Maybe your household earns just above the NSFAS threshold. Maybe your application was rejected, or you are studying at a private institution where NSFAS does not apply. Whatever the reason, hearing "no" from NSFAS does not mean you cannot study. There are many other ways to pay for tertiary education, and most students who succeed without NSFAS combine several of them.
Most students who study without NSFAS piece together funding from more than one source
The key is to start early, apply widely, and be realistic about costs. This guide covers the main funding routes available to South African students, what each one involves, and how to combine them into a workable plan.
Why You May Not Qualify for NSFAS
Understanding why you were turned down helps you decide what to do next. The most common reasons are:
Common Reasons for Not Getting NSFAS
- Household income above the threshold. NSFAS has a combined household income limit (R350,000 per year at the time of writing, so confirm the current figure on nsfas.org.za).
- Studying at a private institution. NSFAS funds students at public universities and public TVET colleges only.
- Already holding a qualification at the same level, or studying a postgraduate programme that NSFAS does not cover.
- Incomplete or unclear documents, or information that did not match your ID or income proof.
- Not meeting academic progress rules if you were funded before.
- Missing the application window.
Students from households earning above the NSFAS limit, but who still cannot comfortably afford fees, are often called the "missing middle." The government has been working on funding arrangements for this group, including loan options. These arrangements have changed over time, so check the Department of Higher Education and Training and the NSFAS website for the latest details rather than relying on older information.
Check These Before Moving On
Before you give up on NSFAS, rule out anything that could be fixed:
Read the rejection reason in your myNSFAS account. If it was a document or information problem, you may be able to correct it.
Use the appeals process if you believe the decision was wrong or your circumstances were not properly assessed. Appeals have strict deadlines, so act quickly. Our NSFAS application guide explains what to do if your application is rejected.
Ask your institution's financial aid office whether your income situation has changed (for example a retrenchment) and what evidence they accept.
Whatever happens with the appeal, start applying for other funding at the same time. Do not wait for the result before moving on.
Bursaries and Scholarships
Bursaries and scholarships are the best kind of funding because you generally do not repay them in money. They come from many sources, and they are usually awarded on a mix of academic results, financial need, field of study and sometimes community involvement.
Where to Look for Bursaries
- Government bursaries. The Funza Lushaka Bursary supports future teachers, and departments such as Health and Social Development offer bursaries for specific professions. Provincial governments also run their own schemes.
- Corporate bursaries. Many large companies and banks fund students in fields they need, such as engineering, accounting, IT, and the sciences. Some include work experience and a job offer after graduation.
- Professional bodies and foundations. Industry bodies and charitable foundations offer bursaries, often for specific careers or for students from particular backgrounds.
- Local sources. Municipalities, churches, community organisations, and local businesses sometimes offer smaller awards that fewer people apply for.
Bursary conditions differ. Some require you to work for the funder for a set period after you graduate, and some require you to maintain a minimum average. Read the contract carefully before you accept so you know exactly what you are agreeing to.
Bursary application windows often open months before the academic year, and many close during the year before you study. If you are already in matric or have just finished, start searching immediately and keep a calendar of closing dates.
University and College Financial Aid
Many institutions run their own funding on top of national schemes. This is often overlooked, and it can be the difference between studying and not studying.
Merit scholarships. Universities often reward strong NSC results, especially students with a high APS, with partial or full scholarships. These may be awarded automatically or require a separate application.
Institutional bursaries and financial aid. Most universities have a financial aid office that assesses need and can offer bursaries, loans or fee reductions. Contact them directly and ask what is available for students who are not funded by NSFAS.
Sport, arts and leadership awards. Some institutions offer awards for talent in sport, music, debating, and student leadership.
Payment plans and deferred payments. Many institutions allow fees to be paid in instalments, and some accept a smaller upfront payment for registration. Ask what is possible before the registration deadline, because late discussions are harder to resolve.
SETAs, Learnerships and Apprenticeships
Sector Education and Training Authorities (SETAs) each support a particular industry, and they fund training through bursaries, learnerships, internships and apprenticeships. Because these are linked to skills the economy needs, they can be less competitive than general bursaries.
Learnerships and apprenticeships combine study and work. You usually earn a stipend while you learn, gain practical experience, and finish with a recognised qualification. They are especially common in trades, engineering, IT, finance, tourism and hospitality, and healthcare support. This route can be an excellent alternative to paying fees at all.
Visit the websites of the SETAs that match your field of study and check their current opportunities. Closing dates and eligibility rules are set by each SETA.
Student Loans
A loan can bridge the gap when other funding does not cover everything. It should be a last piece of your plan rather than the first, because you will repay it with interest.
Several South African banks and financial institutions offer student loans. Usually a parent, guardian, or other person must act as a guarantor or co-signer, and you will need proof of registration or acceptance, and your fee quotation. Some loans only start repayment after you graduate, while others require payments earlier.
Before You Take a Student Loan
- Compare interest rates, fees and repayment terms across more than one provider.
- Ask whether interest is charged while you study or only after graduation.
- Estimate your likely starting salary in your chosen field and check that repayments will be manageable.
- Only borrow what you truly need. Cover tuition and essentials, not lifestyle spending.
- Read the whole contract. If you do not understand a term, ask a trusted adult or a financial adviser.
Cheaper Ways to Study
Sometimes the best funding strategy is lowering the cost of the qualification itself. Compare these options:
| Option | How It Reduces Cost | Things to Consider |
|---|---|---|
| TVET college | Generally lower fees than universities | Different qualification structure; see our TVET guide |
| Distance learning (for example Unisa) | Lower fees, no residence costs, ability to work | Needs strong self-discipline and study habits |
| Studying close to home | Saves on accommodation and travel | Your course choice may be more limited |
| Shorter qualification first | Lower cost and earlier income | Check how credits carry over if you want to continue |
| Public instead of private institution | Often cheaper, with more funding options | Entry requirements may be more competitive |
Our guide to TVET college versus university can help you compare these routes in more detail.
Earning While You Study
Part-time work will not cover a full degree, but it can fund living costs and reduce how much you need to borrow.
Campus jobs. Many universities hire students as tutors, demonstrators, library assistants, and residence assistants.
Tutoring and freelancing. Strong students can tutor school learners, and skills such as design, writing, or coding can bring in freelance work.
Holiday and vacation work. Working during breaks avoids clashing with your studies.
A gap year to save. Some students work for a year before starting, which builds savings and gives time to apply for funding.
Be realistic about your time. Working too many hours can hurt your marks, and bursaries and loans often depend on you passing your modules.
Avoiding Funding Scams
Students looking for money are common targets for scammers. Protect yourself with these rules:
Warning Signs
- You are asked to pay a fee to apply for a bursary or to "guarantee" funding.
- Someone promises a bursary but asks for your banking details, PIN, or passwords.
- The offer arrives through an unofficial WhatsApp message, social media account, or free email address.
- There is pressure to act immediately or the offer seems too good to be true.
Always apply through the official website of the bursary provider, institution, or government department, and double-check contact details independently before sharing any personal documents.
Building Your Funding Plan
Putting it all together, here is a practical way to work out how to pay for your studies:
Find out the full cost. Ask your institution for a fee quotation covering tuition, registration, accommodation, books, food, and transport.
List what you can already cover from family contributions, savings, and income.
Apply for bursaries and scholarships first, as many as you qualify for, and track every deadline.
Speak to the financial aid office at each institution you have applied to.
Consider lower-cost routes if the gap is still too large, such as TVET, distance learning, or a learnership.
Use a loan only for the remaining gap, after comparing offers carefully.
Not sure what to do first? Read our guide on what to do after getting your matric results, and use the Matric2Succes tool to see which programmes you qualify for so you know what you are funding.
Missing out on NSFAS can feel like the end of the road, but it is usually the start of a search. Students who ask questions, apply widely, and stay organised often find a mix of funding that works. Start now, keep your documents ready, and never be afraid to ask the financial aid office for help. Your future is worth the effort.