The University of Limpopo, located in the Limpopo province of South Africa, offers a range of bursaries to financially needy students who demonstrate academic potential. These bursaries help cover tuition fees and other study-related costs, making higher education accessible to more students. In this article, we will focus on the University of Limpopo Bursaries for first-year and senior students, as well as its postgraduate bursary program. We will also discuss the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) and Edu-loan, which offer additional options for funding tertiary education.
University of Limpopo Academic Bursaries
The University’s academic bursaries for first-year students are merit-based and aim to encourage academic excellence. To qualify for this bursary, students must:
- Register to study at the University of Limpopo for a first degree for the first time after grade 12
- Obtain an average of 70% or higher during the grade 12 final examination
- Have an average calculated by adding the percentages of the six best final exam results and dividing by six
The bursary covers full tuition fees for the year, but the student must apply annually to be considered.
University of Limpopo Performance Bursaries
The University also offers performance bursaries for undergraduate senior students who demonstrate academic excellence. To qualify for this bursary, students must:
- Achieve an overall pass of 70-75% from the previous year/level of study on the first attempt, provided that they took and passed the full curriculum
- Achieve an overall pass of 76%-100% from the previous year/level of study on the first attempt, provided that they took and passed the full curriculum
The bursary covers full upfront registration fees for the year for students who achieve the first criteria and full tuition fees for students who achieve the second. However, these bursaries do not apply to students who are already in receipt of any other scholarship or bursary that covers the full amount that they have qualified for.
National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS)
The NSFAS is a government initiative that provides loan and bursary schemes for financially needy South African students who demonstrate academic potential. To qualify for NSFAS funding, applicants must be:
- South African citizens
- Financially needy
- Registered at a South African university/technikon and studying towards their first tertiary educational qualification
- Students studying towards a second tertiary qualification that enables them to practice in a chosen profession, such as a Higher Diploma in Education (HDE)
NSFAS funding offers low-interest rates, and up to 40% of the loan can be converted into a bursary if the student passes all registered courses for the year. The amount that a student can receive is determined annually, and there are minimum and maximum limits. Students will also be expected to make a contribution toward their studies according to their Expected Family Contribution (EFC), which is based on their family income. NSFAS funding application forms can be obtained from the Financial Aid Office, and their closing dates are mid-October for registered students and mid-March for first-year students.
University of Limpopo Postgraduate Bursary
The University of Limpopo’s postgraduate bursaries aim to financially support postgraduate students who intend to pursue Master, Doctoral, Honours, or B.Ed Honours studies. To qualify for this bursary, students must:
- Be first-time entering Masters or Doctoral students, who are entitled to a tuition fee bursary of up to R10 000-00 for the duration of their study
- Be first-time entering Honours or B.Ed Honours students, who must have obtained 60% in the final year of their undergraduate study for the subject(s) or course(s) that they intend to pursue for their postgraduate degree
The tuition fee bursary is capped by the amount of tuition fee levied for the year and is limited to the total amount of tuition levied for the academic year of registration for the stipulated period of study. Other costs to the fee account will not be covered by the bursary, and eligible students who fail to complete their studies within the stipulated time will not qualify for University-administered financial aid. The University also reserves the right to withdraw the tuition bursary if the student fails to disclose that they have an equivalent degree from another institution. No retrospective application for the bursary is allowed, and students must attach an acceptance letter from the School, a copy of their detailed transcript of academic records, their degree certificates, and their ID copies or birth certificates to their application form.
Edu-Loan
Edu-Loan is a privately owned student loan and bursary provider that offers financial assistance to students who need to study finance. Edu-Loan helps cover tuition fees, settle outstanding balances, and purchase books and accessories. The loan also offers the lowest interest rates, fixed monthly payments, and no deposit. Students can visit Edu-Loan’s website to find out more about available financing options.
Conclusion
The University of Limpopo Bursaries offers a range of bursaries that aim to provide financial assistance to students who are in need and demonstrate academic potential. These bursaries vary from academic awards bursaries for first-year students to performance bursaries for undergraduate seniors, postgraduate bursaries, and the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) loans and bursaries. Students should contact the University’s Financial Aid Office for more information about the application process and deadlines for each of these funding options. Additionally, Edu-Loan offers private student loans for those in need of further financial assistance.