Gov launches 50 bursaries for TVET students this year

• The South African government is set to launch bursaries for 50 top-achieving students heading into university and TVET colleges this year.
• The bursaries will be handled by the National Skills Fund in collaboration with NSFAS.
• They are set to cover accommodation, tuition, material fees and more.

The South African government has announced that it will provide 50 bursaries for students who have been accepted into public tertiary education institutions, including Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) colleges across the country.

Only deserving “top” students will be eligible for the bursaries, which will be provided by the National Skills Fund, through a collaboration through the public university bursary scheme, NSFAS.

“The National Skills Fund supports this initiative through the department and aims to bridge the gap in access to education, particularly for the top students we are celebrating today,” explained Deputy President Paul Mashatile, as per state media.

Mashatile was speaking during his keynote address at the KwaMpumuza 4th Annual Matric Excellence Awards ceremony at Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal.

“A university degree or qualification is a treasure that no one can take away from you, and it is a key to many closed doors,” the deputy president added.

“I encourage you today to dream big dreams. Do not be discouraged by your background, and the challenges that you have gone through. You deserve the best that life has to offer and as a government, we are determined to support you to make your dreams possible.” 

Bursaries from the National Skills Fund typically cover tuition fees, book fees, accommodation, study material, travel fees, and a monthly allowance. Apart from excellent matric results, there are a few critieria to meet to be in the running for one of the 50 bursaries up for grabs.

This includes being proficient in English, having a valid SA ID and being a citizen of the country, and finally proving that you are in financial need. You can find more about the National Skills Fund here.

The announcement comes as just under a million students prepare to rely on NSFAS to get them through the 2025 academic year while the scheme is once again facing difficulties in processing applications. It is also failing to pay accommodation providers for the scheme, to the tune of R44 million.