The National Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) supports students from disadvantaged backgrounds in pursuing higher education. While NSFAS doesn’t provide a definitive list of funded courses, they generally prioritize programs aligned with South Africa’s skills needs. Here’s a guide to help you navigate NSFAS funding:
Types of Funded Programs:
- University Degrees: NSFAS primarily funds first undergraduate degrees (Bachelor’s) at public universities. These can be full-time or online programs.
- TVET College Diplomas: Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) colleges offer various diplomas (NQF Levels 2-6) in practical fields. NSFAS prioritizes Ministerial-approved programs aligned with industry needs.
Focus Areas:
While there’s no exhaustive list, NSFAS funding generally leans towards these key areas:
- Engineering & Built Environment: Civil, Mechanical, Electrical Engineering, Construction.
- Health Sciences: Nursing, Paramedical fields.
- Education: Teaching qualifications.
- Information Technology & Computer Science: Software Development, IT Networking.
- Business & Management Studies: Accounting, Finance, Marketing, Human Resources.
- Other Areas: Hospitality, Tourism, Agriculture, Public Administration.
Finding Funded Programs:
An official list of funded programs isn’t available, but here are ways to explore options:
- University Websites: Check the financial aid section of your desired university’s website. They often list NSFAS-funded programs.
- TVET College Websites: Similar to universities, TVET colleges typically maintain a financial aid section with details on NSFAS-funded programs.
- NSFAS Website: The NSFAS website (https://my.nsfas.org.za/) offers resources on eligible programs. Explore the “Funding” and “Become an Applicant” sections.
- Contacting Institutions: Don’t hesitate to contact the financial aid office of your preferred university or TVET college. They can provide specific information on NSFAS-funded programs offered.
Additional Considerations:
- Student Profile: NSFAS prioritizes students from financially disadvantaged backgrounds. Eligibility also depends on academic performance.
- Course Availability: Funding might vary year-to-year based on government priorities.
Remember: This is a general guide. It’s crucial to research specific institutions and programs to confirm NSFAS funding availability for your chosen course.
Online Courses and Learning tips : Top 10 Free Online Learning Platforms
-
Free Online Education Degrees : Coursera:
Coursera partners with universities and organizations worldwide to offer a wide range of courses. While many courses are free, a fee is often required for certification.
-
Free Online Education Degrees: edX:
Founded by MIT and Harvard, edX offers high-quality courses from top universities and institutions around the world. Certificates are available for a fee.
-
Free Online Education Degrees : Khan Academy:
Khan Academy provides free educational content in various subjects, especially mathematics and science, using instructional videos and practice exercises.
-
Free Online Education Degrees : Udacity:
Udacity focuses on tech-related courses and nanodegree programs, offering free content as well as more in-depth paid programs.
-
Free Online Education Degrees : MIT OpenCourseWare (OCW):
MIT OCW provides a vast array of MIT's course content for free, covering a wide range of disciplines.
-
Free Online Education Degrees : Harvard Extension School:
Harvard Extension School offers a selection of free online courses. While some courses are free, others may require payment for a certificate.
-
Free Online Education Degrees: Stanford Online:
Stanford Online offers a variety of free courses in different disciplines, including computer science, engineering, and business.
-
Best Free Online Courses : Carnegie Mellon Open Learning Initiative (OLI):
OLI offers free online courses and resources designed to improve learning outcomes through research-based methodologies.
-
Best Free Online Courses : FutureLearn:
FutureLearn partners with universities and institutions to offer a diverse range of free online courses. Certificates are available for a fee.
-
Best Free Online Courses: Alison:
Alison offers a wide range of free online courses, including diploma and certificate programs, covering various subjects.
-
Best Free Online Courses: Open Yale Courses:
Yale University provides free access to a selection of introductory courses through Open Yale Courses.
-
Best Free Online Courses : UC Berkeley Online:
UC Berkeley offers free online courses on a variety of subjects, ranging from computer science to humanities.
-
Best Free Online Courses : Google Digital Garage:
Google Digital Garage provides free courses on digital skills, including online marketing, data analysis, and more.
-
Best Free Online Courses : Codecademy:
Codecademy offers free coding courses, interactive exercises, and coding projects to help individuals learn programming languages.
-
Best Free Online Courses : LinkedIn Learning (formerly Lynda.com):
LinkedIn Learning provides a variety of video courses on professional development, technology, and creative skills. It offers a free trial period.