Is the DHET Bursary the Same as NSFAS?

Last updated on January 9, 2026

The short answer is: they are closely linked, but not exactly the same. The DHET bursary is the government funding programme, while NSFAS is the organisation that manages that funding. NSFAS processes applications, checks who qualifies, and pays approved students. In simple terms, DHET provides the money, and NSFAS distributes it. 

Many students think these are two different bursaries, and that is where confusion begins, especially during applications and allowance queries. This article explains how the two are connected, what each one is responsible for, and how the funding actually reaches students so that you clearly understand what “DHET-funded through NSFAS” really means.

Education’s purpose is to replace an empty mind with an open one.

Quick Glance: DHET Bursary vs NSFAS

Short answer: They are connected, but not the same.
DHET bursary: Government funding program for poor and working-class students.
NSFAS: The organisation that manages applications, approves students, and pays allowances.
How it works: DHET provides the money → NSFAS distributes it to students.
Important: You don’t apply “for DHET” separately — you apply through NSFAS.

What is the DHET bursary?

The DHET bursary is a government bursary created by the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET).

Its goal is simple:

Help poor and working-class students study at public institutions without carrying lifelong debt.

The bursary exists so that students do not drop out because they cannot afford it:

• Tuition and registration
• Study materials
• Accommodation and transport
• Meals in some cases

It is important to understand one key point:

The DHET bursary is not a loan. You do not pay it back if you follow the rules.

It mainly supports first undergraduate qualifications.

Most postgraduate programmes, short private courses, and private institutions are normally not funded.

What is the NSFAS DHET bursary?

The phrase “NSFAS DHET bursary” sometimes confuses students. It simply describes how the money moves.

• DHET provides the funding and policy
• NSFAS checks applications, verifies documents, signs agreements, and pays students

So you don’t apply to DHET directly.

You apply to NSFAS, and if you qualify under DHET rules, you are placed under the DHET bursary scheme.

Think of it like this:

• DHET is the engine.
• NSFAS is the driver.

Both work together.

What does the DHET bursary cover?

What the bursary covers depends on the type of institution, but generally it may include:

• Tuition fees
• Registration fees
• Prescribed learning materials
• Accommodation (university residence or approved off-campus)\
• Transport allowance for commuters
• Meal allowance, where applicable

Each university or TVET college follows national rules, but they also have their own policies. That is why two students can receive slightly different allowances, even under the same bursary.

Students are expected to:

• Pass most of their modules
• Attend classes and practicals
• Avoid cheating or misconduct
• Update documents when requested

If a student repeatedly fails or withdraws without explanation, funding can be stopped.

How Much is the DHET Bursary Allowance for UNISA?

UNISA works differently from contact universities because learning is done online and off-campus.

In most situations, UNISA students receive:

• Learning materials allowance 
• Sometimes a personal care allowance

They usually do not receive accommodation or meal allowances, because there is no campus living arrangement.

Allowances can change from year to year based on national policy, study load, and confirmed eligibility. The safest approach is to always check:

• Your NSFAS portal
• UNISA Student Funding Office notices
• Official announcements

If anything is unclear, it is better to ask than assume.

How to Apply for the DHET Bursary

There is no separate DHET bursary application form. Everything is done through NSFAS.

Step-by-step:

• Create a myNSFAS account on the official website
• Fill in your personal and academic details
• Upload documents (IDs, proof of income, affidavits if needed)
• Submit the application
• Track your status
• Sign your bursary agreement if approved

If parents are unemployed or do not have payslips, they can submit affidavits. NSFAS deals with many different family situations, so this is normal.

Apply early. Do not wait until the last week.

Why Students Get Confused About DHET and NSFAS

You will often hear people say:

• “There is no difference. DHET and NSFAS are the same thing.”

They say this because, in practice, students receive money through NSFAS, so it feels like one single bursary.

But technically:

• NSFAS = administrator
• DHET bursary = funding programme

Knowing this helps when you read policies, emails, or notices from your university. You can immediately understand what they are talking about.

When funding may stop or change

Funding is not guaranteed forever. It can be affected when:

• A student fails repeatedly
• The wrong details were submitted
• The academic progress rules are not met
• The student deregisters
• Agreements are not signed on time

If something happens, do not panic. Speak to your financial aid office first. They usually know exactly what needs to be fixed.

The beautiful thing about learning is that no one can take it away from you.

Short Guide: Who Should Consider Applying?

You should apply if you are:

• A South African citizen
• Accepted into a public university or TVET college
• From a poor or working-class household
• Studying your first undergraduate qualification

You may not qualify if you:

• Study at a private institution
• Already completed a degree
• Do not meet financial eligibility criteria.

Still, it costs nothing to apply. Many students qualify when they first thought they would not.

FAQs

Conclusion

The DHET bursary and NSFAS are closely linked, and that is why so many people mix them up. The DHET bursary is the government programme that funds students, and NSFAS is the system that manages everything and pays students on behalf of DHET.

When you understand that connection, decisions become easier. You know where to apply, what to expect, and how to plan your studies without constant financial stress.

Always apply early, keep your documents safe, and follow the rules carefully. Funding exists because the government wants capable students to finish their studies, not to give up halfway simply because money runs out.

Varsha Asrani

Varsha Asrani is a lecturer and education writer with experience as Visiting Faculty at AUPP and ATMC College, and as a Lecturer with TalentEdge and UpGrad. She is the Founder of the Asrani Institute of Education and Counselling. Varsha specializes in scholarships, e-learning, and career guidance for African students and professionals, and regularly visits Africa to gather first-hand insights that shape her research and articles.