Bursaries

• Only South African citizens are eligible for the NSFAS bursary scheme
• A student must be registered or intending to register to study at a TVET college
• Applicants will qualify for funding if they fall within the maximum threshold of up to R350 000 of combined gross family income per annum
• Returning students (studied prior to 2018) will qualify if they fall within the maximum threshold of up to R122 000 of combined gross family income per annum

• Tuition
• Incidental/Personal care allowance
• Transport (students who reside between 0 – 9.9 km qualify for a transport allowance)
• Accommodation (only for students whose home address is 10km or more from their registered campus)
• Accommodation in an urban area
• Accommodation in a peri-urban area
• Accommodation in a rural area
• Registration

NSFAS-funded students who have a disability are further supported through an additional allowance for:

• Assistive Devices: Limited to one Assistive Device for the duration of study
• Human Support: To cover the cost of a caregiver, guide dog, scribe, tutor or sign language interpreter

Application dates are communicated on campus at the False Bay TVET College.

NSFAS students and prospective NSFAS students are required to open and regularly check their myNSFAS accounts for NSFAS funding-related information.

To log into your myNSFAS account go to www.nsfas.org.za, click on the myNSFAS tab and follow the login process explained on screen.

Who can Apply for a NSFAS Bursary

• South African citizens
• Students who register for the first time and have a household income of R 350 k or less
• Students who have registered previously, but before 2018, with a household income of R 122 k or less.

What do I need to do to apply?

• Create your myNSFAS account to track your application status
• You will need the following:
  • A valid email address and cell phone.

The following certified documents are required:

• Certified student ID copy
• Certified spouse ID copy
• Certified proof of income (salary slip/letter)
• Certified copy of latest academic results

What does the bursary cover?

• Full-time programme fees rate:
• Registration, tuition and book fees

NOT Covered by bursary:

• Additional Distance learning program tutoring/teaching fees
• Allowances
• Learning devices

Important to note for Distance Learning Students:

• Students who apply on their own to NSFAS for a bursary must inform the College Bursary Office OR risk losing their funding.
• Distance Learning students who have applied to study with an NSFAS Bursary must register for a minimum of 3 subjects per term.

To Note:

• NSFAS bursary limited to 4 registrations, further registrations will not be covered by the bursary
• NSFAS bursary will not cover repeat subjects

Please visit the NSFAS webpage or social media sites for more information:

Website | Twitter | Facebook

Payment of student NSFAS Allowances are subject to the following conditions:

• Applicant(s) must be a NSFAS approved bursary recipient
• Applicant(s) must meet the programme’s academic and attendance requirements
• Qualifying Allowance applicants will be eligible for three(3) types of allowance:
• Personal Care (All students)
• Transport (students staying within 0-9.9km from their enrolled campus)
• OR Accommodation (students whose home address is more than 10km from their enrolled campus) False Bay TVET College only offers accommodation for registered occupational students.
• Living Allowance
• Allowance amounts will be in line with the Standardised Allowances as prescribed in the DHET/TVET Bursary Rules & Guidelines
• Allowance payments are subject to the student meeting the minimum required class attendance as per DHET attendance policy
• Allowance awards will only be made if NSFAS has sufficient funds available.
• Returning NSFAS-funded students will be prioritised when awarding allowances
• Should NSFAS funding be limited, the academic ranking will be used to award allowances.

Payment of NSFAS Allowances is subject to the following:

• Fully completed application, along with support documents submitted
• Student meeting attendance requirements
• College may conduct a physical address verification
• Students who withdraw from the program may be liable to pay back any allowances received
• Change of Allowance type will only be considered with the submission of motivation and recommendation from the Campus Manager
• Recommendations for Change of Allowance type will be sent to the Department of Higher Education for consideration and approval.

Dear Student

Managing your NSFAS allowance responsibly is crucial for ensuring you can focus on your studies and achieve academic success. As a NSFAS recipient, you have been entrusted with funds to cover your essential living expenses. You must treat this allowance with care and use it wisely. By learning to budget, save and spend cautiously, you can make the most of your NSFAS support and set yourself up for a secure financial future. Developing sound financial habits now will serve you well, both during your time at False Bay TVET College and as you transition into the workforce after graduation. Note below tips that cover the basics of financial responsibility, from creating a budget to avoiding debt. We encourage you to review them carefully and commit to putting them into practice.

Financial Responsibility Basics:

• Create a budget and stick to it. List all your necessary expenses (rent, food, transport, etc.) and allocate your funds accordingly.
• Distinguish between needs and wants. Prioritize essential academic expenses over non-essential purchases.
• Avoid impulse buying. Take time to consider if an item is truly necessary before making a purchase.
• Keep track of your spending. Review your bank statements and spending habits regularly.
• Save a portion of your allowance each month, even if it’s a small amount. This will help you build an emergency fund.
• Avoid taking out loans or using credit cards, as this can lead to debt.

Tips for NSFAS Recipients:

• Ensure you budget for your full 4-month allowance, not just the lump sum you received. Spread it out responsibly.
• If you receive an accommodation allowance, be sure to set aside the full amount for your landlord’s May rent. Do not spend this money on other things.
• Prioritize academic expenses like supplies and transport, to and from campus. These should be your top spending priorities.
• Plan your meals and cook at home to save on food costs. Limit eating out and buying expensive snacks.
• Find free or low-cost recreational activities instead of spending money on entertainment.
• Communicate with your landlord if you foresee any issues paying rent on time.
• Seek financial counselling if you’re struggling to manage your allowance responsibly.

The key is to be mindful of your spending, stick to a budget and focus your NSFAS funds on supporting your academic success. With some discipline, you can make the most of your allowance. Lastly, remember that the next allowance payment will only beat the end of June 2024.