If you are planning to study at a university, TVET college, or another higher education institution in South Africa, you have probably come across terms such as NSFAS, bursaries, and scholarships. Many students use these terms interchangeably, but they are not the same thing.
Understanding the difference between NSFAS, bursaries, and scholarships can help you apply for the right type of funding and improve your chances of securing financial support for your studies.
In this guide, we explain how each funding option works, who qualifies, what costs are covered, and which option may be best suited to your circumstances.
Quick Overview
| Funding Type | Based On | Repayment Required? | Covers Study Costs? |
| NSFAS | Financial need | No (if funding conditions are met) | Yes |
| Bursary | Financial need, academic performance, or specific field of study | Usually no | Yes |
| Scholarship | Academic excellence, talent, or achievement | No | Yes |
What Is NSFAS?
The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) is a South African government-funded programme that assists students from poor and working-class households to access higher education.
The purpose of NSFAS is to remove financial barriers that prevent capable students from studying further after matric.
Who Qualifies for NSFAS?
Generally, applicants must:
- Be South African citizens
- Intend to study at a public university or TVET college
- Meet the NSFAS household income requirements
- Be accepted or registered at an approved institution
- Meet academic progression requirements for continuing students
What Does NSFAS Cover?
NSFAS funding may include:
- Tuition fees
- Registration fees
- Accommodation
- Learning materials
- Living allowance
- Transport allowance (where applicable)
Advantages of NSFAS
- Government-funded
- Does not require repayment under normal funding conditions
- Covers a wide range of study expenses
- Supports thousands of students annually
Limitations of NSFAS
- Income threshold requirements apply
- Only covers approved institutions and programmes
- Students must maintain satisfactory academic progress
What Is a Bursary?
A bursary is financial assistance provided by a company, government department, SETA, municipality, state-owned entity, or private organisation to support students.
Many South African bursaries are designed to address skills shortages in specific industries such as engineering, healthcare, education, accounting, information technology, and mining.
Who Qualifies for a Bursary?
Requirements vary depending on the bursary provider.
Common requirements include:
- Good academic results
- South African citizenship
- Financial need (for some bursaries)
- Studying in a specific field
- Commitment to work for the sponsor after graduation
What Does a Bursary Cover?
A bursary may cover:
- Tuition fees
- Accommodation
- Prescribed textbooks
- Meals
- Laptops
- Living expenses
Some bursaries offer full funding while others provide partial funding.
Examples of South African Bursaries
Students often apply for bursaries offered by:
- Government departments
- Municipalities
- SETAs
- Banks
- Mining companies
- Engineering firms
- Retail companies
- State-owned enterprises
Advantages of Bursaries
- Usually do not require repayment
- Can provide full financial support
- Often include work opportunities after graduation
Limitations of Bursaries
- Highly competitive
- May require work-back agreements
- Often limited to specific fields of study
What Is a Scholarship?
A scholarship is a financial award given primarily on the basis of achievement rather than financial need.
Scholarships reward students who demonstrate exceptional performance in academics, leadership, sports, arts, community service, or other talents.
Who Qualifies for a Scholarship?
Scholarship recipients are often selected based on:
- Excellent matric results
- Outstanding university performance
- Sporting achievements
- Leadership abilities
- Cultural achievements
- Community involvement
What Does a Scholarship Cover?
Scholarships may cover:
- Tuition fees
- Accommodation
- Books
- Study materials
- Additional educational support
The value of scholarships varies significantly.
Advantages of Scholarships
- Recognises excellence and achievement
- No repayment required
- Enhances a student’s academic profile
- Can open additional career opportunities
Limitations of Scholarships
- Extremely competitive
- High academic standards usually apply
- Limited number of awards available
Key Differences Between NSFAS, Bursaries and Scholarships
Selection Criteria
NSFAS
Based primarily on financial need.
Bursaries
May be based on:
- Financial need
- Academic performance
- Field of study
- Employment equity considerations
Scholarships
Based mainly on:
- Academic excellence
- Leadership
- Sporting talent
- Exceptional achievements
Funding Source
NSFAS
Funded by the South African government.
Bursaries
Funded by:
- Companies
- Government departments
- Municipalities
- SETAs
- Private organisations
Scholarships
Funded by:
- Universities
- Foundations
- Corporations
- Educational institutions
- Donors
Work Obligations
NSFAS
No work-back obligation.
Bursaries
Some bursaries require graduates to work for the sponsoring organisation for a specified period.
Scholarships
Generally do not require employment commitments.
Income Requirements
NSFAS
Strict household income requirements apply.
Bursaries
Depends on the sponsor.
Scholarships
Usually not based on income.
Can You Apply for NSFAS and Bursaries at the Same Time?
Yes. Many students apply for multiple funding opportunities to improve their chances of receiving financial support.
However, if you receive funding from another source, certain funding rules may apply. Always check the conditions of both NSFAS and the bursary provider.
Applying for multiple opportunities is often encouraged because competition is high and funding is limited.
Which Option Is Best for You?
NSFAS May Be Best If:
- Your family cannot afford tertiary education
- You meet the NSFAS income requirements
- You plan to study at a public university or TVET college
A Bursary May Be Best If:
- You are studying in a high-demand field
- You have strong academic results
- You want industry-specific support and career opportunities
A Scholarship May Be Best If:
- You have exceptional academic results
- You excel in sports, leadership, or cultural activities
- You want recognition for outstanding achievement
Tips for Students Seeking Funding
To maximise your chances of securing funding:
- Apply early
- Submit complete documentation
- Keep certified copies of important documents
- Maintain strong academic performance
- Apply for multiple opportunities
- Monitor closing dates carefully
- Prepare a professional CV
- Write a strong motivational letter
- Check application requirements regularly
Common Mistakes Students Make
Many students lose opportunities because they:
- Miss application deadlines
- Submit incomplete applications
- Ignore supporting document requirements
- Apply for programmes they do not qualify for
- Fail to respond to requests for additional information
Avoiding these mistakes can significantly improve your success rate.
Our Conclusion
NSFAS, bursaries, and scholarships all help students access higher education, but they serve different purposes.
NSFAS focuses on helping financially disadvantaged students attend public institutions. Bursaries are often linked to specific careers, industries, or skills shortages, while scholarships reward excellence and achievement.
The best approach is not to choose only one option. Instead, apply for every funding opportunity you qualify for. The more opportunities you pursue, the greater your chances of securing the financial support needed to achieve your educational goals.
Edupstairs Advice
Never assume you do not qualify for funding. Thousands of South African students miss out on opportunities every year simply because they do not apply. Start researching funding opportunities as early as possible, prepare your documents in advance, and submit applications before closing dates. Consistency and preparation often make the difference between receiving funding and missing out.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Is NSFAS a bursary?
Not exactly. NSFAS is a government student financial aid scheme. While it functions similarly to a bursary because students do not normally repay the funding, it operates under its own funding rules and framework.
- Do bursaries need to be repaid?
Most bursaries do not require repayment. However, some may require recipients to work for the sponsoring organisation after graduation.
- Do scholarships require repayment?
No. Scholarships are generally awards that do not need to be repaid.
- Can I receive both a bursary and a scholarship?
In some cases, yes. However, funding providers may have rules regarding additional funding sources.
- Which funding option is easiest to get?
There is no guaranteed option. NSFAS focuses on financial need, bursaries often focus on specific fields and academic performance, while scholarships typically require exceptional achievement.
You can also:
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- Visit the Edupstairs blog for daily updates
Disclaimer
Funding rules, income thresholds, and eligibility requirements may change from year to year. Always verify the latest information directly with NSFAS, universities, scholarship providers, and bursary sponsors before applying.
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