•  National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) – www.nsfas.org.za

NSFAS provides study loans to academically deserving and financially needy students who wish to study at tertiary education institutions. Loans are repayable with interest over a fixed term determined by the lender.

•  Funding is available in the following categories
   
• Department of Education – (General  Education funding)
• Department of Labour  - (Students with Disabilities)
• Funza Lushaka  - Bursary Scheme  (Teacher Education)
  
  
•  Eligibility Criteria 

A student qualifies for a NSFAS loan if he/she is:

1. a South African citizen
2. registered at the University 
3. an undergraduate student studying towards a first higher education qualification;
4. is financial needy as determined by a means test;
5. able to demonstrate potential for academic success;
6. unable to finance his/her studies without a NSFAS award.

Students who have received loans or bursaries from other sources covering the full cost of study are NOT eligible for a loan.

•  Appeals 

Students who are unsuccessful in their first application attempt may appeal by submitting the “Appeals Form” before a pre-determined closing date to be considered by the Universities Appeals Committee.

As a general rule only the following appeals will be considered:

1. Students that can prove (through submission of psychological or medical reports) family or personal distress that had an adverse effect on their ability to achieve the required academic standards.
2. Students who have not been able to attend classes or write exams because of medical reasons (doctor’s certificate necessary) and could therefore not meet the required academic standards.
3. Final year students who have not achieved the required academic standards.
4. Student’s whose family’s financial position has changed since the submission of the application (e.g. parent lost employment etc.) which has an impact on the Expected Family Contribution (EFC).
5. Any extraordinary circumstances of which the student had no control (strong motivation necessary with supportive documents).

The following will not be considered as valid grounds for appeals:

1. Students not submitting applications before the closing date.
2. Students not meeting the academic requirements without a valid reason or documentary motivation.

Students successful in their appeal will be allowed to register with the assistance of Financial Aid provided funding is available.

In the event that funding is not available successful appeal students will be placed on a waiting list.

Such students need to register with their own funds, but will be contacted when funds are released.

The Director Financial Aid may consider valid ad-hoc appeals after the Appeals Committee meeting based on the principles decided upon by the Committee and provided funding is available.

• NSFAS Department of Education -  www.nsfas.org.za

Parameters

1. The maximum and minimum awards for the year are determined by the NSFAS Board. The NSFAS maximum is in most cases equal to or higher than the average national Full Cost of Study.  However the institution can decide on the way in which allocations are done to accommodate its needs.
2. A percentage up to a maximum as determined by NSFAS of the amount awarded may be converted into a bursary if a student is academically successful.  The date of the conversion will be determined by NSFAS;
3. Interest on loans will begin to accrue as at 01 April of the year in which the loan is granted irrespective of the date that the loan is paid into the students’ fee account at the Institution;
4. Interest which accrues on the component of the award which is converted into a bursary will be written off at a date determined by NSFAS.
5. NSFAS will recover the loan portion of the award according to the NSFAS Act. and will provide students with regular statements reflecting the outstanding balance.

  The following documentation must be supplied by the student:

• A certified ID copy of the applicant (South African Citizens only);
• Certified ID copies of both parents;
• Certified copy or birth certificate of all the dependents that are supported by the parent (s) guardian.
• Proof of income of both parents or guardian (salary slip, pension slip or child grant slip – not older than 3 months);
• Certified copy of latest Grade 12 results 9only for first time applicant);
• Affidavit (not older than 3 months) from unemployed parent (s)/ guardian or UIF slip to be provided (by parent not student);
• Death certificates of diseased parents;
• Proof of registration if one or more members are studying at a tertiary level.
• All reported family members of the household will be validated by way of a certified copy of an identity document or birth certificate - otherwise they will be excluded.

 PLEASE TAKE NOTE OF THE FOLLOWING:

1. Affidavit from student will not be accepted.
2. Affidavit with no amount will not be accepted.
3. If false information is provided TUT may enforce all its legal rights including that of termination of your NSFAS application or adjudication.
4. Incomplete forms will not be accepted.

General Rules

1. The allocation of any award is subject to the application of the NSFAS policy and requirements.
2. The Financial Aid Committee will determine the final allocation to each student annually.
3. As a rule, NSFAS funds may not be applied for expenses incurred for previous or future years of study.
4. Successful students who applied before the pre-determined closing dates who have been successfully assessed for funding are not required to make any upfront payments at registration.
5. Students who do not qualify have the right to appeal the outcome of their application.
6. As a general rule, payments for books, accommodation etc. will only be made directly to the service provider and not in cash.
7. Students who cancels the loan after advance payments has been made will be liable for all costs.
8. All successful students are required to enrol for at least 70% of full course load.

Academic Eligibility

1. To be academically eligible for a NSFAS award a returning student must be on track to complete any course which can be completed in 3, 4, 5 or 6 years within 5, 6, 7 or 8 years respectively.  The following is applicable:
   
   

   ACADEMIC CRITERIA TO QUALIFY FOR NSFAS
   Maximum period to obtain qualification	Years of study (calendar years)	Minimum SAPSE credits required to qualify for NSFAS
   	1st	0,50
   	2nd	1,10
   	3rd	1,70
   	4th	2,30
   NDip	5th	3,00

   
   
2. SLP and Foundation Program students who enrol for formal subsidized qualifications needs to have an average pass mark of at least 55% for that program in the previous year of study.
3. New entering first year student’s applications will only be considered once they have complied with all the admission requirements of the University. Allocations will depend on the availability of funds.
4. The minimum academic requirement for a new entering first year student is a Rating Score of four (4) during the Grade 12 examination.  Students doing the previous National Senior Certificate must have an M Score of at least 6 to qualify.

• NSFAS / Department of Labour  (Disability Grants) -   www.labour.gov.za  

Introduction and background

The bursary programme is aimed at providing financial support for students with disabilities who are financially needy and academically able. It is intended to open opportunities for further study in higher education and provide the necessary additional teaching and learning (curriculum) support for students to overcome any barriers to learning which have resulted from their disability.

 Eligibility  criteria

New and continuing students who have been accepted for admission at one of the public higher education institutions may apply for the bursary, on the following conditions:

1. The student is enrolled for their first under-graduate degree or diploma,  or a post-graduate professional qualification as recognized by NSFAS  (in the NSFAS manual) as a requirement for employment in a professional field;
2. The student is a continuing student funded previously by the Department of Labour or the Department of Education in 1008 and 2009;
3. If the student has not been previously funded by the Department of Labour of Education in prior years, but is applying for financial aid for the first time, the following conditions apply only:
4. This is regardless of field of study, on the condition that the programme is an accredited programme for higher education;
5. Are academically able (as per the institutions’ academic admission requirements AND through ongoing annual monitoring of student performance once enrolled in the programme of choice);
6. Whose primary disability is regarded as an impairment which is long-term, recurring and substantially limiting (a more robust definition of disability will be provided in the document, and it is against this that the eligibility of students must be weighed);
7. Are financially needy as determined by the NSFAS financial means test.

Students may combine this bursary award with a NSFAS loan should the allocation made to the institution not be sufficient to cover the cost of study.

What does the bursary cover?

1. Actual registration, tuition and examination fees (“the tuition costs”) payable to the Institution, and as charged to the student fee account;
2. Costs of books and other study materials prescribed by the Institution in relation to the Qualification (“the material costs”);
3. Student’s accommodation and meal costs (“the accommodation costs”);
4. Students transportation guidelines (read under “ the accommodation costs”)
5. The costs of providing an assistive device to the Student (as per the schedule /cost table attached to this document); and
6. With the exception of cases where no other means of cash payment are possible (as is determined in the NSFAS Manual (item 5.1), no cash shall be placed in the hands of students.

It is important to note and recognize that in cases or examples where this policy is silent, that the NSFAS Manual to Higher Education Institutions serves as the base reference  and guideline.

• NSFAS / Funza Lushaka  –  www.funzalushaka.doe.gov.za

 The Funza Lushaka Programme is a multi-year programme that promotes teaching in public schools. Bursaries are available to enable eligible students to complete a full teaching qualification in an area of national priority. Recipients of the bursary will be required to teach at a school or provincial education department for the same number of years that they receive the bursary. Qualified recipients of the bursary can apply for appropriate public school positions with the provincial education department (PED) of their choice.  The PED concerned will determine whether there is a suitable post available. If there is not, the applicant will be offered employment in a PED that does have suitable vacancies.

 Admission criteria

The bursary is only awarded to South African citizens. Applications will not be considered unless the applicant has a valid South African ID number. Applicants for the bursary must already have been accepted into an appropriate study programme at a recognized higher education institution. Applicants also need to meet certain admission criteria of the institution and they must also meet the national selection criteria for the Funza Lushaka bursary.

Selection criteria include the following:

1. The applicant’s academic ability;
2. Eligibility for an approved degree or PGCE in one of the priority areas;
3. Commitment to a teaching career, which includes: interest in working with young people; enthusiasm for a  professional career in teaching; readiness to face and surmount difficult challenges and personal integrity;
4. Commitment to teach in any school to which a student may be appointed by a PED.
5. Three types of qualifications can be funded. These are shown in the table below. The qualification must include subjects which will allow the student to specialise as a teacher in at least one priority area (see next section below). 

 How to apply

You need to apply for admission to a teaching qualification (B Ed or PGCE) or a Bachelors degree (e.g. BSc, B Tech, BA) with at least one major course in a priority area at a university of your choice. Once you have gained admission at a university, you are required to apply for the bursary via this Internet website.

The bursary is awarded for one academic year at a time and, on proof of academic success, the bursary may be renewed each year until the recipient of the bursary has qualified as a teacher. The bursary holder will be required to re-apply by the end of October for the following year. Recipients of bursaries will be required to teach one year for every year for which they receive a bursary.

What the bursary covers

Funza Lushaka bursaries cover all the recipient’s essential expenses. Expenses covered include tuition, full accommodation including meals, books and learning materials, and a small allowance for monthly living expenses.  Universities have different cost structures, so the total value of a bursary differs from institution to institution.

• BURSARIES AND SCHOLARSHIPS ADMINISTRED BY THE UNIVERSITY

 Academic Merit Bursaries from the University

Merit Bursaries are allocated to a range of students from first time entering students to undergraduate students. Its intention is to attract and retain quality students through the rewarding of prior or current performance excellence of academic and non-academic nature.

Academic Merit Bursary for New Entrant First-year Students

1. These bursaries are made available to newcomer students who enrol for a National Diploma or BTech at the University for the first time after Grade 12.
2. Only South African citizens may apply for these bursaries.
3. Students who enrol for special courses, short learning programs and Foundation programs do not qualify for these bursaries.
4. A student only qualifies for the bursary if he/ she register for all the modules of a specific course.
5. Students who have studied at other Universities and students who have already studied at the University and who are undergraduate students again, do not qualify for these bursaries
6. Eligibility is determined by the average percentage of the rating score obtained on the Grade 12 certificate

Only the six (6) subjects with the highest rating will be taken into consideration. 

 Criteria and the value of the bursaries subject to annual adjustment by FAC:

* Specific courses identified as being part of Science; Engineering and Technology (SET).

 Academic  Merit Bursary for Undergraduate Returning Students

1. These bursaries are awarded to students who are enrolled for National Diplomas and B Tech degrees at the University.
2. Students who have been enrolled at other institutions previously could qualify as well provided that they have obtained recognition for the subjects at the University.
3. Only South African citizens may apply for these bursaries.
4. Students who are enrolled for special courses, short learning programs or Foundation courses do not qualify for these bursaries.
5. Bursaries are awarded for prior academic performance provided the student registers again at the University for an Undergraduate Qualification.
6. The value of the bursary is determined by the average percentage the student obtained in the most recent year of study.
7. The average percentage is calculated according to the November results.
8. Students will only qualify if their SAPSE Credit (combined subject credits) is equal or higher than 0,85 in their previous year of study.
9. A fixed value per subject will be awarded as bursary.

Criteria and the value of the bursaries subject to annual adjustment by the FAC: 

 Merit Bursaries for Non-Academic Performance

 Sport bursaries

It is the aim of these bursaries to recruit and retain students who have shown exceptional sporting achievement. These bursaries are awarded to students who can prove that they have been selected and participated on national or provincial level.

Funding allocated by Directorate of Sports Development annually.

Leadership bursaries (Head Boys / Girls)

These bursaries are allocated to not only recruit students who have proved leadership abilities, but have also shown leadership skills in the Student Life & Governance Directorate.

Special Talent bursaries

These bursaries are awarded to students who do not meet the prescribed academic requirements for a bursary, but who have3 special talents, for example, for drawing, painting, singing or dancing.

External Bursaries from various sources (Government & Private Sectors)

Introduction

This funding refers to bursaries that are allocated in consultation with Financial Aid or independently by an internal or external donor to University students who comply with a set of eligibility criteria as set by the donor.  This can include bursaries allocated by the Private, Corporate and Government Sectors.

Eligibility of Funding

Eligibility is tested solely by the specific donor.

Administration of Funding

The allocation of awards to externally funded students must be done in accordance with the requirements specified by the donor.  The role of Financial Aid is to:

1. manage, account and allocate all funding received on behalf of the students by the University;
2. when requested provide donors with annual reports on funding allocated and study records of recipients;
3. if required provide information for annual audits on allocated funds;
4. when requested facilitate contact with donors and provide facilities for donor visits;
5. when requested provide selection support to donors in terms of distributing information to students, setting up interviews and pre-screening applicants; 
6. maintain records and a database of donor information;
7. keep close contact with existing donors and identify potential new donors;
8. annually report to the Financial Aid Committee on funding allocated.

External donors are required to provide pledge letters to Financial Aid indicating their commitment to support the relevant students. 

Sources of funding

The following donors could be consulted for information on available bursary schemes:

1. DAAD Scholarship – www.daad.org
2. De Beers- www.debeersgroup.com
3. Dept of Transport – www.transport.gov.za
4. Dr. J.S. Moroka Municip -
5. DWAF Mechanical – www.dwaf.gov.za
6. DWAF Water Care – www.dwaf.gov.za
7. DWAF – Civil – www.dwaf.gov.za
8. EC Dept of Health –
9. EC Prov Arts & Culture-
10. Engineering Top Up- (TUT)
11. Eskom – www.Eskom.co.za 
12. ETDP.SETA – www.etdpseta.org.za
13. Found for Pharm Educ –
14. Gauteng City Region – www.gpg.gov.za
15. GP: Health –www.gp.health.com
16. HCI Foundation – www.hcifoundation.co.za
17. IDC – www.Idc.com
18. L P Education Department – www.limpopo.gov.za
19. LP Agriculture – www.limpopo.gov.za
20. LP Dept of Health – www.limpopo.gov.za
21. LP Premiers Bursary – www.limpopo.gov.za
22. LP Treasury – www.limpopo.gov.za
23. Merseta – www.merseta.org.za
24. Metrorail 2009 –
25. National Health – www.nih.gov
26. NPA –
27. NRF African – M-Tech – www.nr.ac.za
28. NRF African D-Tech – www.nrf.ac.za
29. NRF DOl Scares M-Tech – www.nrf.ac.za
30. NRF DOL Scares B-Tech – www.nrf.ac.za
31. NRF Innovation B-Tech – www.nrf.ac.za
32. NRF Innovation Maste – www.nrf.ac.za
33. NRF Post Doctoral – www.nrf.ac.za
34. NRF Scholarship B-Tech – www.nrf.ac.za
35. NW Dept of Health – www.nwpg.gov.za
36. NWPG- www.nwpg.gov.za
37. Old Mutual EDU Trust – www.oldmutual.co.za
38. Post Graduate Faculty Fund –  (TUT)
39. Post Graduate Bursaries – (TUT)
40. Prestigious B-Tech – (TUT)
41. REAP –
42. Research Chair –
43. Retecza Interns 2009 –
44. SAAWG – www.saawg.org
45. SACTWU – www.sactwu.org.za
46. SAIRR – www.sairr.org.za
47. SAPPI – www.sappi.org.za
48. SASSETA – www.sasseta.org.za
49. SITA – www.sita.aero
50. Solidariteit –
51. Study Trust – www.studytrust.com
52. Swaziland Min Education –
53. Telkom 2009 – www.telkom.co.za
54. Upstream Training Trust – www.upstreamtrainingtrust.com