NSFAS distance learning colleges are public institutions that offer approved qualifications through online, blended, or flexible study modes while still being funded by NSFAS.

These institutions must be registered under DHET and must follow national funding rules for student support.

They must be public universities or public TVET colleges and must be accredited by DHET and SAQA.

They must also offer approved qualifications eligible for NSFAS funding.

Students are required to meet NSFAS income and academic requirements as well.

Distance learning funding mainly applies to tuition and approved allowances depending on study load and qualification type.

Does NSFAS Fund Distance Learning in South Africa?

NSFAS does fund distance learning, but only under strict conditions and only at approved public institutions.

This means not every online or correspondence college qualifies for funding.

  1. NSFAS funds UNISA as the main distance learning university
  2. Some public universities offer blended programmes funded by NSFAS
  3. Selected TVET colleges offer part-time or blended learning options
  4. Private online colleges are not funded under any circumstance

This system ensures that only accredited public education providers receive government student funding support. 

University of South Africa (UNISA) NSFAS Funding

The University of South Africa (UNISA) is the largest and most recognised distance learning institution funded by NSFAS in the country.

It offers fully online and distance-based qualifications across multiple fields, making it the main choice for students who cannot attend campus-based universities. 

  1. Offers degrees, diplomas, and higher certificates in multiple fields
  2. Includes programmes in education, law, business, and IT
  3. Fully online study system with no compulsory physical attendance
  4. NSFAS covers tuition, registration, and approved allowances for eligible students 

UNISA remains the primary NSFAS-funded distance learning university in South Africa.

Other NSFAS-Funded Distance Learning Universities

Apart from UNISA, a limited number of public universities offer distance or blended learning programmes that may be funded by NSFAS depending on the course structure.

  1. University of Pretoria (selected distance and postgraduate programmes) 
  2. North-West University (online and distance education programmes) 
  3. University of KwaZulu-Natal (some online learning programmes) 
  4. Walter Sisulu University (blended learning in selected faculties) 

These universities do not offer fully remote study for all programmes, but selected qualifications may be delivered online or with minimal contact sessions while still receiving NSFAS funding.

NSFAS-Funded TVET Colleges With Distance or Blended Learning

Most TVET colleges are contact-based, but some offer selected programmes in flexible or blended formats that may allow partial distance learning.
NSFAS funds all public TVET colleges in South Africa, but distance learning options depend on course structure.

  1. Central Johannesburg TVET College
  2. South West Gauteng TVET College
  3. Ekurhuleni West TVET College
  4. College of Cape Town
  5. Northlink TVET College

These institutions may offer online theory components while requiring occasional campus attendance for practical training, depending on the programme.

Which Distance Learning Colleges Are NOT Funded by NSFAS?

NSFAS has strict rules that exclude private colleges and unaccredited online institutions from funding, even if they offer distance learning programmes.

  1. Damelin distance learning programmes
  2. Oxbridge Academy
  3. Skills Academy
  4. Any private online learning platforms or short-course providers
  5. Unregistered international online universities

Students must verify institutional accreditation before applying, because NSFAS only funds DHET-registered public institutions. 

How to Check If a Distance Learning College Is NSFAS Approved

Before applying, students should confirm whether a distance learning institution is officially funded by NSFAS to avoid rejection or wasted applications.

  1. Check the official NSFAS institution list.
  2. Confirm DHET registration status of the college or university
  3. Check if the course is listed as NSFAS-funded on the institution website
  4. Contact the financial aid office of the institution for confirmation
  5. Ensure the qualification is part of approved NSFAS funding categories

This verification step is important because NSFAS approval depends on both the institution and the specific qualification being studied.