NSFAS funds eligible students at public universities and public TVET colleges in South Africa. It does not fund private colleges.
Key rule: NSFAS applies to public institutions only (universities and TVETs) under the DHET bursary framework.
Does NSFAS Fund Private Colleges?
No. NSFAS funding is limited to public universities and public TVET colleges listed by NSFAS/DHET; private institutions are not eligible. Always verify the institution on the NSFAS institutions page before applying.
How Allowances Are Paid (Quick Note)
Tuition/registration are paid to your institution. Allowances (accommodation, transport, learning materials, living/personal care) are paid either via your institution or the NSFAS Wallet. NSFAS Wallet USSD: *134*176#.
Complete List: Public TVET Colleges Funded by NSFAS (with Official Sites)
These are the 50 public TVET colleges recognised by DHET. NSFAS confirms funding coverage for TVETs in its institutions directory. Use the NSFAS page to search by province/institution name.
Western Cape (6)
- Boland TVET College
- College of Cape Town
- False Bay TVET College
- Northlink TVET College
- South Cape TVET College
- West Coast TVET College
Gauteng (8)
- 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 (Westcol)
Eastern Cape (8)
- Buffalo City TVET College
- Eastcape Midlands TVET College
- Ikhala TVET College
- Ingwe TVET College
- King Hintsa TVET College
- King Sabata Dalindyebo TVET College
- Lovedale TVET College
- Port Elizabeth TVET College
KwaZulu-Natal (9)
- Coastal TVET College
- Elangeni TVET College
- Esayidi TVET College
- Majuba TVET College
- Mnambithi TVET College
- Mthashana TVET College
- Thekwini TVET College
- uMfolozi TVET College
- uMgungundlovu TVET College
Limpopo (7)
- Capricorn TVET College
- Lephalale TVET College
- Letaba TVET College
- Mopani South East TVET College
- Sekhukhune TVET College
- Vhembe TVET College
- Waterberg TVET College
Mpumalanga (3)
Free State (4)
Northern Cape (2)
North West (3)
Universities Funded by NSFAS (Heads-up)
NSFAS also funds qualifying students at 26 public universities. Browse and verify them on the NSFAS institutions page (choose “Universities”).
How to Check If Your College Is NSFAS-Funded
- Open: NSFAS: Higher Education Institutions South Africa (filter by province/TVET Colleges).
- Cross-check on DHET’s official list/map of registered public TVET colleges.