In South Africa, students seeking financial assistance for their education may come across two key funding options: the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) and the DHET (Department of Higher Education and Training) Bursary.
Both provide support to students, but they differ in several important aspects.
Understanding these differences can help you make an informed decision about which funding option is best suited for your academic and financial needs.
What is NSFAS?
The National Student Financial Aid Scheme is a government initiative that provides financial assistance to South African students who come from low-income households.
NSFAS aims to help these students access tertiary education at public institutions, including universities and TVET (Technical and Vocational Education and Training) colleges.
The scheme covers a wide range of costs, including tuition fees, accommodation, and living expenses.
What is the DHET Bursary?
The DHET Bursary is another financial aid program, but it focuses specifically on funding students enrolled in specific courses or fields that align with the government’s strategic priorities.
This bursary is often associated with skills development and focuses on students pursuing studies in critical sectors, such as education, healthcare, and engineering.
While the DHET bursary may be offered directly by the department, it can also be distributed through various other programs and initiatives.
Differences Between NSFAS and the DHET Bursary
1. Funding Scope and Eligibility Criteria
- NSFAS: Provides funding for a wide range of students across many academic fields, including those pursuing undergraduate degrees and diplomas at public universities and TVET colleges. NSFAS funding is primarily aimed at students from households with an income of R350,000 or less per year.
- DHET Bursary: This is more targeted in scope. It primarily funds students studying in fields identified as critical for the country’s development. Students may need to meet specific eligibility criteria related to their chosen field of study, often in areas such as teaching, nursing, engineering, or the sciences.
2. Funding Coverage
- NSFAS: Covers comprehensive funding, which can include:
- Tuition fees
- Accommodation
- Transport and food allowances
- Learning materials
- The exact coverage may vary depending on the institution and the student’s financial needs.
- DHET Bursary: The coverage for the DHET Bursary can vary significantly depending on the program. Some DHET Bursaries cover full tuition fees, while others may include additional support for accommodation and living costs. However, funding is typically less comprehensive compared to NSFAS.
3. Application Process
- NSFAS: The application process for NSFAS is straightforward. You apply through the NSFAS online portal, submitting the necessary documentation to prove your financial need and academic qualifications. The process is highly centralized, making it easy for applicants to track their progress and check the status of their application.
- DHET Bursary: The application process for the DHET Bursary can be more complex, as it often involves applying through specific programs or initiatives. The DHET works with various sectors and institutions, so you may need to apply directly to a partner organization or through the specific department that is funding your chosen field of study.
4. Repayment Terms
- NSFAS: NSFAS funding is offered as a loan, but it is a “no-fee” loan, meaning that you do not have to repay it until you start earning above a certain threshold. If you graduate and secure a job, your repayment will be calculated based on your income, and repayment begins only when your income reaches the set threshold.
- DHET Bursary: In most cases, the DHET Bursary is a non-repayable grant, especially when awarded for critical skill areas. However, some DHET Bursaries may include a service obligation. For example, you might be required to work in the public sector or specific sectors for a set period after graduation, depending on the terms of the bursary.
5. Target Audience
- NSFAS: Primarily targets South African students who come from disadvantaged backgrounds and meet specific income criteria. The goal is to make tertiary education more accessible to low-income families.
- DHET Bursary: Targets students who are studying in fields identified by the government as critical for national development. This bursary is often aimed at addressing skills shortages in sectors such as healthcare, engineering, and education.
6. Duration of Funding
- NSFAS: The funding is typically granted for the duration of the student’s course, subject to the student meeting the academic progress requirements. If you are studying for a 3-year degree, you can receive funding for all three years, provided you maintain satisfactory academic performance.
- DHET Bursary: The funding duration for the DHET Bursary can vary depending on the course and program. Some DHET Bursaries are designed for the duration of the course, while others may only be available for one year, with the possibility of renewal depending on performance and ongoing need.