NSFAS Funded Courses: Which Fields of Study Are Covered in 2025?

The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) is a critical player in ensuring that many South African students have access to higher education opportunities. NSFAS Funded Courses are specifically chosen to help students gain qualifications that will contribute to the country’s economy and address skill shortages in various sectors. Whether you’re interested in attending a university or a Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) college, NSFAS has you covered.

By understanding which areas of study are supported, you can make an informed decision on the course that best aligns with your passion and career goals.

Eligibility for NSFAS Funded Courses

To access NSFAS Funded Courses, students must meet the following eligibility criteria:

South African Citizenship: You must be a South African citizen to qualify for NSFAS funding.
Financial Need: NSFAS is designed to assist students from low-income families. This means that your household income must be below a specific threshold, usually R350,000 or less per annum.
Academic Requirements: Students must meet the minimum academic requirements for the course and institution they wish to attend.
Registration at a Public Institution: NSFAS only funds students registered at public universities or TVET colleges.

With these requirements met, you can then choose from a wide range of NSFAS Funded Courses to start your academic journey.

List of NSFAS Funded Courses

NSFAS funds a broad array of courses that are strategically selected to help address the country’s skill gaps and ensure that graduates have high employability prospects. Below is a breakdown of the primary fields of study covered under NSFAS Funded Courses.

1. Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) Courses

STEM fields are highly prioritized under NSFAS Funded Courses due to their critical role in advancing technological innovation, scientific research, and economic growth. These courses include:

Engineering: Mechanical, Electrical, Civil, Chemical, and Industrial Engineering.
Information Technology: Computer Science, Software Development, and Systems Engineering.
Natural Sciences: Biology, Chemistry, Physics, and Environmental Science.
Mathematics and Statistics: Applied Mathematics, Pure Mathematics, and Statistics.

STEM graduates are highly sought after, making these NSFAS Funded Courses an excellent choice for students interested in technology and science-related careers.

2. Health and Welfare Courses

Healthcare is another sector supported by NSFAS Funded Courses. With a growing need for healthcare professionals, especially in rural and underserved areas, students pursuing these courses have good prospects for employment. These courses include:

Nursing: General Nursing, Psychiatric Nursing, and Midwifery.
Medicine: General Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmacology.
Allied Health Professions: Physiotherapy, Occupational Therapy, and Radiography.
Public Health: Community Health, Health Promotion, and Public Health Management.

By funding these courses, NSFAS aims to increase the number of qualified healthcare workers and improve the overall health system in South Africa.

3. Education and Teaching Courses

Education is fundamental to the development of any society, and NSFAS Funded Courses in this field aim to produce skilled teachers and educators who can shape future generations. These courses include:

Foundation Phase Teaching: Early Childhood Development and Foundation Phase Education.
Intermediate and Senior Phase Teaching: Subject-specific teaching courses for Mathematics, Science, and Languages.
Special Needs Education: Inclusive Education and Special Needs Teaching.

There is a strong focus on producing teachers in scarce skills subjects like Mathematics and Physical Science, where South Africa has a critical shortage.

4. Business, Economics, and Management Sciences

Business and management courses are widely supported under NSFAS Funded Courses, equipping students with the skills necessary for managing organizations, stimulating economic growth, and creating job opportunities. Courses in this category include:

Commerce: Accounting, Marketing, and Economics.
Business Administration: Business Management, Office Management, and Human Resources.
Public Management and Administration: Public Management, Local Government, and Public Administration.

These courses are designed to produce graduates who can lead, manage, and innovate in both the public and private sectors.

5. Humanities and Social Sciences

Humanities and Social Sciences may not always be seen as high-demand fields, but they are essential for understanding and solving social issues. NSFAS Funded Courses in this category include:

Social Work: Social Work and Child and Youth Care.
Psychology and Sociology: Psychology, Sociology, and Anthropology.
Communication and Media Studies: Journalism, Public Relations, and Media Studies.

Graduates in these fields play a crucial role in community development and social support services.

6. Agricultural and Environmental Sciences

Agriculture and Environmental Sciences are vital for ensuring sustainable food production and environmental conservation. NSFAS Funded Courses in this field include:

Agriculture: Agricultural Management, Crop Production, and Animal Husbandry.
Environmental Science: Environmental Management, Conservation, and Water Resource Management.

These courses are designed to address the needs of the agricultural sector and promote sustainable practices that protect natural resources.

7. Art and Design Courses

Creative fields like Art and Design are also included under NSFAS Funded Courses, allowing students to pursue careers in the creative industries. Supported courses include:

Fine Arts: Visual Arts, Graphic Design, and Photography.
Performing Arts: Theatre Arts, Dance, and Music.
Fashion Design: Textile Design, Fashion Design, and Jewelry Design.

These courses are perfect for students with a passion for creativity and a desire to contribute to South Africa’s cultural and creative sectors.

TVET College NSFAS Funded Courses

NSFAS doesn’t only cater to university students. It also funds various courses at TVET colleges, which offer practical training that prepares students for employment in specific industries. TVET NSFAS Funded Courses include:

Engineering Studies: Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, and Civil Engineering.
Business Studies: Business Management, Financial Management, and Human Resource Management.
Information Technology: Office Administration and Computer Sciences.
Services and Hospitality: Tourism, Hospitality, and Catering Services.

TVET courses are typically more vocational and skills-based, making them ideal for students who want to enter the workforce quickly.

Tips for Choosing NSFAS Funded Courses

Choosing a course is a significant decision that should align with your career aspirations and personal interests. Here are some tips for selecting the right NSFAS Funded Course:

Assess Your Strengths: Choose a field that matches your strengths and passions.
Consider Job Market Demand: Some fields have a higher demand for skilled professionals. Research job opportunities related to your chosen field.
Institution Availability: Ensure that the institution you choose offers the NSFAS Funded Course you’re interested in.
Career Growth Opportunities: Choose a field that offers potential for growth and further studies.

NSFAS Funded Courses cover a wide range of fields, providing financial assistance to students who aspire to pursue higher education and contribute to the country’s development. Whether you’re interested in STEM, Business, Health Sciences, Education, or the Arts, there is an NSFAS Funded Course that suits your career path. Take the time to explore your options and choose a course that aligns with your passions and offers good career prospects.

Subscribe to Updates

What's Hot