The Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) bursary, provides financial assistance in the form of study bursaries to qualifying students who plan to study at various TVET colleges and public universities in South Africa.
The DHET bursary, commonly known as the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) bursary covers a range of courses and programmes offered by TVET colleges and universities across the country.
To be eligible for the DHET bursary, an applicant must be a South African citizen, come from a family with a combined annual household income of not more than R350 000 per annum
In the case of students with a disability the combined annual household income may not exceed R600 000 per annum.
Students who are approved for the DHET bursary are covered for the following:
- Registration fees
- Tuition fees
Additional amounts are indicated for accommodation, living allowance, transport and learning materials that are aligned with the approved DHET guidelines.
Here’s what the DHET Bursary covers:
Applicable for University students:
- Accommodation – as per the actual costs charged by the university (costs for private accommodation must not exceed costs for university residence)
- Transport (up to 40 km from institution) R7 500 per annum
- Living allowance R15, 000 per annum
- Book allowances R5200 per annum
- Incidental/personal care allowance R2900 per annum for students in catered residences
Applicable for TVET college students:
- Accommodation in an urban area R24,000 per annum
- Accommodation in an peri-urban area R18,900 per annum
- Accommodation in an rural area R15,750 per annum
- Transport (up to 40 km from institution) R7,350 per annum
- Transport R7000 per annum
- Incidental/personal care allowance R2900 per annum
Extra support is provided to students living with disabilities, such as:
- Medical assessments: The assessment is limited to one assessment for the duration of the qualification and on request by the Disability Unit/Student Support
- Assistive devices: Limited to one assistive device for the duration of the qualification.
- Human support: To cover for the cost of human support such as a caregiver, guide-dog, scribe, tutor, or sign language interpreter.
For more information on the Nsfas and other bursary opportunities visit the debbie update.
