NSFAS vs Bursary vs Scholarship: What's the Difference?
You've been accepted to university — congratulations! 🎓
But then reality hits:
"How am I going to pay for all of this?"
Tuition fees, registration, accommodation, food, transport, textbooks and other student expenses can quickly become overwhelming.
Fortunately, South African students have several options for financial assistance.
Three terms you're likely to hear are:
- NSFAS
- Bursaries
- Scholarships
But what's the difference between them?
Which one should you apply for?
And can you apply for more than one?
Let's break it down.
1. What Is NSFAS?
NSFAS stands for the National Student Financial Aid Scheme.
It is a South African government-funded student financial aid scheme designed to provide financial assistance to eligible students who cannot afford to pay for their higher education.
NSFAS funding is available for eligible students studying at participating public universities and TVET colleges.
Depending on the student's circumstances and the applicable funding rules, support can include areas such as:
- Tuition fees
- Registration
- Accommodation
- Learning materials
- Food allowances
- Transport allowances
- Other approved student-related costs
The exact funding and allowances available can depend on the institution, student's circumstances and current NSFAS rules.
Who Can Apply for NSFAS?
NSFAS eligibility is based on specific requirements.
These can include factors such as:
- South African citizenship or qualifying status
- Household income
- Academic requirements
- The type of qualification you're studying
- The institution you're attending
- Other NSFAS eligibility criteria
Important: NSFAS requirements and funding rules can change.
Don't rely on an old income threshold you find on social media or an outdated article. Always check the latest official NSFAS requirements before applying.
Does NSFAS Have to Be Paid Back?
NSFAS funding is not simply the same as taking out a normal commercial bank loan.
However, students must continue to meet the applicable academic and funding requirements.
It's also important to understand that NSFAS rules have changed over time, and the treatment of different types of funding can depend on when and how the funding was provided.
If you're receiving NSFAS support, make sure you understand the current terms and conditions that apply to your funding.
2. What Is a Scholarship?
A scholarship is financial assistance awarded to students based primarily on merit, achievement or talent.
Scholarships can be offered by:
- Universities
- Companies
- Foundations
- NGOs
- Government departments
- Sports organisations
- Private organisations
A scholarship may be awarded for achievements in areas such as:
- Academics
- Sport
- Leadership
- Arts
- Music
- Community involvement
- Specific talents
For example, a university may offer a scholarship to students who achieve excellent matric results.
Another organisation may provide a scholarship to talented athletes.
What Can a Scholarship Cover?
It depends on the scholarship.
Some scholarships may cover:
- Tuition fees
- Registration
- Accommodation
- Books
- Learning materials
- Living expenses
- A monthly allowance
Others may only cover part of your university costs.
Always read the scholarship conditions carefully before applying.
Do You Have to Maintain Good Marks?
Often, yes.
Many scholarships require students to maintain a particular academic performance or meet other conditions.
For example, you may need to:
- Maintain a minimum average
- Pass a certain number of modules
- Remain enrolled in an approved programme
- Participate in a specific activity
- Meet leadership or sporting requirements
Failing to meet the conditions could affect your scholarship.
3. What Is a Bursary?
A bursary is financial assistance provided to help a student pay for their education.
Bursaries can be offered by:
- Companies
- Government departments
- Universities
- NGOs
- Foundations
- Professional organisations
Bursaries often consider financial need and academic performance, although the requirements depend on the organisation offering the bursary.
Some bursaries are also designed specifically for students studying in fields where there is a shortage of skilled workers.
What Can a Bursary Cover?
Depending on the sponsor, a bursary may cover:
- Tuition
- Registration
- Accommodation
- Books
- Learning materials
- Meals
- Transport
- Monthly allowances
Some bursaries cover almost all study-related expenses, while others cover only specific costs.
Always check exactly what the bursary provides.
Do Bursaries Have Work-Back Requirements?
Some do.
A work-back agreement may require you to work for the organisation that funded your studies after you graduate.
For example, a company may pay for your engineering degree and then expect you to work for the company for a specified period after graduation.
Not every bursary has a work-back requirement.
Before accepting a bursary, check the contract carefully and make sure you understand:
- How long you must work for the sponsor
- What happens if you change your qualification
- What happens if you fail
- What happens if you leave university
- Whether you have to repay the funding
- What happens if the sponsor cannot offer employment
NSFAS vs Bursary vs Scholarship
Here's a simple comparison:
| Feature | NSFAS | Scholarship | Bursary |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main purpose | Financial support for eligible students | Reward merit, talent or achievement | Provide financial support for education |
| Usually based on | Financial need + eligibility rules | Academic, sporting, leadership or other achievement | Financial need, academic performance or specific field |
| Main funders | South African government | Universities, companies, foundations and organisations | Companies, government, NGOs and organisations |
| Can cover tuition? | Yes, for eligible funded students | Depending on scholarship | Depending on bursary |
| Can cover accommodation? | Depending on eligibility and funding rules | Some do | Some do |
| Competition | High | Often very high | Varies |
| Work-back requirement | Generally not an employment arrangement | Usually not | Some bursaries have one |
| Academic requirements | Yes, according to applicable rules | Often strong | Usually varies |
Can You Apply for NSFAS and a Bursary?
You can apply for different funding opportunities, but you need to understand the rules before accepting multiple sources of funding.
Some organisations may not allow you to receive their funding together with certain other forms of financial aid.
For example, a bursary provider may require you to declare other funding you're receiving.
Always be honest about your existing funding.
Don't accept funding without checking whether the two funding arrangements can legally and practically be combined.
Which One Should You Apply For?
The best approach is not necessarily to choose only one.
If you're eligible, you can research multiple funding opportunities and apply for those that match your circumstances.
Consider NSFAS if:
- You meet the current eligibility requirements
- You need financial assistance
- You're studying at an eligible public institution
- Your household circumstances meet the applicable requirements
Consider a scholarship if:
- You have strong academic results
- You excel in sport
- You have leadership achievements
- You have exceptional talent
- You meet a specific scholarship's criteria
Consider a bursary if:
- You need financial assistance
- You have good academic potential
- You're studying a field targeted by the sponsor
- You meet the sponsor's requirements
What Documents Might You Need?
Funding applications often require supporting documentation.
Depending on the application, you may need:
- South African ID
- Matric results
- Latest academic results
- Proof of household income
- Parent or guardian information
- Proof of registration
- Proof of university acceptance
- Academic transcripts
- Proof of residence
- Other supporting documents
Don't wait until the final day to look for your documents.
Create a folder where you keep your important application documents.
Apply Early
One of the biggest mistakes students make is waiting until the last minute.
Funding opportunities can have different opening and closing dates.
Some scholarships and bursaries open applications months before the academic year begins.
Create a list containing:
Funding opportunity → Opening date → Closing date → Requirements → Documents → Application status
This makes it much easier to keep track of everything.
Beware of Bursary Scams
Unfortunately, students looking for funding can become targets for scams.
Be cautious if someone:
- Asks you to pay money to "secure" a bursary
- Requests your banking password
- Requests your OTP
- Promises guaranteed funding
- Uses an unofficial email address
- Sends suspicious links
- Claims everyone who applies will receive money
Always verify funding opportunities through the organisation's official website or verified communication channels.
Never give anyone your banking PIN or OTP.
What If You Don't Get Funding?
Don't give up.
There may be other options available, depending on your circumstances.
You can investigate:
- Other bursaries
- Scholarships
- University financial aid
- TVET college funding
- NSFAS, if eligible
- Part-time work
- Student employment opportunities
- Alternative qualifications
- Different institutions
You may need to combine several strategies to make your studies financially possible.
Funding Is Only One Part of University Planning
Before choosing a university or course, don't look at funding alone.
Also consider:
- Admission requirements
- APS score
- Course requirements
- Application deadlines
- Tuition fees
- Accommodation
- Transport
- Career opportunities
- Location
- Available funding
A course that is fully funded isn't necessarily the right course for you.
Choose a programme that fits your interests, abilities and career goals.
Final Thoughts
Paying for university can seem overwhelming, but you don't have to figure it out alone.
NSFAS, scholarships and bursaries are different forms of financial support, and each has its own eligibility requirements and conditions.
NSFAS primarily supports eligible students who need financial assistance, while scholarships often reward academic, sporting or other achievements. Bursaries can provide financial support based on need, academic potential, a specific field of study or other criteria.
The most important thing is to:
Research. Apply early. Read the conditions. Keep your documents ready.
And don't limit yourself to one opportunity.
There may be more funding options available than you realise.
Looking for University Funding?
Planning for university involves more than choosing a course.
You also need to consider applications, accommodation, fees, funding and admission requirements.
Explore University Applications for useful university guides, application information, student resources and tools to help you plan your next step.
Don't let the cost of studying stop you from exploring your options. Start researching your funding opportunities early.