Which Qualifications Does Nsfas Fund 2026-2027

Which Qualifications Does Nsfas Fund 2026-2027

Which Degrees, Diplomas, and Certificates Does NSFAS Fund in 2026-2027:

South African citizens who have gained admission into any of the public Universities and Tvet Colleges can now apply for bursaries from Nsfas. NSFAS is a government organization operating under the Department of Higher Education and Training, established under the NSFAS Act (Act 56 of 1999) to offer financial assistance to disadvantaged students pursuing higher education at public universities or TVET colleges. Nsfas will open the application window for 2026 from the 20th of September through to the 15th of December 2025.

NSFAS primarily funds qualifications that align with South Africa’s economic and workforce needs. At public universities, NSFAS covers undergraduate degrees, diplomas, and higher certificates in approved fields. However, postgraduate studies, such as master’s and doctoral degrees, are generally not funded unless they fall under specific professional programs.

At TVET colleges, NSFAS funds courses that lead to National Certificate (Vocational) [NC(V)] and Report 191 (NATED) qualifications, which prepare students for careers in trades, engineering, business, and other technical fields. These programs are designed to equip students with skills that increase their employability.

Students enrolling in priority study areas, including engineering, health sciences, education, and information technology, have a higher chance of receiving funding, as these fields contribute to national development. By understanding which qualifications NSFAS funds, you can choose an eligible program that secures financial support for your studies. Be sure to check the latest NSFAS guidelines before applying and ensure your qualification meets the funding criteria.

Read: Can You Apply With Grade 12 June Results?

Which University Qualifications Does Nsfas Fund 2026-2027

NSFAS funds a lot of undergraduate qualifications at public universities in SA, ensuring that students from low-income households can access higher education. Below are the university qualifications that are funded by Nsfas:

Undergraduate Degrees:

NSFAS funds bachelor’s degrees in various fields, provided they are offered by a public university and meet the necessary accreditation standards. undergraduate qualifications funded by Nsfas include the following:

• Bachelor of Education (BEd)
• Bachelor of Nursing (BNurs)
• Bachelor of Social Work
• Bachelor of Science (BSc)
• Bachelor of Commerce (BCom)
• Bachelor of Engineering (BEng)

Diplomas and Higher Certificates:

NSFAS also covers diplomas and higher certificate programs at universities, particularly those that provide vocational and professional training. Diploma and higher certificate qualifications funded by Nsfas include:

• Diploma in Accounting
• Diploma in IT and Computer Science
• Higher Certificate in Business Management
• Higher Certificate in Human Resource Management

Approved Professional Qualifications:

Certain professional qualifications are funded, especially in fields with a high demand for skilled workers, such as:

• Teaching and Education
• Health Sciences (e.g., Nursing, Medical Sciences)
• Engineering and Technology

Qualifications NSFAS Does NOT Fund At Universities

Nsfas does not fund the following university qualifications:

• Postgraduate qualifications (master’s, Ph.D.)
• Second degrees (unless in specific fields like medicine or teaching)
• Short courses or part-time studies

Which Tvet College Qualifications Does Nsfas Fund 2026-2027

NSFAS provides funding for eligible students pursuing specific qualifications at public TVET colleges in South Africa. Below is the list of qualifications funded by Nsfas in the Tvet colleges:

National Certificate (Vocational) [NC(V)]:

NSFAS funds NC(V) qualifications, which provide students with practical and theoretical skills in various career fields. These programs are offered at NQF Level 2 to 4 and require students to have completed Grade 9 or higher. The qualifications include:

• NC(V) in Engineering and Related Design
• NC(V) in Finance, Economics, and Accounting
• NC(V) in Hospitality and Tourism
• NC(V) in Education and Development

Report 191 (NATED) Courses:

NSFAS also funds Report 191 (NATED) programs, which prepare students for employment in technical and business fields. These courses range from N1 to N6 levels and usually require a Grade 12 certificate. The qualifications include:

• NATED Business Studies (N4 – N6) (e.g., Marketing, Management, HR)
• NATED Engineering Studies (N1 – N6) (e.g., Electrical, Civil, Mechanical Engineering)
• NATED Tourism and Hospitality (N4 – N6)

Also Read: Who Can Apply For Nsfas 2026-2027

What NSFAS Does NOT Fund at TVET Colleges

• Short courses
• Part-time programs
• Courses at private colleges

For the Full list of Qualifications funded by Nsfas for the 2026-2027 academic year, click on the below link:

• Download The 2026-2027 Nsfas Funded Qualification Guide PDF.

Contact Details Of Nsfas

• Toll-Free Number: 0800 067 327
• Email: info@nsfas.org.za
• Website: www.nsfas.org.za

Physical Address:

• The Halyard Building, 4 Christiaan Barnard Street,
• Cape Town City Centre, 8001,
• South Africa

NSFAS provides crucial financial support to eligible South African students pursuing a range of qualifications at public universities and TVET colleges. For the 2026-2027 academic year, NSFAS funds a variety of undergraduate degrees, diplomas, higher certificates, and vocational qualifications that align with South Africa’s workforce needs. Students interested in studying fields such as engineering, education, business, health sciences, and IT may be eligible for NSFAS funding. Visit the Official website Of Nsfas For More Details.

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