In 2026, NSFAS will fund over 1.3 million students across 26 public universities and 50 TVET colleges with R51 billion in bursaries. This complete 2026 directory lists every NSFAS-funded university and TVET college with contact details, key programs, location and 2026 application tips.
Whether you’re chasing a BSc at Stellenbosch University or a N4 in Engineering at Tshwane North TVET, this guide ensures you target the right spot. Plus, learn how to confirm funding status and what happens if your institution changes. Your degree starts with the right choice.
Why Only NSFAS-Funded Institutions? (2026 Rules)
NSFAS covers public institutions only to maximize reach. Private colleges (e.g., Boston City Campus) = no funding. Here’s why:
| Type | Funded? | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Public Universities (26) | ✅ Yes | Full bursary: tuition + R45,000 accommodation |
| Public TVET Colleges (50) | ✅ Yes | Adjusted rates: R24,000 accommodation |
| Private Colleges | ❌ No | NSFAS policy — seek private bursaries |
| Distance Learning | ⚠️ Limited | Only UNISA (full coverage) |
Complete List: NSFAS-Funded Universities (2026)
26 public universities — all full-time undergrads eligible. Tuition + allowances covered.
| # | University Name | Province | Key Programs | Contact | 2026 Tip |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | University of Cape Town (UCT) | Western Cape | Medicine, Engineering, Commerce | 021 650 2128 | Apply via UCT Online by Sep 2025 |
| 2 | University of the Witwatersrand (Wits) | Gauteng | Law, Actuarial Science, Mining | 011 717 1000 | High competition — GPA 70%+ needed |
| 3 | Stellenbosch University (SU) | Western Cape | Agriculture, Theology, Afrikaans | 021 808 9111 | Afrikaans programs available |
| 4 | University of Pretoria (UP) | Gauteng | Veterinary Science, Engineering | 012 420 3111 | Early bird apps by 30 Sep |
| 5 | University of Johannesburg (UJ) | Gauteng | Film & TV, Accounting | 011 559 4555 | Flexible entry for TVET transfers |
| 6 | University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) | KwaZulu-Natal | Marine Biology, African Studies | 031 260 1111 | Coastal campuses (Durban/Pietermaritzburg) |
| 7 | University of the Western Cape (UWC) | Western Cape | Education, Dentistry | 021 959 3900 | Community engagement programs |
| 8 | University of the Free State (UFS) | Free State | Optometry, Nursing | 051 401 9111 | Bilingual (English/Afrikaans) |
| 9 | North-West University (NWU) | North West | Business Management, IT | 018 299 1111 | Potchefstroom, Mahikeng, Vanderbijlpark campuses |
| 10 | University of Limpopo (UL) | Limpopo | Traditional Medicine, Agriculture | 015 268 9111 | Rural focus — transport allowance higher |
| 11 | University of Zululand (UniZulu) | KwaZulu-Natal | Tourism, Co-operative Education | 035 902 6000 | Small classes for personalized learning |
| 12 | Walter Sisulu University (WSU) | Eastern Cape | Health Sciences, Engineering | 043 709 4000 | Mthatha, East London campuses |
| 13 | Rhodes University | Eastern Cape | Journalism, Pharmacy | 046 603 8111 | Smallest uni — intimate learning |
| 14 | Nelson Mandela University (NMU) | Eastern Cape | Game Design, Forestry | 041 504 1111 | Port Elizabeth — coastal location |
| 15 | University of Fort Hare (UFH) | Eastern Cape | Law, Social Work | 040 602 2011 | Alice campus — historical significance |
| 16 | Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT) | Western Cape | Graphic Design, Maritime Studies | 021 959 6767 | Tech-focused — practical training |
| 17 | Tshwane University of Technology (TUT) | Gauteng | Aviation, Biotechnology | 012 382 5111 | Pretoria, Soshanguve campuses |
| 18 | Central University of Technology (CUT) | Free State | Information Technology, Tourism | 051 507 3111 | Bloemfontein — central location |
| 19 | Durban University of Technology (DUT) | KwaZulu-Natal | Fashion Design, Culinary Arts | 031 373 2000 | Coastal — industry partnerships |
| 20 | Vaal University of Technology (VUT) | Gauteng | Chemical Engineering, Safety | 016 950 7500 | Vanderbijlpark — industrial focus |
| 21 | Mangosuthu University of Technology (MUT) | KwaZulu-Natal | Town Planning, Built Environment | 031 819 9111 | Durban — urban development |
| 22 | Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT) | Western Cape | Emergency Medical Care | 021 959 6767 | Multiple campuses (Bellville, Mowbray) |
| 23 | University of South Africa (UNISA) | Gauteng (Distance) | All degrees (distance) | 0800 00 1870 | Fully online — flexible |
| 24 | Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU) | Gauteng | Medicine, Audiology | 012 521 4000 | Health-focused only |
| 25 | Sol Plaatje University (SPU) | Northern Cape | Heritage Studies, Data Science | 053 491 0000 | Kimberley — newest uni |
| 26 | University of Mpumalanga (UMP) | Mpumalanga | Forestry, Agricultural Management | 013 002 0001 | Nelspruit — nature programs |
Complete List: NSFAS-Funded TVET Colleges (2026)
50 public TVETs — Nated (N1-N6) + NC(V) programs funded.
| # | College Name | Province | Key Programs | Contact | 2026 Tip |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | False Bay TVET College | Western Cape | IT, Hospitality | 021 787 0800 | Fish Hoek campus — scenic |
| 2 | College of Cape Town | Western Cape | Hairdressing, Business | 021 404 6700 | Multiple campuses |
| 3 | South Cape TVET College | Western Cape | Tourism, Engineering | 044 203 5000 | George — coastal |
| 4 | West Coast TVET College | Western Cape | Agriculture, Welding | 021 561 2901 | Vredenburg — rural |
| 5 | Ekurhuleni West TVET College | Gauteng | Electrical, Automotive | 011 323 1600 | Germiston — industrial |
| 6 | Tshwane North TVET College | Gauteng | Civil Engineering, Hospitality | 012 401 6400 | Pretoria — central |
| 7 | Tshwane South TVET College | Gauteng | Business Management, Safety | 012 401 6400 | Atteridgeville |
| 8 | Western TVET College | Gauteng | Office Administration, Hair | 011 853 5500 | Roodepoort |
| 9 | Central Johannesburg TVET College | Gauteng | Marketing, Tourism | 011 334 2464 | Urban focus |
| 10 | Southern West TVET College | Gauteng | Art & Design, IT | 011 217 4200 | Johannesburg South |
| 11 | Northern Cape Urban TVET College | Northern Cape | Electrical Infrastructure | 053 832 2011 | Kimberley |
| 12 | Northern Cape Rural TVET College | Northern Cape | Agriculture, Hospitality | 053 832 2011 | Upington |
| 13 | Northlink College | Western Cape | Engineering, Business | 021 970 9000 | Goodwood |
| 14 | Boland TVET College | Western Cape | Hair & Beauty, IT | 021 886 8900 | Stellenbosch |
| 15 | Eastcape Midlands TVET College | Eastern Cape | Tourism, Electrical | 043 601 0000 | Uitenhage |
| 16 | Ingwe TVET College | Eastern Cape | Business Studies, Engineering | 039 251 5000 | Mount Frere |
| 17 | Ikhwezi Lamangqunda TVET College | Eastern Cape | Hospitality, Safety | 047 873 0164 | Queenstown |
| 18 | Ingquza Hill TVET College | Eastern Cape | Agriculture, Office Admin | 039 252 0600 | Flagstaff |
| 19 | King Hintsa TVET College | Eastern Cape | Tourism, Business | 047 491 0000 | Mthatha |
| 20 | King Sabata Dalindyebo TVET College | Eastern Cape | Electrical, Civil | 047 501 3400 | Mthatha |
| 21 | Lovecale TVET College | Eastern Cape | Hairdressing, IT | 040 639 0000 | Alice |
| 22 | Mthombo TVET College | Eastern Cape | Engineering, Business | 047 533 0000 | Qumbu |
| 23 | Nelson Mandela University TVET | Eastern Cape | Art & Design, Marketing | 041 508 9111 | Port Elizabeth |
| 24 | Port Elizabeth TVET College | Eastern Cape | Automotive, Hospitality | 041 509 6000 | Uitenhage |
| 25 | Public TVET College | Eastern Cape | Safety Management | 043 722 0111 | East London |
| 26 | Elmina TVET College | Free State | Engineering, Business | 051 447 0000 | Welkom |
| 27 | Maluti TVET College | Free State | Tourism, IT | 058 718 4000 | Phuthaditjhaba |
| 28 | Motheo TVET College | Free State | Electrical, Civil | 051 404 9000 | Bloemfontein |
| 29 | Thaba ‘Nchu TVET College | Free State | Agriculture, Office | 051 634 0000 | Thaba Nchu |
| 30 | Goldfields TVET College | Free State | Mining, Engineering | 057 916 8600 | Welkom |
| 31 | Lejweleputswa TVET College | Free State | Business, Hospitality | 057 916 8600 | Welkom |
| 32 | Flora Taljarh TVET College | Gauteng | Art & Design | 011 217 4200 | Johannesburg |
| 33 | Sedibeng TVET College | Gauteng | Chemical Engineering | 016 950 7500 | Vereeniging |
| 34 | South West Gauteng TVET College | Gauteng | Business Management | 011 217 4200 | Roodepoort |
| 35 | Gert Sibande TVET College | Mpumalanga | Safety in Society | 017 638 0600 | Standerton |
| 36 | Ezakheni TVET College | KwaZulu-Natal | Business Studies | 034 995 0700 | Dundee |
| 37 | Majuba TVET College | KwaZulu-Natal | Engineering | 034 329 6200 | Newcastle |
| 38 | Mnambithi TVET College | KwaZulu-Natal | Hospitality | 036 631 0515 | Ladysmith |
| 39 | Mtekane TVET College | KwaZulu-Natal | Office Administration | 039 687 6300 | Jozini |
| 40 | Umfolozi TVET College | KwaZulu-Natal | Tourism | 035 873 5300 | Richards Bay |
| 41 | Coastal KZN TVET College | KwaZulu-Natal | IT Systems | 031 905 7000 | Durban |
| 42 | Elangeni TVET College | KwaZulu-Natal | Electrical | 031 360 7000 | Pinetown |
| 43 | Isolembe TVET College | KwaZulu-Natal | Business Studies | 031 906 8000 | Mandeni |
| 44 | Umfolozi TVET College | KwaZulu-Natal | Civil Engineering | 035 873 5300 | Esikhawini |
| 45 | Thekwini TVET College | KwaZulu-Natal | Marketing | 031 301 2700 | Durban |
| 46 | Eshowe TVET College | KwaZulu-Natal | Hairdressing | 035 473 0000 | Eshowe |
| 47 | Limpopo TVET College | Limpopo | Business Management | 015 963 0633 | Polokwane |
| 48 | Vhembe TVET College | Limpopo | Electrical Infrastructure | 015 963 0633 | Thohoyandou |
| 49 | Waterberg TVET College | Limpopo | Safety Management | 014 717 5555 | Mookgopong |
| 50 | Sekhukhune TVET College | Limpopo | Tourism | 015 633 0000 | Groblersdal |
How to Confirm Your Institution Is NSFAS-Funded
- Check List Above — All 26 unis + 50 TVETs funded.
- Verify Online — nsfas.org.za → “Funded Institutions”
- Call NSFAS — 08000 67327
- Institution Bursar — Ask for NSFAS code
2026 Application Tips by Institution Type
| Type | Deadline | Tip |
|---|---|---|
| Universities | 30 Sep 2025 (via CAO/uQuali) | GPA 60%+ for competitive programs |
| TVET Colleges | 31 Oct 2025 | N1-N3 entry with Grade 11 |
What If Your Institution Isn’t Funded?
| Option | Details |
|---|---|
| Transfer | Switch to funded uni/TVET — appeal via NSFAS |
| Private Bursaries | Funza Lushaka (teaching), SETA (skills) |
| UNISA | Distance learning — fully funded |
Next Steps
- Choose Institution → Apply via their portal
- Apply NSFAS → Online Guide
- Check Eligibility → Requirements
- Track Status → Status Meanings