Accept NSFAS in South Africa. The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) provides financial assistance to eligible students who cannot afford higher education costs. In South Africa, NSFAS funding is available at public universities and public Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) colleges that fall under the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) framework.
A key point for students is that NSFAS does not fund private colleges. Therefore, before applying for admission or NSFAS funding, students should confirm that their chosen institution is a recognised public university or TVET college.
Which Colleges Accept NSFAS?
NSFAS funds eligible students enrolled at recognised public TVET colleges across South Africa. There are 50 public TVET colleges listed across the country’s nine provinces.
The following is the province-by-province list of public TVET colleges that accept NSFAS funding, subject to the student’s eligibility and the applicable NSFAS funding rules.
Western Cape – 6 Colleges
Students in the Western Cape can find NSFAS-supported public TVET options at:
- Boland TVET College
- College of Cape Town
- False Bay TVET College
- Northlink TVET College
- South Cape TVET College
- West Coast TVET College
Gauteng – 8 Colleges
Gauteng has eight public TVET colleges included in the NSFAS-funded institution network:
- Central Johannesburg TVET College
- Ekurhuleni East TVET College
- Ekurhuleni West TVET College
- Sedibeng TVET College
- South West Gauteng TVET College
- Tshwane North TVET College
- Tshwane South TVET College
- Western TVET College (Westcol)
Eastern Cape – 8 Colleges
The public TVET colleges in the Eastern Cape include:
- Buffalo City TVET College
- Eastcape Midlands TVET College
- Ikhala TVET College
- Ingwe TVET College
- King Hintsa TVET College
- King Sabata Dalindyebo TVET College
- Lovedale TVET College
- Port Elizabeth TVET College
KwaZulu-Natal – 9 Colleges
KwaZulu-Natal has the largest number of public TVET colleges on this list:
- Coastal TVET College
- Elangeni TVET College
- Esayidi TVET College
- Majuba TVET College
- Mnambithi TVET College
- Mthashana TVET College
- Thekwini TVET College
- uMfolozi TVET College
- uMgungundlovu TVET College
Limpopo – 7 Colleges
Students in Limpopo can consider the following public TVET colleges:
- Capricorn TVET College
- Lephalale TVET College
- Letaba TVET College
- Mopani South East TVET College
- Sekhukhune TVET College
- Vhembe TVET College
- Waterberg TVET College
Mpumalanga – 3 Colleges
The three public TVET colleges in Mpumalanga are:
- Ehlanzeni TVET College
- Gert Sibande TVET College
- Nkangala TVET College
Free State – 4 Colleges
Free State has four public TVET colleges:
- Flavius Mareka TVET College
- Goldfields TVET College
- Maluti TVET College
- Motheo TVET College
Northern Cape – 2 Colleges
The Northern Cape has two public TVET colleges:
- Northern Cape Urban TVET College
- Northern Cape Rural TVET College
North West – 3 Colleges
The public TVET colleges in North West are:
- Orbit TVET College
- Taletso TVET College
- Vuselela TVET College
Does NSFAS Fund Universities?
Yes. NSFAS also provides funding to qualifying students at 26 public universities in South Africa. However, being enrolled at a public university does not automatically guarantee funding. Students must still meet the relevant NSFAS eligibility requirements and comply with the applicable funding conditions.
Students should use the official NSFAS institutions directory and select the Universities option to verify their institution and current funding status.
What Does NSFAS Pay For?
Depending on the student’s eligibility and the applicable funding rules, NSFAS support can cover education-related costs such as tuition and registration. Students may also qualify for allowances relating to accommodation, transport, learning materials, living expenses and personal care.
Tuition and registration payments are generally handled through the institution, while applicable allowances may be paid through the institution or the NSFAS Wallet.
NSFAS Wallet USSD
Students who use the NSFAS Wallet can access it through:
*134*176#
The available services and payment arrangements can depend on the student’s funding status and the current NSFAS processes.
How to Check If Your College Accepts NSFAS
If you are unsure whether a college is funded by NSFAS, it is important to verify the institution before relying on funding.
Follow these steps:
- Visit the official NSFAS website.
- Open the institutions or higher education institutions section.
- Search for your college by institution name or province.
- Select the TVET Colleges category where applicable.
- Confirm that your institution appears in the NSFAS directory.
- Check the current NSFAS funding requirements before submitting an application.
You can also cross-check the institution against the Department of Higher Education and Training’s information on recognised public TVET colleges.
NSFAS Does Not Fund Private Colleges
One of the most important things applicants should remember is that NSFAS funding is not available for private colleges under the public-institution bursary framework.
If you are planning to study at a private institution, do not assume that you will receive NSFAS funding simply because the course is similar to one offered at a public TVET college or university. Always confirm the institution’s funding status through the official NSFAS information before making financial or study plans.
Conclusion
The List of Colleges That Accept NSFAS includes 50 public TVET colleges located across South Africa’s nine provinces. NSFAS also supports eligible students at 26 public universities.
The most important rule is that NSFAS funding is designed for qualifying students at recognised public institutions. Students should therefore verify their college or university through the official NSFAS institutions directory and check the latest eligibility requirements before applying.
