Choosing funding for higher education in South Africa can feel overwhelming—especially when terms like scholarships, bursaries, and NSFAS sound similar but work differently. The right option depends on your goals, eligibility, and whether you need full vs partial funding.
In this guide, you’ll learn how scholarships in South Africa compare to bursaries and NSFAS, where each one fits best, and how students can combine funding strategically. If you’re considering bursaries right now, you’ll also get clear direction on whether scholarships or NSFAS may be the better route.
Understanding the Basics: Scholarships, Bursaries, and NSFAS
Before comparing options, it helps to define each one in practical terms. While definitions vary slightly by provider, the core purpose is the same: to reduce the cost of study.
Scholarships in South Africa
A scholarship is usually merit-based (academic performance, leadership, or talent), but some are need-based. Scholarships often cover tuition and may include additional support such as books, accommodation, or living expenses—depending on the funder.
Bursaries in South Africa
A bursary is often awarded by universities, corporations, or professional bodies. Many bursaries are linked to a field of study, and some include a work-back or service requirement (for example, you may need to work for the funder after completing your qualification).
NSFAS
NSFAS (National Student Financial Aid Scheme) is a government funding scheme primarily for students who meet financial eligibility criteria, typically from poor and working-class households. It supports qualifying students with costs like tuition, accommodation, and allowances, depending on the student’s circumstances.
Scholarships vs Bursaries vs NSFAS: Key Differences at a Glance
Here’s how the options typically compare in South Africa.
| Funding Type | Who It’s For | Common Selection Criteria | What It Often Covers | Does It Usually Require Work Back? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Scholarships | High-performing or specific criteria students | Merit, leadership, talent, sometimes need | Tuition, books, sometimes living costs | Usually no (varies by scholarship) |
| Bursaries | Students in specific fields or who meet provider criteria | Field alignment, academic results, financial need (varies) | Tuition and/or allowances, sometimes accommodation | Often yes for corporate/professional bursaries |
| NSFAS | Students with financial need | Financial eligibility + academic/progression requirements | Tuition, accommodation, learning and living support | No work-back requirement in the same way as many bursaries |
Tip: If you’re choosing between bursaries and scholarships, your first question should be: Is the funding based on merit or on need and study alignment?
For many students, the next question is whether you qualify for NSFAS—which is often driven more by household finances than by your grades alone.
Where Bursaries Fit Best (Especially If You’re Already Considering Them)
Bursaries are a popular choice in South Africa because they’re often designed for specific qualifications and career pathways. If you’re studying something aligned with an employer’s workforce needs (such as engineering, health sciences, or accounting), a bursary could be highly relevant.
Many bursaries are also valuable because they may cover costs that reduce stress during the year—like tuition and living support. However, you must be careful about conditions.
What to check before applying for a bursary
- Eligibility requirements: minimum average, subject requirements, nationality, or age limits
- Field of study alignment: the bursary may only fund specific degrees or majors
- Funding scope: tuition only vs tuition plus allowances
- Contract conditions: whether there’s a work-back agreement after graduation
- Renewal criteria: whether continued funding depends on maintaining marks
If you’d like a deeper explanation of how bursaries compare with NSFAS, see NSFAS vs Bursaries in South Africa: What Is the Difference?.
Are Scholarships Better Than Bursaries? It Depends on Your Profile
Scholarships can be excellent when you have strong academics or a specific talent area. They are sometimes more flexible than bursaries, but this varies by scholarship type. Some scholarships are strictly merit-based, while others include financial need.
When a scholarship may be the best option
- You consistently achieve high marks and qualify for merit-based awards
- You have leadership, sports, arts, or community achievements
- You want funding without the typical employer-linked work-back obligations
- You’re applying early and can meet deadlines (many scholarships are competitive)
When a bursary may be the best option
- You’re studying in a career field where funders partner with future professionals
- You meet the bursary’s academic and programme requirements
- You’re comfortable with potential conditions (like work-back)
- You want support that’s closely tied to your chosen qualification
When NSFAS may be the best option
- You meet financial eligibility and want government-backed support
- You need a funding package that may include accommodation and allowances
- You need structured financial aid designed for qualifying students
If you’re still unsure how these options stack up for real-life decision-making, read Student Loans vs Bursaries in South Africa: Which Option Is Better? to understand alternatives beyond grants.
How NSFAS Compares to Bursaries (And Why Many Students Choose NSFAS First)
NSFAS is designed to support students based primarily on financial need and eligibility. While bursaries can also consider financial need, they are more likely to be restricted by company requirements and industry demand.
Typical NSFAS strengths
- Designed for students with financial need
- Often provides a complete package, not just tuition
- Aligns with government pathways to improve access to higher education
Typical bursary strengths
- Often more targeted to certain qualifications or employers
- May offer additional career support or structured placements (depending on provider)
- Can be easier to match to your specific field of study
If you’re wondering about eligibility and what happens if you don’t qualify, consider What to Do If You Do Not Qualify for NSFAS in South Africa.
Scholarships, Bursaries, and NSFAS: Can You Combine Funding?
Many students ask whether they can receive more than one funding source. In some cases, students can combine funding, but this depends on the specific rules of each scheme and the institution.
A common question is whether you can take bursaries and NSFAS together. For the detailed answer and typical scenarios, refer to Can You Get a Bursary and NSFAS at the Same Time in South Africa?.
Strategies that can work (when allowed)
- Top-up funding: use bursaries or scholarships to cover costs not fully covered by NSFAS
- Partial funding + allowances: pair a tuition bursary with another support route for living expenses
- Multiple bursaries for different years/costs: only where providers approve it
To explore structured ways to manage additional support, read Partial Funding Options for South African Students Who Need Top-Up Support and How to Combine Multiple Funding Sources for Study in South Africa.
Reminder: Always confirm funding rules with your university financial aid office and the funder. Approval matters because rules can differ by programme and year.
Which Option Should You Choose? A Practical Decision Framework
Instead of choosing randomly, you can use a short checklist to decide where to focus your efforts first.
Step 1: Check your NSFAS eligibility early
If you likely qualify financially, prioritize your NSFAS application. NSFAS can reduce your upfront pressure because it supports core study costs.
Step 2: Identify your strongest match (merit vs programme alignment)
Ask yourself:
- Do you have strong academics and achievements that fit scholarship criteria?
- Are you studying a high-demand field that attracts bursaries?
- Do you want funding without a work-back obligation?
Step 3: Build a funding “stack” plan
Many students succeed by not relying on a single source. You might combine partial options so you can cover tuition plus living costs.
This is especially relevant if you need top-up support. For students exploring structured alternatives, review Alternatives to NSFAS in South Africa for Students Who Need Funding and Government Grants for Students in South Africa: Other Funding Routes.
Alternatives to Bursaries and NSFAS (Worth Considering)
If you’re studying and funding is tight—or you don’t qualify for one scheme—there are other routes that can still lead to career outcomes.
Learnerships as an alternative
A learnership combines learning with workplace training and is often structured through industry partners. In some cases, learners receive allowances, which can reduce financial strain while building real experience.
Explore how learnerships compare to bursaries in Learnerships as an Alternative to Bursaries in South Africa.
Scholarships and bursaries outside traditional universities
Some scholarships are offered by foundations, NGOs, professional bodies, and industry partners. Some focus on specific faculties (like engineering or commerce), while others target high-achieving students nationally.
Government and institutional support
Some universities offer hardship funds, fee exemptions, or internal bursaries for specific groups. These can be helpful alongside your main application route.
How to Increase Your Chances of Getting Scholarships or Bursaries
Competition can be intense, especially for popular fields. Small improvements in your application can make a big difference.
Prepare a “funding-ready” application pack
- Certified documents (ID, academic records, proof of residence if required)
- Motivation letter tailored to the specific funder
- CV highlighting leadership, achievements, volunteer work, and work experience
- Academic transcripts and any proof of additional awards
- Study plan (where relevant): why this qualification, and how you’ll succeed
Write a motivation that matches the funder
Many scholarships and bursaries want more than grades. They want to know:
- Why you’re a good candidate
- How you will use the qualification to build your future
- Whether you align with the funder’s values (community, leadership, industry need)
Apply early and follow requirements strictly
- Use deadlines as your starting point, not your target
- Submit exactly what’s asked (in the format requested)
- Double-check eligibility before investing time
Commercial insight: Companies and foundations often prioritize applications that look “complete” and aligned. If your documents are neat and your motivation is relevant, you stand out faster.
Common Myths About Scholarships, Bursaries, and NSFAS
Let’s clear up a few misunderstandings that cost students time.
Myth 1: “Scholarships are only for straight-A students.”
While high marks help, many scholarships also consider leadership, community impact, or specific criteria. Some are need-based too.
Myth 2: “Bursaries always pay everything.”
Many bursaries are partial or include conditions like academic thresholds for renewal. Always confirm what’s covered and what isn’t.
Myth 3: “NSFAS is the only real option.”
NSFAS is a major route, but not the only one. There are alternatives to NSFAS and ways to combine sources where permitted.
Bottom Line: How Scholarships Compare to Bursaries and NSFAS
In South Africa, the difference between scholarships, bursaries, and NSFAS comes down to eligibility, criteria, and conditions.
- Choose scholarships if you have strong academics and achievements that match merit or specific themes.
- Choose bursaries if you’re studying a targeted field and you meet provider requirements (and you’re comfortable with conditions).
- Choose NSFAS first if you meet financial eligibility and need a government-backed support package.
Most importantly, don’t wait until funding deadlines close. Start early, apply strategically, and consider a stacking approach when allowed by the funders. If you want more guidance on funding decisions, revisit NSFAS vs Bursaries in South Africa: What Is the Difference? and explore How to Combine Multiple Funding Sources for Study in South Africa to build a plan that fits your financial reality.
FAQ: Scholarships, Bursaries, and NSFAS (Quick Answers)
1) What’s the main difference between scholarships and bursaries?
Scholarships are often merit-based or talent/achievement-based, while bursaries are usually linked to a specific qualification and may include provider conditions such as work-back requirements.
2) Can I apply for a scholarship and NSFAS at the same time?
Often yes, but it depends on the rules of the scholarship and NSFAS for your specific circumstances. Confirm with your university’s financial aid office and the scholarship provider.
3) What should I do if I don’t qualify for NSFAS?
Look at alternatives such as institutional funding, other government support routes, learnerships, and industry scholarships/bursaries. See What to Do If You Do Not Qualify for NSFAS in South Africa for next steps.
If you tell me your course, year of study, and whether you meet approximate financial need criteria, I can suggest a realistic funding path (NSFAS first, then scholarships or bursaries, plus top-up options where allowed).