If you’ve ever dreamed of studying for free in South Africa but thought it was impossible , you’re not alone. Education is expensive, and for many South Africans, tuition fees can feel like a mountain too high to climb. But here’s the good news: you can actually study for free (or almost free) in South Africa , if you know where to look and how to go about it.
In this guide, we’ll walk through real ways to get free education, from government funding and bursaries to online learning opportunities that cost absolutely nothing. So grab a cup of tea, sit back, and let’s unpack this together.
Why Free Education Matters in South Africa
South Africa has one of the most unequal education systems in the world. According to a 2024 report by Statistics South Africa, over 50% of students who qualify for university can’t afford to attend due to high tuition and living costs.
The government recognized this crisis — which sparked the famous #FeesMustFall movement in 2015. Since then, major changes have been made to make higher education more accessible, especially for students from poor and working-class families.
Today, thanks to programs like NSFAS (National Student Financial Aid Scheme) and a growing number of free online education platforms, studying for free is now a reality.
1. Apply for NSFAS (National Student Financial Aid Scheme)
If you’re a South African citizen and come from a low-income household, NSFAS should be your first stop. It’s a government-funded program that covers:
- Full tuition fees
- Accommodation
- Food allowance
- Books and learning materials
- Travel or transport costs
✅ Who Qualifies for NSFAS:
- South African citizens
- Students from households earning less than R350,000 per year
- Accepted into a public university or TVET college
You can apply online at the official NSFAS website: www.nsfas.org.za.
💡 Tip: Always apply early — NSFAS applications usually open around September each year for the next academic year. Late applications are rarely accepted.
2. Study at a Public University Offering Fee-Free Education Options
Several South African universities have policies to help financially struggling students. For example:
- University of Cape Town (UCT) and University of the Witwatersrand (Wits) offer “Gap Funding” for students who don’t fully qualify for NSFAS but still can’t afford fees.
- University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) has bursaries for top academic performers — if you keep your grades high, your tuition can be waived.
- Some institutions also partner with private companies to offer sponsorships for specific degrees (like engineering, health sciences, or IT).
Always check your chosen university’s financial aid office page — they often have hidden gems that most students overlook.
3. Apply for Private Bursaries and Scholarships
Besides NSFAS, private bursaries are another way to study for free. Many companies and organizations in South Africa fund students — especially in fields where there’s a skills shortage (think science, engineering, accounting, and IT).
Here are some great bursaries to check out:
- Allan Gray Orbis Foundation – for entrepreneurial students.
- Funza Lushaka Bursary – for future teachers (it even covers teaching practice expenses).
- SAICA Thuthuka Bursary – for aspiring chartered accountants.
- Vodacom, Sasol, and MTN bursaries – for STEM students.
- Shoprite and FNB bursaries – for commerce and business students.
👉 You can find updated bursary listings at trusted sources like:
🧭 Pro Tip: Don’t wait for applications to come to you. Set Google Alerts for “South Africa bursary 2025” — and apply as soon as new ones open.
4. Learn Online for Free (and Get Recognized Certificates)
Not all education needs to come with a university price tag. You can learn high-value skills for free online and still get certificates from world-class universities.
Here are some legit platforms to explore:
- Coursera – Free courses from top universities like Wits, UCT, Yale, and Google. (Coursera South Africa page)
- edX – Offers free courses from institutions like Harvard and UCT. (edx.org)
- Alison – 100% free with courses in business, IT, health, and more. (alison.com)
- Google Digital Skills for Africa – Free digital marketing and data skills courses. (learndigital.withgoogle.com)
- Udemy (Free Courses section) – Many instructors offer short free courses that teach practical skills.
🌟 Many South Africans are now landing remote jobs or freelance gigs thanks to free online certifications. It’s education — without the student debt.
5. Join NGOs and Community Learning Programs
Some non-profit organizations and community centers offer free training programs — especially for youth and unemployed adults.
Examples include:
- IkamvaYouth – Free tutoring and career guidance for high school learners. (ikamvayouth.org)
- CodeX and WeThinkCode_ – Free coding bootcamps that even help you find jobs after training. (wethinkcode.co.za)
- YES Program (Youth Employment Service) – Offers free skills training and work experience for young people. (yes4youth.co.za)
💬 These organizations don’t just teach you skills — they connect you to real opportunities afterward.
6. Study Abroad (for Free!)
This might surprise you, but some countries offer free tuition to international students, including South Africans!
- Germany – Public universities charge little to no tuition.
- Norway & Finland – Offer free higher education to everyone, including foreigners.
- China and Russia – Offer full government scholarships for African students.
- Turkey (Türkiye Scholarships) – Covers tuition, accommodation, and even monthly stipends.
You can check out ScholarshipPortal for a full list of international scholarships available to South Africans.
Final Thoughts
Getting a free education in South Africa isn’t just a dream — it’s 100% possible if you plan smartly, stay informed, and apply early.
Here’s your quick action checklist:
- ✅ Apply for NSFAS.
- 📚 Research university-based aid.
- 💼 Hunt for private bursaries.
- 🌐 Learn online for free.
- 🤝 Join community or NGO programs.
- 🌍 Explore international scholarships.
Education is your ticket out of poverty and into possibility. Don’t wait for someone to hand you the opportunity — go grab it.
“Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.” – Nelson Mandela