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Introduction
In South Africa, thousands of young people rely on the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) to access tertiary education. At the same time, learnerships have become a powerful gateway to practical experience, national qualifications, and monthly stipends. This raises a common yet important question:
“Can I get NSFAS funding while doing a learnership in 2025?”
This comprehensive guide explores the relationship between NSFAS and learnerships, funding rules for 2025, eligibility, application tips, alternatives, and how to structure your career path effectively. Written with experience, expertise, authoritativeness, and trustworthiness (E-E-A-T), this article provides accurate and useful information that benefits students, jobseekers, and career changers.
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What Is NSFAS and What Does It Fund in 2025?
NSFAS is a government-funded scheme that provides financial assistance to poor and working-class South African students. It funds:
- Public Universities (Undergraduate qualifications)
- TVET Colleges (NQF Level 2–4 programmes)
- Tuition fees, registration fees, accommodation, laptop allowance, transport, meals, and books
❌ What NSFAS Does Not Fund:
- Private colleges or universities
- Short courses or online-only programmes
- Postgraduate qualifications (except teaching & medical-related exceptions)
- Learnerships or apprenticeships
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What Is a Learnership?
A learnership is a structured training programme that combines theory at an accredited institution and practical work experience at a company. It leads to a nationally recognised NQF qualification (Level 2–5 or higher).
Useful links
✅ Key Features of Learnerships:
| Feature | Details |
| Duration | 12–24 months |
| Qualification | SAQA-accredited NQF certificate/diploma |
| Compensation | Monthly stipend (R2,000 – R5,000 depending on sector) |
| Managed by | SETA (Sector Education and Training Authority) |
| Status | Learnership learners are employees under a contract |
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So, Can You Get NSFAS While Doing a Learnership in 2025?
The short answer is NO – NSFAS does not fund learnerships.
Here’s why:
| Reason | Explanation |
| Purpose of NSFAS | Designed to fund full-time academic studies at public universities and TVET colleges. |
| Learnership Status | Learners receive a stipend and are classified as employees-in-training, not students. |
| Funding Source | Learnerships are funded by companies and SETAs – not NSFAS. |
| Contract Agreement | When enrolled in a learnership, you sign a contract with the employer and receive income, which NSFAS considers as funded employment. |
However, there are ways to get financial support during a learnership – through SETA bursaries, company stipends, UIF benefits, or NSFAS-alternative bursaries.
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Alternative Funding Options to NSFAS for Learnerships (2025)
1️⃣
SETA Learnership Stipends
- All registered learnerships must pay learners a stipend as per the Skills Development Act.
- Stipends vary by sector. For example:
- Banking SETA Learnership: R4,500 – R6,000 per month
- Merseta (Engineering): R3,500 – R5,500 per month
- ETDP SETA (Education & Training): R2,500 – R3,000 per month
2️⃣
Company-Funded Bursaries
Some learnership providers offer fully funded educational bursaries, which cover:
- Tuition fees for theoretical training
- Uniforms, transport, or accommodation
- Learning materials
3️⃣
Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF)
If you were previously employed and contributing to UIF, you may apply for UIF Learner Benefits.
4️⃣
Corporate Social Investment (CSI) Programmes
Banks, government departments, and SOEs like Eskom, Transnet, Sasol, Nedbank, and FNB often provide bursaries or learnerships that include education support.
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Can You Apply for NSFAS After Completing a Learnership?
Yes! Completing a learnership does not disqualify you from NSFAS.
You can apply afterward if:
- You want to study further at a University or TVET College
- You meet the NSFAS income requirement (household income under R350,000 per year)
- You hold a Grade 12 certificate or NC(V)
✔️ Many learners use their stipend to support their families and later apply to NSFAS for further studies like diplomas, teaching, nursing, engineering, or accounting degrees.
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NSFAS vs Learnership vs Apprenticeship vs Internship – Key Differences
| Funding Type | Who Qualifies? | Paid? | Leads To Qualification? |
| NSFAS | University/TVET students | Allowance only | Yes (academic qualifications) |
| Learnership | Matric/NCV/Non-students | Yes (stipend) | Yes (NQF certificate) |
| Apprenticeship | Technical trades/artisans | Yes | Yes (Red Seal qualification) |
| Internship | Graduates/TVET diploma holders | Yes | No qualification, but work experience |
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NSFAS Applications for 2025 – Important Dates
| Activity | Date (Expected) |
| NSFAS Applications Open | September – November 2024 |
| NSFAS Applications Close | January 2025 |
| Evaluation and Results | February – March 2025 |
| Allowance Disbursement Starts | March 2025 |
Tip: If you are finishing matric in 2024 and considering a learnership but unsure, apply for NSFAS anyway. Don’t miss the deadline.
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How to Make the Right Choice: Study or Learnership?
| Situation | Best Option |
| You want a degree or diploma | Apply to university + NSFAS |
| You want practical work experience immediately | Learnership |
| You need income to support your family | Learnership |
| You want both academic learning and work experience | TVET College + Learnership (later) |
| You completed matric but have no funding | Consider learnerships first, then NSFAS-funded studies |
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Final Thoughts
While NSFAS does not fund learnerships, this does not mean opportunities are limited. Learnerships offer skills, income, experience, and nationally recognised qualifications — while NSFAS supports academic pathways at universities and TVET colleges. You can still pursue both pathways strategically, start with a learnership, save money, gain experience, and later apply for NSFAS-funded studies.