Financial aid is comprehensive funding based on approved costs of study. The approved cost of the study is set annually by the Department of Higher Education and Training National Bursary Rules and Guidelines.

NSFAS will allocate funding to eligible students based on their approved cost of study; this does not include cover for clubs and societies or any penalties.

Applicants must check their MyNSFAS portal for the outcome of their application. NSFAS will advise Universities of applicants and returning students funding eligibility status.

The registration (cost of study) costs will be submitted to NSFAS for eligible students after registration. NSFAS will only confirm the actual funding amount once registration cost data is received and processed by NSFAS.

It is important to note that NSFAS is not aware of the program of study an applicant registers for until registration data is submitted. A student may have a funding eligible status, but registers for an unfunded course. NSFAS will not process/award any funding in this instance. It is therefore the applicant’s responsibility to ensure that they are familiar with the list of NSFAS-funded programs (available on their website).

Eligibility criteria for financial aid

UCT will receive from NSFAS the relevant application information confirming eligibility for funding.

All NSFAS applications are checked against the following eligibility criteria:

• Citizens and permanent residents of South Africa
• First undergraduate qualification
• Financial eligibility
• If the student was registered at a tertiary institution before, and the number of years of registration to apply the N+1 rule

Note: The post-degree law program is no longer funded (LAWP01, as well as the PGCE, and PGDA programs)

How do I apply?

• To sign up for the NSFAS website and begin completing your online application, follow the link provided below.