The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) is a South African government initiative that provides financial assistance to eligible students who need help paying for their higher education.
The funding is available for students who are enrolled at public universities and TVET colleges in South Africa.
NSFAS offers a comprehensive funding package, including tuition fees, accommodation, transport, and other related expenses.
Will NSFAS Fund a Student with a Partial Bursary?
If you already have a partial bursary, it is possible to receive additional funding from NSFAS, but there are certain conditions.
NSFAS can supplement the partial bursary to ensure that all your fees are covered.
However, this will depend on several factors, such as:
- The amount of funding you already receive from your partial bursary.
- The specific terms and conditions of the bursary.
- The total cost of your tuition and other fees.
NSFAS Funding Policy for Students with Other Financial Aid
If you already have a partial bursary, NSFAS may only provide the additional amount needed to cover any shortfall.
However, NSFAS will not fund you if the combination of your partial bursary and NSFAS assistance exceeds the total cost of your education.
The bursary you already have may cover part of your tuition fees, and NSFAS will only cover the remaining balance.
For example, if your bursary covers 50% of your tuition fees, NSFAS may cover the other 50%, but only if you meet all eligibility criteria.
In some cases, if your bursary covers all tuition fees, NSFAS will not provide additional funding.
How Much Will NSFAS Contribute to My Education if I Have a Partial Bursary?
The amount of NSFAS funding you receive will depend on how much your partial bursary covers.
If your partial bursary only covers part of your tuition, NSFAS will step in to help with the remaining balance.
However, the total amount of funding you can receive from NSFAS cannot exceed the total cost of your education.
You can use NSFAS funding for additional educational expenses, such as:
- Accommodation: If your partial bursary only covers tuition, NSFAS can assist with accommodation costs.
- Transport: NSFAS funding can also be used for travel expenses if your partial bursary does not cover this.
- Books and supplies: You can apply for NSFAS to help with educational supplies if not covered by your bursary.
How to Apply for NSFAS if You Have a Partial Bursary
To apply for NSFAS funding while having a partial bursary, follow these steps:
- Check your eligibility: Make sure you meet the NSFAS eligibility criteria, such as being a South African citizen, studying at an accredited institution, and having a household income below a specific threshold.
- Submit your application: Apply online through the NSFAS website. You will need to provide documents like your ID, proof of household income, and details of your bursary.
- Declare your partial bursary: When completing your NSFAS application, be sure to disclose the details of your partial bursary. NSFAS will take this into account when assessing your funding needs.
- Wait for the outcome: NSFAS will assess your application, and you will be informed whether you qualify for additional funding based on your existing bursary.
Can a Partial Bursary Affect My NSFAS Application?
Yes, having a partial bursary can affect your NSFAS application.
The amount of funding you already receive will be taken into account when NSFAS evaluates your financial need.
While NSFAS will not provide funding that exceeds your total education costs, it can help cover any gaps your partial bursary may leave.
Full Funding vs. Partial Bursary
If you have a partial bursary and are eligible for NSFAS, NSFAS will fill in the gaps.
However, if your partial bursary already covers all costs, you may not need additional funding.
NSFAS funding is meant to complement existing financial aid, not duplicate it.
Coordination Between NSFAS and Bursaries
It’s important to coordinate your NSFAS and partial bursary funding with your university or TVET college.
In some cases, they will ensure that the two sources of funding do not overlap and that your education is fully funded without exceeding the cost.