Public Universities and Colleges Supported by NSFAS in 2025

The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) is a government initiative in South Africa aimed at helping financially disadvantaged students access higher education. It provides funding for both public universities and Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) colleges. In 2025, NSFAS continues to support numerous institutions across the country.

Public Universities Supported by NSFAS:

NSFAS funds students enrolled in approved programs at public universities throughout South Africa, such as:

• University of Cape Town
• University of Pretoria
• University of Johannesburg
• University of Venda
• University of the Witwatersrand
• Stellenbosch University
• University of KwaZulu-Natal
• University of the Western Cape
• University of the Free State
• Nelson Mandela University
• University of Limpopo
• University of Fort Hare
• University of Zululand
• University of Mpumalanga
• University of the North West
• University of South Africa (UNISA)

These institutions offer a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs.

TVET Colleges Supported by NSFAS:

In addition to universities, NSFAS also supports students attending public TVET colleges, which provide programs designed to meet industry-specific needs. Some NSFAS-funded TVET colleges include:

• Western Cape:
  • Boland TVET College
  • College of Cape Town
  • False Bay College
  • Northlink TVET College
  • South Cape TVET College
  • West Coast TVET College
• Gauteng:
  • Central Johannesburg TVET College
  • Ekurhuleni East TVET College
  • Ekurhuleni West TVET College
  • Sedibeng TVET College
  • South West Gauteng TVET College
  • Tshwane North TVET College
  • Tshwane South TVET College
  • Western TVET College
• KwaZulu-Natal:
  • Coastal KZN TVET College
  • Elangeni TVET College
  • Esayidi TVET College
  • King Sabata Dalindyebo TVET College
  • Majuba TVET College
  • Mnambithi TVET College
  • Mthashana TVET College
  • Umfolozi TVET College
• Eastern Cape:
  • Buffalo City TVET College
  • Ikhala TVET College
  • Ingwe TVET College
  • King Sabata Dalindyebo TVET College
  • Lovedale TVET College
  • Nelson Mandela TVET College
  • Port Elizabeth TVET College
• Limpopo:
  • Capricorn TVET College
  • Mopani South East TVET College
  • Sekhukhune TVET College
  • Vhembe TVET College
• Mpumalanga:
  • Ehlanzeni TVET College
  • Gert Sibande TVET College
  • Nkangala TVET College
• North West:
  • Orbit TVET College
  • Vuselela TVET College
• Northern Cape:
  • Northern Cape Urban TVET College
  • Northern Cape Rural TVET College
• Free State:
  • Motheo TVET College
  • Lephalale TVET College

These colleges focus on equipping students with hands-on skills and industry knowledge.

Eligibility and Application Process:

To be eligible for NSFAS funding, applicants must be South African citizens with a household income below R350,000 annually, or R600,000 for students with disabilities. Applications are processed online through the myNSFAS portal, where applicants must submit supporting documents, including proof of income and ID.

For the 2025 academic year, NSFAS has set the following application periods for TVET colleges:

• Trimester 2: May 12, 2025 to May 23, 2025
• Semester 2: July 14, 2025 to July 31, 2025
• Trimester 3: September 8, 2025 to September 19, 2025

Prospective students should apply during these windows to ensure they receive funding.

Conclusion:

NSFAS plays a vital role in helping South African students access higher education, thus fostering a skilled and educated workforce. By funding both universities and TVET colleges, it contributes to the country’s socio-economic development.

For more information on NSFAS funding and the application process, visit the official NSFAS website.