Many of the South African Students are familiar with these two terms, “DHET Bursary” and “NSFAS”, but are confused about them. Both are used interchangeably. DHET Bursary and NSFAS are not the same term but are closely related to each other. By understanding these terms, students can better understand the Financial Aid System. Let’s understand them.
What is the DHET Bursary?
The Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) Bursary is also a kind of financial aid to students for their education. The DHET bursary is funded by the government for TVET (Technical Vocational Education and Training) college students. So basically, the DHET Bursary is for the TVET colleges, but its application process, approval and distribution are all handled by the NSFAS. The DHET Bursary holders have to apply for it through the NSFAS official website.
NSFAS Guideline
The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) is a government enterprise that supports the education of students who belong to poor or low-income households. All the eligible students who studying at any Public University and Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET) College are funded by NSFAS. These funds cover their Tuition Fees, accommodation, transport, learning stuff and living allowances, so the student gets higher education without worrying about allowances.
How does NSFAS differ from the DHET Bursary?
NSFAS and DHET are both financial Aid Schemes, where NSFAS is the administrator of the Aid Scheme while DHET funds TVET college students. DHET commonly support vocational education, and NSFAS handles the entire process from application submission to the funds distribution.
- Purpose
The NSFAS’s Purpose is to provide higher education to the poor and working-class students. The purpose of DHET is to develop Employment Skills.
- Focus Area
NSFAS focuses on all academic fields, whereas the DHET focuses only on Vocational and Technical Training.
- Eligibility
Both have the same eligibility and income limit. Applicants of both schemes have to apply through the NSFAS online portal. Both cover the tuition fees, accommodation, travelling and living allowances.
The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) and the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) are the financial aid schemes. DHET provides money, which NSFAS manage and distributes. Both DHET bursary and NSFAS grant holders have to apply through NSFAS. They work together to make higher education more accessible and affordable to all South Africans who belong to a low-income family.
