Finding funding is a scary task often only discovered once students are already studying and can play a big role in tertiary study decision making. This page focuses on the different types of institutions available to study at and their funding facilities.
In the current South African economy, it is not enough to simply have a matric certificate. Studying further is important to ensure job security. There are 3 main types of tertiary institutions where one can further their studies and skills:
Public University: A state sponsored University. Fees can be covered by Public or Private funding, or by the student directly
Public TVET College: A state sponsored college. Fees can be covered by Public or Private funding, or by the student directly. Fees for courses are generally lower than at Universities and Private Colleges
Private College: Privately owned colleges that run as businesses. Some offer their own bursaries
Public universities
University of Cape Town (UCT): http://www.students.uct.ac.za/students/fees-funding/undergraduate-funding
University of Western Cape (UWC): https://www.uwc.ac.za/admission-and-financial-aid/fees-and-financial-aid/bursaries-scholarships-and-funding-opportunities
Stellenbosch University (SUN): http://www.sun.ac.za/english/maties/Pages/BursariesAndLoans-BursariesAvailable.aspx
University of South Africa (UNISA): https://www.unisa.ac.za/sites/myunisa/default/Student-Affairs-&-SRC/Student-funding:-bursaries-&-loans
Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT): https://www.cput.ac.za/study/funding
Public TVET colleges
False Bay College: https://www.falsebaycollege.co.za/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=73&Itemid=183
College of Cape Town: http://www.cct.edu.za
Boland College: https://www.bolandcollege.com/study-here/financial-support/bursaries/
Northlink College: https://www.northlink.co.za/finance/bursaries/
Private colleges
Tsiba Academy: https://www.tsiba.ac.za/study/higher-certificate-in-business-administration/
FEDISA School of Fashion: https://www.fedisa.co.za/creative-leaders-bursary
Helderberg College: https://hche.ac.za/scholarship-information/
Damelin College: www.damelin.co.za
AAA School of Advertising - Cape Town: https://www.aaaschool.ac.za/news/bursary-to-empower-the-next-generation-of-marketing-professionals/
AFDA, The South African School of Motion Picture Medium and Live Performance: https://www.afda.co.za/Study-Loans.html
Boston City Campus and Business College: https://www.boston.co.za/about-us/bursaries/
Capsicum Culinary Studio: https://www.capsicumcooking.com/want-to-be-a-chef
Rosebank College: https://www.rosebankcollege.co.za/Blog/Post/28
Ruth Prowse School of Art: https://www.ruthprowse.co.za/pages/get-involved
Silwood Kitchen: https://www.silwood.co.za/silwood-frequently-asked-questions/
The International Hotel School: https://www.hotelschool.co.za/admissions/frequently-asked-questions/
Varsity College: https://www.varsitycollege.co.za/scholarships-bursaries-and-awards
The Animation School: https://www.theanimationschool.co.za/
The Creative Academy: https://creativeacademy.ac.za/admissions/
The Red & Yellow Creative School of Business: https://www.redandyellow.co.za/blog/bursaries-2020/
Cape Town School of Photography: https://ctsp.co.za/ormsctsp-scholarships/
Intec College: https://intec.edu.za/contact-us/
We Think Code: https://apply.wethinkcode.co.za/users/sign_up
Alongside their search for an appropriate institution, students need to think about what kind of funding is most appropriate to their needs. For most students, bursaries are likely to be the most appropriate funding modality. However, for those that excel academically, scholarships may be more suitable. For those with more financial resources, loans or direct payment may be options.
Direct Payment: This is where the applicant to a tertiary education program covers the costs for study themselves
Loan: Loans are awarded to applicants based on their need. Loans are also always linked to interest rates. If you receive a loan you would be required to repay the loan in full as well as the accumulated interest.
Bursary: Bursaries vary in amounts and professions and are given to students to further their studies. In return for funding your studies, the company or provider may require you to repay them by signing a work contract with them. Another type of bursary is a donor bursary (a bursary awarded to a deserving candidate in a specific field of study or in recognition for his/her work in a specific field of study).
Scholarship: A scholarship is a financial award usually given to students based on their outstanding academic achievements. Recipients are not always expected to repay or work back the money they receive
Many students in South Africa successfully apply for bursaries from the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) which is funded by the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET). Students whose families earn R350 000 or less a year, and who want to study at a public university or TVET college, are eligible for this fund. The NSFAS funds registration fees, tuition fees, subsidised accommodation, subsidised meal allowances, subsidised book allowances, subsidised transport allowances, subsidised accommodation.
NSFAS contact information:
Phone: 08000 67327
Email: info@nsfas.org.za
Website: https://www.nsfas.org.za/content/
Not all students who require financial assistance come from families who earn R350 000 or below a year. Some families may earn more than this, yet still require financial assistance. The resources below provide further information about hundreds of public and private funders:
Bursary recipients are selected based on the following:
Household means test is conducted on all applicants
Academic achievement and acceptance into one of the approved institutions, towards an approved qualification
National Benchmarking Test (NBT) for some institutions (academic and behavioral strength)
Matric results
Availability of funding (as determined by funding partner requirements)
General requirements
You must be a South African citizen
You must be currently in Matric or have completed Matric
You must have been accepted to study at one of the above public tertiary institutions, towards one of the qualifications listed above, in 2025
You must be starting your first year of undergraduate studies in the 2025 academic year
You must have a family household income NOT more than R600 000 per annum
You must be in financial need and require funding for your studies
