Does NSFAS Fund Short Courses at UNISA? A Detailed Guide for Students

In South Africa, access to education is often determined by access to funding. For many students, the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) has made it possible to pursue higher education without the burden of tuition fees, accommodation costs, and learning materials. But with the rise of short learning programmes, particularly at institutions like UNISA (University of South Africa), a key question continues to surface:

“Does NSFAS fund short courses at UNISA?”

The simple and direct answer is no. NSFAS does not fund short courses at UNISA or at any other institution. But as with most things in education, the full story is a bit more nuanced. This article aims to unpack why NSFAS doesn’t fund short learning programmes, what that means for aspiring learners, and which alternative funding avenues may still be available.

Understanding NSFAS and Its Core Purpose

Before diving into the specifics of short courses, it helps to understand what NSFAS is—and what it’s designed to do.

What is NSFAS?

The National Student Financial Aid Scheme is a government-funded financial aid programme aimed at helping financially disadvantaged South African students access tertiary education. The goal is to support students who meet specific academic and financial criteria, ensuring that cost is not a barrier to attaining formal qualifications.

NSFAS covers:

• Tuition fees
• Registration fees
• Study materials
• Accommodation
• Transport (where applicable)
• Meals

But there’s an important caveat: This support is limited to students pursuing their first undergraduate qualification at public universities or TVET colleges. This includes:

• National Diplomas
• Bachelor’s Degrees
• Certain Higher Certificates

This is where the distinction with short learning programmes becomes critical.

What Are Short Courses (Short Learning Programmes)?

At UNISA, short courses fall under a category known as Short Learning Programmes (SLPs). These are typically non-credit bearing programmes designed for:

• Professional development
• Upskilling and reskilling
• Gaining introductory knowledge in a specific field

Short courses are shorter in duration (often ranging from a few weeks to a few months) and tend to be non-degree focused. They do not form part of a formal qualification such as a diploma or bachelor’s degree.

Examples of UNISA Short Courses Include:

• Introduction to Project Management
• Basic Financial Life Skills
• Customer Service Excellence
• Event Management
• Cybersecurity Fundamentals

These programmes are highly valuable in the workplace, especially for adult learners and professionals seeking continuing education. But unfortunately, they fall outside the scope of what NSFAS is mandated to support.

Why NSFAS Doesn’t Fund Short Courses at UNISA

There are several reasons why NSFAS does not support short learning programmes:

1. Policy Alignment with Formal Qualifications

NSFAS funding is legally and strategically aligned with formal qualifications under the National Qualifications Framework (NQF)—especially NQF Levels 5 to 7 (Certificates, Diplomas, Bachelor’s Degrees). Short courses, however, do not lead to a full qualification, and many are not credit-bearing, meaning they can’t be counted toward a diploma or degree.

2. Budget Constraints and Targeted Support

Given South Africa’s economic realities, NSFAS prioritises students who are:

• Entering higher education for the first time
• Pursuing qualifications with long-term economic impact
• Most in need of financial support

Short courses, while useful, don’t meet the same level of qualification or duration to justify NSFAS’s limited funding pool.

3. UNISA’s Own Policy Confirmation

UNISA has clearly outlined in its Student Funding FAQs that:

“NSFAS only funds students registered for their first formal qualification. Short learning programmes and individual modules are not funded.”

This confirms the official institutional stance and prevents any confusion among prospective students.

So, What Can You Do If You Want to Study a Short Course at UNISA?

Just because NSFAS won’t fund your short learning programme doesn’t mean your options end here. In fact, there are several alternatives worth exploring:

1. Self-Funding the Course

This may sound daunting, but UNISA’s short courses are generally affordable compared to full-time qualifications. Most range between R1,500 and R8,000, depending on the subject and duration.

If you can save up or use income from part-time work, it may be manageable to self-fund. Some students even crowdsource or get family assistance for short courses as a long-term career investment.

2. Employer Sponsorship

If you’re employed, especially in the corporate or government sector, you may be eligible for employer-funded training. Many companies support staff development and will cover short courses aligned with business goals.

Popular choices for sponsored short learning include:

• Management and Leadership
• Occupational Health & Safety
• ICT and Digital Skills

Speak to your HR department or training manager about opportunities for sponsorship or reimbursement.

3. Bursaries and Scholarships for Short Courses

While not as common as NSFAS, some organisations do fund short skills programmes. These are typically tied to SETAs (Sector Education and Training Authorities) or NGOs focusing on youth and skills development.

Examples of places to check:

• Services SETA (for business-related courses)
• MICT SETA (for IT and communications)
• Local government or municipal bursaries
• Skills development NGOs like Harambee or YES 4 Youth

Many of these organisations have learnerships or bursary programmes that include short courses in their training pipeline.

4. Look Out for Free Online Alternatives

If affordability is a key concern, you might also consider free or low-cost online learning platforms, many of which offer courses aligned with the job market.

Platforms worth exploring:

• Coursera
• Udemy
• Khan Academy
• FutureLearn
• Alison
• LinkedIn Learning

While these are not UNISA-accredited, they are globally recognised and can boost your CV significantly.

How to Decide: Is a Short Course the Right Fit for You?

If you’re considering applying for a short course, NSFAS funding shouldn’t be the only deciding factor. Consider the following:

Final Word: NSFAS and Short Courses—A Clear Divide

To recap: No, NSFAS does not fund short courses at UNISA. NSFAS is focused on helping students achieve their first undergraduate qualifications, such as diplomas and degrees. Short learning programmes—while incredibly valuable—do not meet the criteria for NSFAS support.

However, with some creative thinking, determination, and research into alternative funding, you can still pursue your goals through UNISA’s wide array of short learning options.

These courses offer accessible, practical, and industry-relevant training that can improve your employability, boost your income potential, and enrich your personal development—no NSFAS required.

Explore your options, weigh your goals, and choose a path that empowers you. Education doesn’t only happen with long degrees—it happens every time you commit to learning something new.