B-Tech Funding

After completing the National Diploma which takes 3 years at CPUT, a student has a choice of doing their post grad being B-Tech (which is equivalent to a degree), Masters and PHD.



NSFAS Website

 A large amount of students at CPUT study through NSFAS (National Student Financial Aid Scheme). At the financial department it is stated that a student cab be funded by NSFAS for a period of 5 years whilst studying at the institution.

For me this then means that a student will complete the ND in 3 years, B-Tech which takes a year and masters which also take a year. Making it 5 years being supported by NSFAS. Baring in mind that this is a loan that will have to be paid back, they are not giving it to u to have. It is an investment to yourself.

When I asked about this 5 years funding by NSFAS, I was told that “the 5 years is to accommodate the students who take 5 years to complete a 3 year course”. When applying for NSFAS for B-Tech after completing the NP in record time (3 years), you are told that NSFAS doesn’t fund Post Grads in which B-Tech falls under.

Majority of students studying through NSFAS get thousands of rands in change for no given reason and yet they don’t want to fund B-Tech students who want to get their degrees so that they are not only limited by the ND, but be able to be recognise out of the country.

What is the reason for NSFAF not to want to fund B-Tech students at CPUT and yet other institutions, students are funded for their full degree?