Department of Health Nursing Bursaries
The Department of health bursaries offers students from each province that is in need of financial assistance the opportunity to apply for a bursary. Each province has critically and scarce skills that are needed and will be available for study.
Department of Health Bursaries
Kwa-Zulu Natal Department of health bursaries include the following on a sliding scale dependent on the financial need according to parent’s income:
- R0 – R120 000 including tuition, meals, books, and accommodation
- R121 000 – R150 000 including tuition, meals, and accommodation
- R151 000 – R200 000 including tuition, accommodation, and books
- R201 000 – R250 000 including tuition and accommodation
- R251 000 – R300 000 only covering tuition
Western Cape Department bursaries include the following:
- Tuition / registration / examination fee
If a candidate should fail a year the candidate has to re-do that year on their own cost and upon successful completion of that year, the bursary will be reinstated for the next academic year.
Eastern Cape Department bursaries include the following:
- Tuition and registration fee
- Accommodation and meal fee
- Book fee
Northern Cape Department bursaries include the following:
- Registration and tuition fee
- Accommodation and meal fee
- Pocket money monthly
Gauteng Department bursaries include the following:
- Financial assistance will be granted only from the second year of study
- Only in specific fields of study
North West Department bursary inclusions can be obtained from the department.
Limpopo Department bursaries include the following:
- Tuition and registration fee
- Meal and accommodation fee
- Book allowance will be determined upon need
Mpumalanga Department bursary inclusions can be obtained from the department.
Department of Health Bursaries Available
Kwa Zulu Natal Department Bursaries have the following fields of study available:
- Fields of study are dependable on the need of the department each year
- Contact the department for more information
Western Cape Department Bursaries have the following fields of study available:
- Medical care for Emergency
- Nursing Care
- Pharmacy
- MBChB Medical
- Radiography
Please keep in mind that the fields of study made available each year could differ according to the need of the Department.
Eastern Cape Department Bursaries have the following fields of study available:
- Bursary fields are dependent on the need of the department each year.
- Candidates must be willing to study in the healthcare fields.
- Candidates must also be willing to work in the district facilities where their skills are required
Eastern Cape Department Bursaries have the following fields of study available:
- Nursing Science
- Ultra Sound Radiography
- Pharmacy (B)
- Optometry (B)
- Dentistry (BChD)
- Oral Hygiene (ND)
- Clinical Psychology (Masters)
- Clinical Associates (Degree)
- Paramedic / Medical care – Emergency
- Dietetics / Nutrition (Bsc)
- Speech and Audio Therapy (Bsc)
- Therapy – Occupational (Bsc)
- Physiotherapy (Bsc)
Please keep in mind that the fields of study made available each year could differ according to the need of the Department.
Gauteng Department Bursaries have the following fields of study available:
- Dental Technology
- Therapy Dental
- Oral Hygiene
- Orthotics Medical
- Dietetics Prosthetics
- Radiotherapy
- Optometry
- Medical practice Clinical (B)
- Technology Clinical
- Engineering Clinical
These fields are available for Grade 12 candidates wanting to study.
- Physicists Medical
- Psychology – Clinical
- Pathology and Audiology
- Pharmacy (B)
- Therapy – Speech
- Therapy – Language
- Therapy – Occupational
These fields are available for candidates that are already studying in one of these fields at an accredited higher learning institute.
Please also keep in mind that the fields of study might vary according to the departments need.
North West Department Bursaries have the following fields of study available:
- Fields of study are dependable on the need each year
- Contact the department for more information
Limpopo Department Bursaries have the following fields of study available:
- Degree in Medicine (MBCHB)
- Degree in Dentistry (BDS/BCHD)
- Dental Therapy (B)
- Oral Hygiene (B)
- Pharmacy (B)
- Occupational Therapy (B)
- Physiotherapy (B)
- Diet / Nutrition (BSC)
- Optometry (B)
- Social Work (B)
- Radiography (B)
- Clinical Psychology (MA)
- Orthotics / Prosthetics (NAT.DIP.)
- Emergency Care (B.TECH)
- Clinical Engineering (ND)
- Community Development (B.A.)
Please keep in mind that bursaries will be allocated according to the Departments need at that time.
Mpumalanga Department Bursaries have the following fields of study available:
- Degree in Medicine (MBCHB)
- Psychology – Clinical (Master’s Degree)
- Hearing and Speech Therapy
- Nursing (B.CUR.)
- Pharmacy
- Oral Hygiene
- Nutrition / Dietetics
- Emergency Medical Services (Diploma)
- Dental Therapy
- Therapy – Occupational
- Radiography
- Physiotherapy
- Orthotics & Prosthetics
Please keep in mind that fields of study may vary depending on the needs at the time of application.
Department of Health Bursaries Requirements
Candidates who want to apply for a bursary from the Department of Health in Kwa Zulu Natal needs the following criteria:
- An excellent academic record
- Candidate has to be a South African citizen / permanent resident of Kwa Zulu Natal
- Candidate must not hold any other degree / diploma
- Candidate must have proof of applying or registering at a tertiary institute
- Candidate must have no other bursary
Candidates who want to apply for a bursary from the Department of Health in the Western Cape needs the following criteria:
- Candidate must be a South African citizen residing in the Western Cape
- Candidate must be able to prove the need for financial assistance
- Candidates from a historically disadvantaged background will receive preference
- Candidates must be approved at a relevant accredited higher learning institutes
- Candidates must provide proof of registration at an accredited higher learning institute at the beginning of the financial year.
- Candidates will also be required to submit all examination results to the department within thirty days of receipt this includes annually and supplementary results
Candidates who want to apply for a bursary from the Department of Health in the Eastern Cape needs the following criteria:
- Candidates must be a South African citizen and living in the EC
- Candidates must provide latest academic results
- Candidate must provide certified copies of parents / guardians income
- Provide and affidavit where proof of income is not available
- Proof of acceptance if candidate has already applied at a higher learning institute
- Candidate must supply proof of residency
Candidates who want to apply for a bursary from the Department of Health in the Northern Cape needs the following criteria:
- Candidates must be South African citizens residing in the Northern Cape
- Candidates should apply for acceptance at an accredited higher learning institute and provide proof of acceptance
- Candidate must provide proof of income of parents / guardians
- Provide and affidavit where proof of income is not available
- Preference will be given to disabled or previously disadvantaged candidates
- Candidates from rural communities that are in dire need of financial aid will also receive preference
Candidates who want to apply for a bursary from the Department of Health in Gauteng needs the following criteria:
- Candidate has to be a South African citizen residing in Gauteng
- Candidates from a historically disadvantaged background will receive preference
- Candidates must have obtained a minimum of a ‘C’ symbol average in Matric
- Candidates must not have any other bursary
- Candidates must be approved at a relevant accredited higher learning institute
- Candidate must be willing to study in one of the areas that the department sees as scarce
Candidates who want to apply for a bursary from the Department of Health in North West needs the following criteria:
- Candidates must be a South African citizen and be residing in the North West for more than one year prior to applying for a bursary
- Candidates who are already registered at an accredited higher learning institute in one of the fields of study needed by the department can also apply
- Candidates must not have any other bursary
- Candidates who excel academically and shows potential
- Candidates must not previously have had a bursary from the Department of Health
- Candidates with disability are strongly encouraged to apply
Candidates who want to apply for a bursary from the Department of Health in Limpopo needs the following criteria:
- Candidates must be a South African citizen and be residing in Limpopo
- Candidates that are in dire financial need
- Candidates from a previously disadvantaged background
- Candidates currently in Matric
- Candidates currently studying at an accredited tertiary institute in the fields available
Candidates who want to apply for a bursary from the Department of Health in Mpumalanga needs the following criteria:
- Candidate must be a South African citizen residing within the province
- Candidate must provide proof of residence
- Candidate must provide proof of parent / guardians income
- Provide and affidavit where proof of income is not available
- Disabled and previously disadvantaged candidates will receive preference
- If candidate is disabled proof from a registered doctor or clinic is required
- Candidates in Grade 12 need to provide mid-year results
- Candidates registered at an accredited higher learning institute must provide proof of registration or proof of acceptance
Department of Health Bursaries Application
Bursaries online application is not available for any of the departments but bursary forms and information can be obtained from your Department of Health, local hospitals, and municipality. Most applications need to be either handed in once it has been completed with all certified document to your local Health Department or the institute where you received the forms from.
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Complete Guide to NSFAS Online Loan Application for South African Students (2025)
If you are a South African student looking to pursue higher education but are facing financial difficulties, the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) is one of the most accessible funding options available. NSFAS provides financial aid in the form of bursaries and loans to qualifying students at public universities and TVET colleges in South Africa.
This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about the NSFAS loan application process, from eligibility requirements to application steps and frequently asked questions.
📌 What is NSFAS?
The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) is a government-funded financial aid scheme aimed at helping students from low- and middle-income households to access tertiary education without the burden of upfront fees.
NSFAS offers both bursaries and income-contingent loans:
- Bursaries: For eligible students who meet academic and household income criteria (especially for TVET and university students).
- Loans: For students who do not meet all bursary criteria or who are pursuing postgraduate qualifications not funded under bursary schemes.
✅ Who Qualifies for an NSFAS Loan?
To qualify for an NSFAS loan (especially for postgraduate students or programs not funded under the bursary system), you must:
- Be a South African citizen.
- Be financially needy, with a household income of less than R350,000 per year.
- Have a valid South African ID.
- Be enrolled or accepted to study at a public university or TVET college.
- Not be funded through another bursary program that covers all expenses.
- Maintain satisfactory academic progress (returning students).
📚 Courses Funded by NSFAS
NSFAS primarily funds undergraduate qualifications, but certain postgraduate programs (e.g., PGCE, postgraduate diplomas in education, and professional courses like LLB) may be considered under the NSFAS loan scheme, not bursaries.
If you’re studying:
- Undergraduate degree or diploma: You are likely eligible for a full NSFAS bursary.
- Postgraduate study: You may qualify for a loan, depending on the course and funding availability.
📄 Required Documents for NSFAS Application
When applying, make sure you have the following documents scanned and ready:
- Certified copy of your South African ID or Smart Card.
- Parent(s) or guardian(s) ID documents.
- Proof of income (latest payslips, UIF, or affidavit if unemployed).
- Consent Form signed by your parent(s)/guardian(s) to allow NSFAS to verify income.
- Proof of registration or acceptance at a public institution.
- Academic transcripts (for continuing or postgraduate students).
🖥️ How to Apply for an NSFAS Loan Online
Step-by-Step NSFAS Online Application Process (2025)
-
Visit the NSFAS Website
Go to: https://www.nsfas.org.za
-
Create an Account
- Click on “MyNSFAS” and register your profile.
- You’ll need a valid email address and South African cellphone number.
- Choose a strong password and verify your account via email or SMS.
-
Login and Start the Application
- After registration, log in to your MyNSFAS account.
- Click on “Apply” to begin a new application.
-
Fill in Your Personal Details
- Input your ID number, name, surname, and other details exactly as they appear on your ID.
- Provide household income information and living arrangements.
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Upload Required Documents
- Upload all supporting documents in PDF or JPEG format.
- Each document must be clear and under the size limit specified.
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Submit Your Application
- Review your application for accuracy.
- Click “Submit” and wait for a confirmation message.
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Track Your Application
- Log in regularly to check your application status.
- You will be notified via SMS and email at each stage of the process.
🗓️ Important NSFAS Dates (2025)
- Application Opening Date: September 1, 2025
- Application Deadline: January 31, 2026
- Appeals Period: February 2026 (if rejected)
- Disbursement: After registration and approval
Note: Dates are subject to change; always confirm on the official NSFAS website.
💸 What Does the NSFAS Loan Cover?
NSFAS funding typically includes:
- Tuition fees
- Registration fees
- Accommodation (if living away from home)
- Meals and transport
- Learning materials (e.g., textbooks)
For loans, repayment is only required once you start working and earn above a threshold (around R30,000 annually, but subject to change).
🔄 NSFAS Loan Repayment
Repayments are:
- Income-contingent – you only repay when you can afford to.
- Administered by DHET (Department of Higher Education and Training).
- Interest-bearing, but interest rates are low and favorable.
You can also apply for a partial loan conversion to a bursary if you perform well academically.
🔁 How to Appeal a Rejected NSFAS Application
If your application is rejected, you may submit an appeal via your MyNSFAS portal:
- Log into your MyNSFAS account.
- Click on “Track Funding Progress”.
- If rejected, click on “Submit Appeal”.
- Upload any missing or corrected documents.
- Provide a clear explanation or motivation.
📱 NSFAS Contact Information
- Website: https://www.nsfas.org.za
- Email: info@nsfas.org.za
- Toll-Free Number: 08000 67327 (Monday–Friday, 8 AM–5 PM)
- Twitter: @myNSFAS
- Facebook: NSFAS
📝 Final Tips Before Applying
- Apply early to avoid system overload near the deadline.
- Use your own email and cellphone number (do not use someone else’s).
- Double-check that all your documents are certified and legible.
- Keep a copy of your submission confirmation for reference.
By following this guide, you can confidently apply for NSFAS funding and move one step closer to achieving your academic and career dreams—without the burden of immediate financial pressure.