Some students complete diplomas and later want degrees. Others graduate with one qualification and later decide to change careers completely.
The biggest question is whether NSFAS will continue funding another qualification after the first one has already been completed.
In most cases, NSFAS does not fund students twice for multiple undergraduate qualifications because the scheme is designed to help students obtain their first higher education qualification.
However, there are important exceptions and special cases that students should understand before applying again.
Does NSFAS fund a second undergraduate qualification?
No. NSFAS generally stops funding once a student has completed an undergraduate qualification funded through the scheme.
This applies to many completed qualifications at universities and TVET colleges.
The purpose of NSFAS is to help financially disadvantaged students gain their first recognised qualification that improves employment opportunities.
Once that qualification is completed, students are usually expected to fund additional studies independently.
For example:
- A student who completed a funded bachelor’s degree will usually not receive NSFAS for another bachelor’s degree.
- A student who completed a funded diploma may also struggle to obtain funding for another undergraduate qualification.
- Students who already graduated before applying for NSFAS again are often classified as second qualification applicants.
Can NSFAS fund you for a second qualification after a diploma?
Sometimes. This depends on the type of qualification already completed and the new qualification being pursued.
Certain university progression pathways may still qualify for funding support.
For example, some students who completed a diploma may continue into an advanced diploma or approved articulation pathway linked to the original qualification field.
NSFAS evaluates these cases carefully because not every progression route qualifies automatically.
Students should confirm qualification funding eligibility directly with their institution financial aid office before registering.
Institution registration confirmation remains an important part of final NSFAS approval.
Will NSFAS fund postgraduate degrees?
Generally, NSFAS does not fund most postgraduate qualifications.
This includes many honours, master’s, and doctoral degrees.
However, there are a few exceptions for specific professional qualifications approved by NSFAS and the Department of Higher Education and Training.
These approved programmes have included certain postgraduate teaching qualifications and professional pathways in limited cases.
Funding availability can change depending on government policy updates and approved funding lists for each academic year.
Students should always verify current approved qualifications before applying.
The official application information is available here: NSFAS Applications.
What if you change qualifications before graduating?
Students who change qualifications before completing their first qualification may still continue receiving NSFAS funding if they remain within the funded year limits.
This situation differs from completing a qualification and then applying for another one later.
NSFAS mainly checks:
- Academic progression.
- Remaining funded years.
- Qualification eligibility.
- Institutional registration status.
- Compliance with the N+1 funding rule.
For example, a student who studied one course for one year before switching to another qualification may still qualify for continued support.
However, repeated qualification changes can eventually exhaust funded years and lead to funding cancellation.
Students should understand the NSFAS N+1 rule carefully before changing courses multiple times.
Can TVET college graduates get NSFAS for university studies?
Yes, in some cases.
A student who completed a TVET qualification may still qualify for NSFAS support at university depending on the qualification pathway and funding rules applicable at the time of application.
NSFAS considers whether the student already received funding for a completed qualification and whether the new programme qualifies under current policy guidelines.
For example:
- Some TVET graduates progressing into approved university qualifications may still receive support.
- Students who already hold certain completed qualifications may not qualify for another undergraduate bursary.
- Funding decisions can vary depending on articulation agreements and qualification types.
Because these situations differ from student to student, financial aid offices play an important role in verifying eligibility.
Can NSFAS reject funding for a second qualification?
Yes. NSFAS regularly rejects applications for second qualifications when students no longer meet funding rules.
Certain common reasons include:
- A completed undergraduate qualification already exists.
- The student exceeded the N+1 funding limit.
- The qualification is not NSFAS funded.
- Academic progression requirements were not met previously.
- Household income exceeds the NSFAS threshold.
Students should also understand that having financial need alone does not guarantee approval for a second qualification.
Qualification history remains one of the biggest factors during NSFAS evaluations.
Which qualifications does NSFAS still fund after graduation?
NSFAS may still fund certain approved professional or teaching qualifications after a previous qualification depending on government policy updates.
Examples have included selected postgraduate certificate programmes in education and other approved professional pathways during certain academic years.
Because approved qualification lists can change, students should never rely on outdated social media information.
The safest approach is to confirm qualification eligibility directly through official NSFAS communication channels and institutional financial aid offices.
Official NSFAS announcements and funding updates are published here: NSFAS News and Announcements.
Students who are planning additional studies should investigate funding options early because second qualification funding opportunities are far more limited than first qualification funding.