NSFAS, Bursaries, Scholarships and Learnerships Explained

The four are not the same thing

Students often use these words interchangeably, and then apply for the wrong kind of funding. The differences matter because each has its own eligibility rules, obligations and timelines.

NSFAS

Government funding for students from low-income households at South Africa's public universities and TVET colleges. It is means-tested, free to apply for, and covers tuition plus allowances. You must keep passing your modules to stay funded. NSFAS is the starting point for most students who qualify on income, but it does not cover private colleges and it does not fund most postgraduate study.

Bursaries

Funding from a company, foundation, government department or SETA, usually aimed at a specific field of study. Many are need-based, some are merit-based, and a large number carry a work-back obligation: you work for the funder for the same number of years they funded you. Read that clause before you accept — it is normally a benefit, because it means a guaranteed job, but it is a commitment.

Scholarships

Awards based mainly on achievement — academic results, leadership, sport or research potential. Household income is usually not the deciding factor. Scholarships are common for postgraduate study and for study abroad, and they generally have no work-back obligation.

Learnerships and internships

A learnership combines structured classroom learning with workplace experience and ends in a registered NQF qualification. You are paid a monthly stipend while you learn, so it is a route into a trade or occupation rather than a way to pay university fees. An internship places a graduate or student into a workplace for practical experience, sometimes as the required work-integrated learning component of a diploma.

Which should you apply for?

• Household income under the NSFAS threshold and studying at a public institution — apply to NSFAS first, then to bursaries for the costs NSFAS does not cover.
• Strong marks, income above the threshold — target merit bursaries and scholarships.
• Matriculated but not going to university this year — look at learnerships and TVET programmes.
• Already graduated and looking for experience — apply to internships and graduate programmes.

Can you hold more than one?

You generally cannot hold NSFAS and a full private bursary covering the same costs. You must declare any bursary you receive to NSFAS and to each funder. Many students legitimately combine a partial bursary with another award covering different costs, such as accommodation or a laptop, but the funders must know.