The National Skills Fund Bursaries – 2024
Do you know that there is a great skills shortage within South Africa! The NSF provides bursaries yearly to aid in closing this gap. The bursaries they provide will all fall under the ‘Scarce Skills Development’ plan. The aim is to increase the number of skilled workers to stabilize the economy and meet demands internally.
The fund will cover initial costs such as:
- Tuition fees
- Book fees
- Residence fees
- Study materials
- Travel (depending on requirements)
- Allowance (depending on requirements)
Each bursary awarded will depend on the financial need of the student. Students are however still encouraged to apply for other funding sources that could provide a better funding option. If awarded such a funding, the NSF funding will be stopped.
There are conditions to each of these bursaries, which successful candidates must agree to. Candidates who receive a bursary will be required to agree to an obligatory work contract. They must be prepared to work within South Africa after successfully completing their studies. Students will need to successfully pass each year of their studies towards their first degree. If they fail to do so, funding will be discontinued and they must then re-do the year they failed, on their own cost before funding will be reinstated the following year.
These bursaries are only for candidates to gain their first degree, not for post graduate or honors. Candidates who are doing ’practical training’ can also apply. In such a case there will be no allowance, however, the registration will be paid. B-Tech is also seen as a first degree, thus, candidates in this line may also apply for a bursary from the NSF.
The National Skills Fund Bursaries Available
If you are planning to study into one of the following directions, or any of the other known scarce skills, within the categories – Geology, Accounting, Computer Science, Chemistry, Physics, Business Management, Engineering, Agriculture, Economics or any other related areas of expertise, then these bursaries is just what you need.
- Engineering Management
- Production Management
- Operations Management
- Power Generation / Production
- Telecommunications Field Engineering
- Telecommunications Engineering
- Telecommunications Networking
- Software Development
- Development Programmer
- Analyst Programmer
- Nurse Educator
- Registered Nurse – Pediatrics – Medical Practice – Aged Care – Surgical – and more
- Civil Engineering
- Civil Engineering Technician
- Town Planning
- Surveying / Cartographic Technician
- Surveying
- Chemistry Technician
- Physical Science Technician
- Chemical Engineering
- Mining Technician
- Electrical Engineering
- Electrical Technician
- Materials Technician
- Metallurgy
- Metallurgical Technician
- Rock Engineering
- Rock Technician
- Mine Ventilation Observer
- Geophysical Technician
- Draughts Person
- Strata Control Officer
- Plastic Fabricator
- Welder
- Composite Production
- Excavator Operator
- Grader Operator
- Reinforced Plastic Production
- Loader Operator
- Bulldozer Operator
Bursary Requirements
Bursaries will be awarded to candidates that qualify. Candidates will be evaluated and their needs assessed.
To qualify for any of these bursaries, candidates must adhere to the following:
- Candidates must have a grade 12 level of education
- Candidates must be proficient in English
- Candidates must be a South African citizen
- Candidates must possess a valid South African ID
- Candidates must provide proof of the need for financial need
Candidates must also provide proof of acceptance at an institute of higher learning within South Africa. Candidates from a previously disadvantaged background will be given preference. Candidates must provide certified copies of their own ID’s, parents or guardians ID’s, parents proof of income or an affidavit if unemployed.
Successful candidates are obliged to pass all classes, within the allowed time as stated by the Institute of Learning, for their field of study. Candidates must send their exam results through yearly to stay eligible for bursary funds.
Bursary Application
Please include your latest school results, and certified copy of your ID, Curriculum Vitae as well as all other documentation as is indicated.
Online application is not available, however, candidates can contact the Department of Higher Education for more information or online HERE or Here.
Here are the Contact Details for this Bursary.
Candidates must please remember, there are two forms for completion with this application process. The one is the Bursary Details Form and the other will be the Bursary Contract Form. No tuition or fees will be paid unless both these forms have been completed and approved. All monies will be paid to the selected institution of higher learning.
Closing Date
Applications closing dates differ in accordance to the field of study, as well as the registration deadline of the institute of higher learning.
Please remember to complete all forms fully, attach certified copies of all documentation and sign the application forms.