It’s done! You have sent through your application to study at the NWU, and you are just waiting for your acceptance letter. But knowing what you want to study, you are left with another decision: How to pay for your academic future…
It can seem like a stop in the road to your successful life as the CEO of your own business, becoming the next Elon Musk, or being the scientist who finds the cure for cancer; but we are here to tell you that this is not true. The NWU has various bursary and loan opportunities available to you.
The Department of Financial Support Services was created to provide financial support to hardworking students who dream of obtaining a tertiary education qualification but simply can’t afford the full cost of this.
In South Africa, there are quite a few options available, but finding the bursary that best suits you and your studies, as well as an option that is accredited by the university of your choice, can be stressful.
Fear not! The NWU has compiled a list of all bursaries and loans schemes that are accepted, as well as our very own bursaries and loans that we have in place to help get you to graduation!
Academic scholarship – All full-time first years and seniors (second-, third- and fourth-year students) automatically receive this bursary if they are within the minimum duration of the qualification for which their register in their first year and comply with certain academic requirements.
Family discount – Do you have an older brother or sister who is studying at the NWU? Well, thanks to them you can apply for a family discount! Depending on whether you are the second, third or fourth child in your family to attend the NWU, you can get a discount of 15% or more on your university fees! Just another reason why it is nice to be the youngest child in the family!
Leadership bursaries – That head boy/head girl title you were awarded in Grade 12 still has a few benefits up its sleeve. Thanks to this once-off bursary you can get an additional discount on your first-year tuition fees.
Arts and Culture bursaries – Were you the artsy type in high school? Well, if you showed exceptional achievements in the arts and cultural activities from Grade 8–12, you possibly qualify for an Arts and Culture bursary. The bursary has specific requirements and applications are assessed by the Department of Arts and Culture.
Support bursaries – The NWU offers bursaries to prospective students with physical disabilities or who come from the orphanage/foster-care system. You only have to apply once, but make sure you attach all the necessary documents.
Sport bursaries – Do you want to play for the Springboks? Or set a new javelin throwing record? At the NWU, you can fulfil your potential and continue your studies. The NWU Sport awards bursaries only to contracted students. Prospective students with provincial colours can apply for a sports bursary in the major sports codes. Visit http://sport.nwu.ac.za for more information on sport at the NWU.
External bursaries
The NSFAS bursary scheme offers financial support to students with academic potential who are financially disadvantaged. Only households with a joint income of less than R350 000 per annum will be considered. Visit http://www.nsfas.org.za/content/bursary-scheme.html to find out more about the requirements for your application. Please note that the NSFAS policy stipulates that NSFAS students may receive NO other bursaries. This includes academic merit bursaries and all other NWU bursaries mentioned above.
Funza Lushaka Teaching Bursary – Do you hope to be a teacher and unlock the potential of future leaders? The bursary was established for South African citizens who dream of obtaining a teaching qualification with a focus on foundation-phase, intermediary-phase, and senior-phase teaching, or further education and training (FET). You are just one click away from your dream: http://www.funzalushaka.doe.gov.za/
Naturally, the list does not end here! There are a variety of other bursaries and loans available to get your academic career rolling. Every bursary has its own requirements, so make sure that you read the information carefully before you apply. Find the perfect bursary for your circumstances, interests, and passions here.
Did you think there are so many different types of bursaries available? Visit http://studies.nwu.ac.za/studies/bursaries-and-loans to view a complete list of possible bursaries and loans on each campus of the NWU. Now that you know how to get your slice of the bursary pie, complete and submit your bursary applications before the due date. And of course… see you next year!
Applications for selection courses closes 31 July 2021.