Bursary Opportunities for TVET College Students
Top Bursary Opportunities for South African TVET College Students
TVET colleges in South Africa provide vocational courses that prepare students for careers as plumbers, engineers, electricians, marketers, hospitality professionals, and more. However, financial barriers can be a challenge for many. Here’s a breakdown of key bursary options available to support TVET students:
Main Funding Sources
National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS):
The primary source of funding for public TVET college students pursuing National Certificate (Vocational) or Report 191 qualifications. NSFAS covers tuition, accommodation, meals, transport, and personal care.
Sector-Specific Bursaries
FASSET Bursaries:
Target students in business and IT fields. They cover tuition, textbooks, accommodation, learner allowances, and may provide laptops.
Mining Qualifications Authority (MQA):
Supports trades such as boilermaking and electrical work, funding full tuition, registration, residence fees, and meals.
Sector Education and Training Authorities (SETAs):
Offer bursaries across agriculture, tourism, finance, construction, and other sectors. Each SETA has its own application criteria.
RULA Bursary Programme:
Supports engineering and technical students with bursaries and in-service training, requiring graduates to work within the sector post-study.
African Scholars’ Fund:
Provides tuition and registration assistance mainly for business and engineering students.
Compensation Fund:
Covers tuition, study materials, stipends, and accommodation for qualifying students.
Private Sector Support
Many private companies also offer bursaries in engineering, hospitality, IT, and other sectors. These are often aimed at high-achieving or disadvantaged students.
How to Apply
Applicants should:
Ensure they meet eligibility requirements
Prepare necessary documents (ID, proof of residence, income statements, academic records)
Apply before deadlines
Regularly check online resources for updates
Applying early and carefully verifying your documents will improve your chances of securing bursary funding to support your TVET studies.