Higher education is one of the most effective ways to improve career prospects and earning potential. However, tuition fees, books, and living expenses can add a financial burden on many families.
The government-backed DHET bursary helps to lessen the burden by providing financial support to students from low-income families. These offer them an opportunity to enrol for accredited undergraduate programmes.
In this article, we will learn about the DHET bursary, what it covers, and how students can apply.
Table of Contents
What is the DHET Bursary?
The DHET bursary is a government-funded financial aid programme aimed at improving access to post-school education. It is funded by the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) and distributed through the NSFAS.
It helps to support students attending public universities, universities of technology, and TVET colleges in South Africa.
Unlike a student loan, the DHET bursary does not require repayment, provided the student complies with academic and administrative conditions.
Read more on Is NSFAS a Bursary or Loan? Everything You Need to Know Before Applying here
What is the Eligibility Criteria for the DHET Bursary?
The DHET bursary is intended to support students who demonstrate both financial need and academic readiness. Funding is primarily directed toward learners from low- to middle-income households.
To qualify for this bursary, applicants must meet specific income and citizenship requirements.
Listed below is the eligibility criteria for the DHET bursary:
- Must be a South African citizen with a valid South African ID.
- SASSA grant recipients qualify for funding consideration.
- Applicants from households with a combined annual income of R350 000 or less qualify.
- Applicants living with a disability qualify if their combined household income does not exceed R600,000 per annum.
- Students who began their studies before 2018 qualify if their combined household income does not exceed R122,000 per annum.
Read more on Online Bursary Applications for 2026 Undergraduate Studies in SA here
Documents Required for the DHET Bursary
If a student meets all the eligibility requirements, they can proceed to the next step. That is, arranging for all the documents needed for the NSFAS application. These documents are required to verify the details students provide on the application form.
All the documents must be certified and clearly scanned. They should also not be older than three months. If these requirements are not met, the application could be rejected.
Here is a list of the required essential documents for the DHET application:
1. Proof of Identity
An important document is proof of who you are. This helps to determine that you are a citizen, since government bursaries are only awarded to nationals. These documents are:
- Students must submit a certified copy of their South African ID or permanent residency permit.
- If an ID is not available, a birth certificate might be used. However, it will require additional documentation.
2. Parent/Guardian’s Identification
Students applying for the bursary who are not yet of legal age need to provide additional documents. These include:
- IDs of both parents (or)
- ID of the guardian
3. Household Proof of Income
Since the DHET bursary is need-based, it is important to submit correct proof of income papers. This helps to confirm the need. Proof of income documents include:
- Recent payslips, employment letters or tax returns of employed parents.
- Pension slips or an affidavit declaring unemployment for students whose parents are unemployed.
- A financial statement or an affidavit with income details for self-employed parents and guardians.
Application Steps for the DHET Bursary
Once all the documents required for the DHET application are ready, students can proceed to complete the application form. Students need to ensure that they fill in the correct details, attach all the required documents, and do so before the deadline.
Students can follow these steps when applying for a DHET bursary in South Africa.
- Visit the NSFAS website
- Create a profile on myNSFAS Portal if you are a first-time applicant.
- Log in using your details.
- Complete all the required information
- Attach all the documents in the correct categories
- Submit your application before the deadline.
What Does the DHET Bursary Cover?
The DHET bursary provides financial support to help students manage the direct and indirect costs of studying at public institutions. Funding differs slightly between universities and TVET colleges.
Below is a clear breakdown of what is typically covered:
1. University
The bursary amount for university studies helps to cover tuition plus living expenses. This allows students to focus on their studies.
Listed below is the DHET bursary coverage for university students:
- Tuition Fees: Covered according to the actual fees charged by the university.
- Accommodation: Covered based on actual university residence costs. Private accommodation funding may not exceed the cost of university residence.
- Transport Allowance: Up to R7,500 per annum for students living within 40 km of the institution.
- Living Allowance: R15,000 per annum.
- Book Allowance: R5,200 per annum for prescribed learning materials.
- Incidental/Personal Care Allowance: R2,900 per annum for students residing in catered residences.
2. TVET Colleges
The coverage for TVET colleges varies as their fee structure is different. The bursary amount also varies depending on where the student resides.
Listed below is the coverage for students enrolled in TVET colleges:
- Accommodation (Urban Area): Up to R24,000 per annum.
- Accommodation (Peri-Urban Area): Up to R18,900 per annum.
- Accommodation (Rural Area): Up to R15,750 per annum.
- Transport Allowance (within 40 km): Up to R7,350 per annum.
- General Transport Allowance: Up to R7,000 per annum, where applicable.
- Incidental/Personal Care Allowance: R2,900 per annum.
Conclusion
The DHET bursary plays a significant role in widening access to higher education for students from financially weak backgrounds. By covering tuition and essential living costs, the bursary allows qualifying learners to pursue university or TVET college studies.
Students planning to apply for the 2026 academic year should carefully review the eligibility criteria. Applying early and ensuring all requirements are met can improve the likelihood of receiving funding.
Students can also explore the various funding options and CHE-accredited programmes offered by Regenesys Education. Visit the website today!
FAQs
Is the DHET bursary the same as NSFAS?
The DHET bursary is funded by the Department of Higher Education and Training and administered through NSFAS. Students apply via the NSFAS system.
Do I need to repay the DHET bursary?
No, students are not required to repay the bursary amount. This is a reward that helps to cover the cost of tuition and living expenses during the course of study.
Can postgraduate students apply?
No, the DHET bursary is only applicable to students enrolled in or beginning undergraduate studies.
Does the bursary cover private universities?
No, the DHET bursary applies to public universities, universities of technology, and TVET colleges only.
How do I know if my application is approved?
Applicants receive updates through their myNSFAS portal profile and official communication channels.
