Many students looking for colleges in Durban want to know which institutions accept NSFAS because tuition costs, accommodation, transport, and learning materials can become difficult to manage without financial support.

NSFAS funding is mainly available at public universities and public TVET colleges in South Africa.

Private colleges in Durban are generally not funded by NSFAS even when they are fully accredited institutions.

Students should therefore always confirm whether a college is public or private before applying.

The NSFAS Institution List allows students to check approved universities and TVET colleges directly.

Which colleges in Durban are funded by NSFAS?

Durban has several public institutions where qualifying students can receive NSFAS funding.

The main NSFAS-funded colleges and universities in Durban include:

  1. Thekwini TVET College
  2. Coastal KZN TVET College – Durban Campus
  3. Mangosuthu University of Technology
  4. University of KwaZulu-Natal – Howard College
  5. Thekwini TVET College, Umbilo Campus

These institutions form part of South Africa’s public higher education system, which means approved students can apply for NSFAS bursary funding.

Students must still meet financial eligibility requirements and academic progression rules before funding is approved.

Does NSFAS fund private colleges in Durban?

In most cases, no. NSFAS does not normally fund private colleges in Durban.

This includes many independent colleges offering business, IT, beauty, teaching, engineering, and distance learning qualifications.

Examples of private colleges in Durban include:

  1. Thekwini City College
  2. HOWARD FET COLLEGE (TVET)
  3. MANCOSA Durban

Even though these institutions may be accredited, accreditation alone does not make them NSFAS approved.

Students at private colleges usually rely on:

  1. Student loans
  2. Payment plans
  3. Employer sponsorships
  4. Private bursaries
  5. Family support

Before paying registration fees, students should verify funding information directly.

Which TVET colleges in Durban accept NSFAS?

Public TVET colleges remain one of the biggest categories funded by NSFAS in Durban.

The main NSFAS-funded TVET colleges in Durban include:

  1. Thekwini TVET College

Thekwini TVET College offers NCV, NATED, and occupational programmes across several Durban campuses.

The college is publicly funded and eligible students can receive NSFAS support.

  1. Coastal KZN TVET College – Durban Campus

Coastal KZN TVET College is another major public TVET institution in Durban with NSFAS-supported programmes.

Additional campuses include:

  1. Coastal KZN TVET College – Swinton Campus
  2. Coastal TVET KZN College V Campus
  3. COASTAL KZN TVET COLLEGE UMBUMBULU CAMPUS

Can university students in Durban get NSFAS?

Yes. Students studying at public universities in Durban can qualify for NSFAS funding if they meet the required criteria.

Major NSFAS-funded universities in Durban include:

  • University of KwaZulu-Natal – Howard College
  • Mangosuthu University of Technology

What does NSFAS cover for Durban college students?

Approved students may receive funding for:

  1. Tuition fees
  2. Registration costs
  3. Accommodation allowances
  4. Transport allowances
  5. Learning materials
  6. Personal care allowances

Funding values depend on whether the student stays in university residences, private accommodation, or travels daily.

NSFAS funding rules for TVET colleges and universities are published on the NSFAS TVET Funding Page.

How do you apply for NSFAS at colleges in Durban?

Applications are completed online through the NSFAS portal.

Students usually need:

  1. A South African ID
  2. Parent or guardian details
  3. Proof of income
  4. Contact details
  5. Academic information

Students should apply early because late applications are not always accepted.

Which courses are funded by NSFAS in Durban colleges?

NSFAS mainly funds approved undergraduate and vocational programmes at public institutions.

Common funded programmes include:

  1. Engineering Studies
  2. Business Management
  3. Hospitality
  4. Information Technology
  5. Education
  6. Nursing
  7. Public Management
  8. Finance
  9. Marketing
  10. Tourism

TVET colleges in Durban mainly offer NCV and NATED qualifications linked to practical workplace skills.

Students should always confirm that the institution is public and the qualification is accredited.

You must also check to make sure the programme qualifies for NSFAS funding and that the course appears in the official prospectus.