Financial Aid sits at the heart of the University as our key role is to support students by coordinating funding between themselves, the University and Funders. We provide administrative and advisory support to students.
SPU does not offer institutional bursaries or loans, students apply directly to Funders.
Part of our role is to encourage prospective and current students to apply for as many funding opportunities as possible.
Although we do not actively seek funding for students, we do ensure that the administration process is seamless once a student is awarded a bursary.
Application submissions are assessed and evaluated by Funders based on their own criteria and the information provided by the student. An application for funding does not guarantee funding to students, Funders will communicate with successful recipients.
Explanation of funding terminology
- Bursaries are the awarding of funding to academically and financially deserving students.
- Loans are money borrowed to cover educational fees.
- Scholarships are usually offered to students who excel academically in their studies.
- Sponsorship is a recipient of financial support.
What documents are required to apply for funding
Below is a checklist with standard documents which are usually required for any funding opportunity:
- Identity document
- Matric certificate
- Latest academic transcript
- Household income of both parents/legal guardian e.g. payslips; affadavits; confirmation letter from SASSA; court order as supporting document of legal guardianship.
- Identity documents of parents/guardian
- Death certificate of parents
- Proof of all household members (ID documents, birth certificates)
- Testimonial or motivational letter
Applications for the Funza Lushaka Bursary for 2025 are open
The Department of Education is inviting students to apply for the Funza Lushaka Bursary programme for the 2025 academic year. Funza Lushaka Bursary is awarded to students towards the following Teaching qualifications:
Undergraduate studies: 4-year Bachelor of Education degree (Bed) as well as the Graduate studies: 1-year Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE), New applications close on 16/01/2025, re-applications for existing /returning bursars close on 30/11/2025.
For more information click here to access bursary requirements.
NSFAS 2025 Applications are now open
The National Student Financial Aid Scheme is a South African government financial aid scheme which provides financial aid to undergraduate students to help pay for the cost of their tertiary education after finishing high school, visit www.nsfas.org.za for detailed information on how to apply.
Click here to access the how-to-apply user guide.
SA BURSARIES
SA Bursaries is South Africa’s largest bursary site.
Their goal is to find as many bursary opportunities as possible throughout South Africa, and publish these all in one place so that students can have access to funding opportunities, which they may not have known about.
Click here to visit their website.
NSFAS (National Student Financial Aid Scheme)
NSFAS provides funding to students from disadvantaged families and it funds studies from most academic programmes.
For general enquiries, contact:
Tel: 0860 067 327
Email: [email protected]
FUNZA LUSHAKA BURSARY
Funza Lushaka is only applicable to those students that intend to enrol for the Bachelor of Education degrees. This Funder enables eligible students to complete a teaching qualification in an area of national priority.
For a full description of the Funza Lushaka Priorities offered by the Department of Basic Education and for further application information, visit the Funza Lushaka website here.
SECTOR EDUCATION AND TRAINING AUTHORITIES (SETAs)
From time to time, various SETAs provide bursaries to students. This funding is industry and occupation specific.
Students will be advised on when this funding becomes available so that they can submit an online application.
SPU students are funded by:
WRSETA
Website: www.wrseta.org.za
General enquiries: 053 831 4117
SERVICES SETA
Website: www.serviceseta.org.za
General Enquiries: 011 276 9600
FOODBEV SETA
Website: www.foodbev.org.za
General Enquiries: 011 253 7300
ETDP SETA
Website: www.etdpseta.org.za
General Enquiries: 053 832 0051
National Youth Development Agency (NYDA)
Website: www.nyda.gov.za
General enquiries: 053 807 1022
Northern Cape Premier’s Education Trust Fund (NCPETF)
Website: www.ncpetf.org
General enquiries: 053 831 3550
FUNDI – LOANS AND SERVICES OFFERING
Website: www.fundi.co.za
General enquiries: 0860 55 55 44
GENERAL BURSARY WEBSITE
Website: bursaries-southafrica.co.za
CROWDFUNDING
Crowdfunding is an online fundraising platform that connects students to funding communities.
Visit feenix.org for more information.
For funding information kindly contact:
Ms Chrizelle Mally
Tel: 053 491 0102
Email: [email protected]
Ms Malebo Tshelane
Tel: 053 491 0366
Email: [email protected]
Ms Elda Albertus
Tel: 053 491 0105
Email: [email protected]
Ms Busiswa Telile
Tel: 053 491 0473
Email: [email protected]