Top Funding Opportunities for Private College Students

💰 How to Fund Your Studies at a Private College in South Africa

While public universities and colleges benefit from NSFAS funding, students aiming to study at private colleges in South Africa often wonder how to cover tuition and study-related expenses.

Although NSFAS does not fund private institutions, there are still several reliable alternatives available.

❌ No NSFAS for Private Colleges

The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) is a government funding initiative that assists financially needy students studying at public universities and TVET colleges. However, it does not provide bursaries or loans for students attending private colleges.

✅ Alternative Funding Options for Private Colleges

1. Fundi Education Loans

Fundi is one of South Africa’s leading private education finance providers. It offers financial assistance for:

• Private and public universities

• TVET Colleges

• Private colleges

How Fundi Works:

• Loans are issued not to the student, but to a parent, guardian, or sponsor.

• Repayment is done via salary deductions or debit orders.

• It covers:

  • Tuition and registration fees

  • Outstanding balances

  • Textbooks

  • Accommodation

  • Study devices and tools

2. Bank Student Loans

Most major South African banks offer student loans tailored for private education.

What Bank Loans Typically Cover:

• Tuition fees

• Study materials (textbooks, laptops, equipment)

• Accommodation and meals

• Other essential study expenses

Repayment Options:

• Some loans require interest-only payments during studies, with full repayments starting after graduation.

• Others offer flexible repayment schedules and competitive interest rates.

Tip: Compare student loan offers across banks to find the best interest rate and terms.

3. Scholarships & Merit-Based Awards

Some private institutions offer scholarships for top-performing students or those who excel in academics, sport, or leadership.

• Check with the college’s financial aid office

• Look for entrance scholarships or internal bursaries

4. Company-Sponsored Bursaries

Many companies in South Africa offer bursary programmes to support students, especially in fields like:

• Engineering

• Healthcare

• IT

• Business and Finance

These bursaries often come with work-back agreements, where you’ll work for the company after graduation.

📝 Final Advice: Plan Early

• 📞 Contact your college’s financial aid office to explore options

• 📚 Apply for multiple bursaries and scholarships

• 🕒 Start applying early—funding is limited and competitive

🔍 Summary: Can You Study at a Private College Without NSFAS?

Yes, absolutely. While NSFAS doesn’t fund private institutions, there are several trusted options: