Student Funding vs University or TVET College Admission: Which Should You Prioritise First?

Learning at a university or TVET college is a significant step towards employment for many young South Africans. Students who require funding, however, may ask themselves whether they should apply first or go for National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) funding.

The truth is to apply for admission early and for student funding as soon as possible and when applications are accepted. These are two separate processes and if either one is delayed, you may miss an important deadline.

It is up to the discretion of the university or TVET college that you attend to determine if you meet the requirements for admission. NSFAS estimates your chances of being awarded financial aid on the basis of their funding criteria. Getting an admission offer does not automatically mean you will be funded and applying for NSFAS does not mean you will be admitted.

1. Admission is different from Students Funding.

What is the meaning of admission to University or TVET college?

Admission is the procedure of considering an application and determining your acceptance to a specific program.

Grade 12 results, subjects studied, minimal marks and selection criteria may apply. There are certain programmes that have limited places, therefore just being accepted isn’t a guarantee of being accepted if there’s a minimum requirement.

Students are encouraged to explore their desired courses and look at the official websites of different institutions offering the courses they want to take.

NSFAS funding is what?

NSFAS gives financial support to qualified students at qualified public Universities and TVET Colleges based on the NSFAS rules and conditions.

Assistance may include eligible costs including tuition, accommodation, learning materials and may include some allowances depending on the student’s circumstances and the funding arrangements applicable.

Students need to refer to the updated NSFAS requirements, however, to see what the funding may apply to them.

Admissions are granted on a first come, first served basis.

2. Early Admission of Student is of Advantage.

The main pitfall that pupils fall into is making an application to an institution only after a decision is made on the funding.

The application deadlines are different for the universities and TVET colleges. Some programmes close the applications early due to their limited space or high number of applications.

If, for instance, a student wishes to study engineering they might wait for confirmation from NSFAs to apply to a University. The student should note that if the programme’s application deadline is missed, he or she may miss out on application for that intake.

NSFAS cannot automatically re-open the admission process if it deems that the student will be eligible for funding in the future.

Registering early enables you to prepare documentation, make changes and make backup plans in case your first programme fails.

3. Why you should not ignore NSFAS

While admission is vital, funding is also crucial for those who cannot access college education without financial support.

Financial support is not guaranteed with admission.

An institution can accept you for enrolment without specifying the payment plan for your studies. It is therefore advisable to explore the funding opportunities during your application for admission.

There are specific requirements for applying to NSFAS.

NSFAS publishes the application dates and conditions for the appropriate academic year. Students can visit the official website and apply during the given period only.

Supporting documents matter

Applicants shall give the correct information and adhere to the document requirements. Please regularly monitor your myNSFAS for updates or extra information.

Official website: NSFAS

4. What to do in various situations?

If you’re still in grade 12.

Research suitable courses, see admission requirements and make preparations to apply during the appropriate application period. Check application and eligibility dates of NSFAS for the year you would like to study in.

If you have already done enough (Matric) work

Research institutions that have appropriate programmes and determine if applications are accepted. Work on the applications before deadlines and explore the funding opportunities concurrently.

If you have been offered admission but not applied for NSFAS.

Look now at the ongoing funding application period. If applications are open and you qualify, follow the official application process. Should they be closed, or if no one’s said they would open, find out if NSFAS has said it will reopen and enquire about the school on other valid funding sources.

If NSFAS has approved your funding but you have no admission offer

However, there is a need to gain admission to an appropriate programme at a qualifying institution. Check with the institution’s admission office to see if your application was received and if there are any other programs you might want to apply for.

Because of a funding issue, you can’t register to attend.

Please speak to your financial aid office at your institution and also check with your myNSFAS account. Request what to do next and maintain application documentation, admission offer & communication.

5. How to Apply to College: A Step-by-Step Guide

Learn how to arrange your applications.

• Select appropriate courses: Interest, subjects studied in school, qualifications, career objectives.
• Research institutions: Check out the requirements for admission, deadlines, duration of programmes and where they’re located.
• Organize your papers: Organize all of the necessary documents and results for each application.
• Make your applications early: Submit applications early, and save confirmation messages.
• If eligible, apply for NSFAS: Use the prescribed dates for NSFAS application and the requirements for funding.
• Track both applications: Monitor email, institution portals and myNSFAS account for update.
• Ensure registration arrangements: Ensure you have met the institution’s requirements and know your funding position before registration.

Keep in mind that admission and funding applications are different! Each process must be done according to instructions.

6. If your family is not able to pay for university fees, what if?

Students need not to be deterred from researching their options at the earliest opportunity due to financial difficulties.

Reflect on public universities and TVET colleges, total cost of studying and look at the possibility of living at home as it may save on transport and accommodation costs.

Institutions can also be questioned on their financial aid and bursary or support available. There are some external funders that help with specific qualifications or areas of study.

Make sure to thoroughly read the conditions before accepting any funding offer. Don’t enter into a financial agreement without having the application approved.

Please note that all expenses are not necessarily funded by NSFAS and that there are eligibility requirements and conditions that apply.

7. Avoiding common mistakes students make.

Don’t make these mistakes when getting ready for college:

• Delaying application for admission until after NSFAS has been applied for.
• If you have been offered admission, you will receive funding.
• If you are granted funding, you will be admitted.
• Missing application deadlines.
• Failure to respond to emails and requests for supporting documents.
• Giving false personal data.
• Using outdated social media application dates.
• Giving any unofficial agents money that they say they will submit to or get approved for.

Only use official websites and keep personal details confidential. Do not give out your password and one time pin codes to strangers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Should I apply for university before applying for NSFAS?

The earlier the earlier that a student applies for admission, and funding is sought, the more sensible they will be for most students. Please refer to the NSFAS Application Instructions for the current year.

Is there any way for me to get NSFAS funding if I have not been admitted?

Funding application is not a substitute for institution’s admission process. Requirements for a suitable programme at a qualifying institution must still be met.

What happens if I am accepted for admission and NSFAS won’t fund me?

Do research on other valid sources of funding at the institution’s financial aid office. If you think the NSFAS decision was wrong, make sure to review the official appeal procedure and deadlines.

Can NSFAS fund students at private colleges?

The rules of NSFAS for who can apply for funding and what programmes are eligible to be funded apply. Check eligibility before making study plans on the official NSFAS website.

When is it too late to apply to other schools?

If you’re able to apply to a few good institutions, then if you don’t get accepted at one, you have other options. Take into account the application requirements, application deadlines and any fees that may apply.

Official Websites for Students

Use these official sources for reliable information:

NSFAS: https://www.nsfas.org.za/
myNSFAS portal: https://my.nsfas.org.za/
The Department of Higher Education and Training: https://www.dhet.gov.za/

It is also advisable to check the official website of the institution of your choice (university or TVET) for its specific requirements and closing date for admission.

Conclusion

Admission and student funding are not mutually exclusive. Both are significant, particularly for those who receive financial support to further their education.

The most effective way to do this is to apply for admission as soon as possible, and apply for NSFAS at the right time if applicable and follow each process individually.

Firstly, do some research on the appropriate programmes, prepare your paperwork and, of course, verify the deadlines. By planning and having the right information, you can minimise the chances of missing out on opportunities and prepare yourself for registration.