Studying towards an Advanced Diploma is considered a viable way to academically advance yourself beyond a diploma and perhaps even further in the future. While your first Diploma can be funded by NSFAS, can the same be said for an advanced diploma?
In today’s world, having a higher education qualification is becoming increasingly important for career progression and personal development. As such, many students are opting for postgraduate qualifications to enhance their skills and knowledge.
One such qualification is an Advanced Diploma, which is a postgraduate qualification that students normally pursue after completing a Diploma. For this cohort of students who manage to accomplish this through NSFAS funding, the lingering question is likely to be whether the bursary scheme would also fund studies towards an Advanced Diploma.
Unfortunately, since NSFAS only provides funding support for a qualifying student’s first qualification, the bursary scheme does not fund an Advanced Diploma, as it is considered a postgraduate qualification which, in turn, requires alternative sources of student funding.
The cost of an Advanced Diploma varies depending on the course and institution. However, it is generally more expensive than an undergraduate diploma. This is because an Advanced Diploma is a specialised qualification that requires more resources, such as specialisation in the form of introductory research courses with the acquiring further knowledge and expertise in your respective course.
As such, students who wish to pursue this qualification must explore alternative sources of funding, such as other available bursaries, grants, and student loans. Several organisations offer scholarships and grants specifically for postgraduate students, such as SETA Bursaries.
Another alternative source of funding is student loans. South Africa is among the countries that have student loan programs that provide financial assistance to students who wish to pursue postgraduate studies.
These loans typically have lower interest rates than traditional bank loans, and the repayment terms are more flexible. However, it is important to carefully consider the terms and conditions of the loan before applying, as well as to have a solid plan for repayment after graduation.
Thus, Students who wish to pursue an Advanced Diploma must explore alternative sources of funding, such as scholarships, grants, and student loans. With careful planning and research, students can find the funding they need to pursue this valuable qualification.
