises and make the best choices for their education and budget.

Read more: Which Universities Does NSFAS Fund 2026-2027

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 and Programs Not Funded by NSFAS

NSFAS intends to provide funding for courses that lead to certificates and careers in high demand in South Africa, in line with the country’s development objectives. The exclusion of specific courses from NSFAS funding is not unplanned; rather, it is based on the organization’s objective and financial limitations. NSFAS does not fund the following courses;

Postgraduate Degrees:

• NSFAS focuses mostly on undergraduate studies. As a result, NSFAS does not sponsor postgraduate courses, including master’s and doctoral degrees.
• These programs sometimes need specific financing, such as research grants or scholarships.

Short Courses and Workshops:

• NSFAS is intended to assist long-term academic programs leading to official credentials such as certificates and degrees.
• NSFAS money is not available for short courses, seminars, or training programs that do not result in recognized certifications.

Part-time programmes

• Typically, NSFAS money is granted for courses delivered by accredited educational institutions.
• NSFAS funding will not be available if a course or institution is not accredited by the appropriate authorities.NSFAS generally assists full-time students in continuing education and part-time studies.

Part-time and continuing education programs may be ineligible for financing since NSFAS promotes full-time courses.

• Courses offered by private universities or institutions
• Second degrees

Read more: NSFAS For Postgraduate 2026

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

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#

Students who want to study postgraduate, short, non-accredited, or specific professional courses should look into funding possibilities such as scholarships, grants, or private loans. NSFAS is a vital resource for many students, but while planning your educational career, it’s important to be aware of its breadth and limits. Visit the official website of NSFAS for more information.

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