National Skills Fund (NSF) Bursary

The National Skills Fund has confirmed continued funding for bursaries and skills programmes linked to its 2026 cycle, affecting thousands of young people and training institutions across Gauteng. The funding supports priority skills development programmes aligned with national economic needs and post-school education plans. This matters now as youth unemployment in Gauteng remains high and demand for funded training opportunities continues to outstrip supply.

The National Skills Fund operates under the Department of Higher Education and Training and plays a central role in financing skills development initiatives outside the traditional university funding system.

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What the National Skills Fund is and how it works

The National Skills Fund, commonly referred to as the NSF, is a public entity established in 1999 under the Skills Development Act. It is listed as a Schedule 3A public entity in terms of the Public Finance Management Act and reports to the Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation.

According to the department, the fund exists to finance skills development initiatives that are identified as national priorities in the National Skills Development Plan 2030.

Unlike NSFAS, which focuses mainly on student financial aid at universities and TVET colleges, the NSF funds a wider range of skills programmes. These include bursaries, workplace-based learning, learnerships, artisan development, infrastructure investment, and research linked to labour market needs.

Why the NSF matters to Gauteng

Gauteng is the economic hub of South Africa and has one of the highest concentrations of unemployed youth, job seekers, and skills training providers. Many NSF-funded projects are implemented through Gauteng-based colleges, training academies, municipalities, and sector bodies.

The department has previously indicated that NSF funding is used to bridge the gap between education and employment by funding training that responds directly to labour market demand.

For Gauteng residents, this means access to funded skills programmes in sectors such as manufacturing, aviation, security, construction, digital skills, and public infrastructure support.

How NSF funding is prioritised

The NSF does not fund programmes randomly. Its funding priorities are guided by legislation, national policy, and long-term development plans.

Key frameworks guiding NSF funding include:

• The Skills Development Act
• The National Skills Development Plan 2030
• The National Development Plan
• The White Paper on Post-School Education and Training
• The Industrial Policy Action Plan

According to the NSF, funding is targeted at initiatives that improve employability, support economic participation, and strengthen the post-school education and training system.

Main areas funded by the National Skills Fund

The NSF’s work is structured around three core areas.

These include:

• Education and training of learners through bursaries, scholarships, and skills programmes
• Support for the post school education and training system, including skills infrastructure and institutional capacity building
• Skills development, research, innovation, and system improvement

Funding is channelled through public institutions, training providers, and approved partners rather than directly to individuals in most cases.

How the NSF is funded

The NSF’s revenue comes from several sources defined in law.

These include:

• Twenty percent of the national skills development levies
• Interest earned on investments held with the Public Investment Corporation
• Uncommitted surpluses transferred from the sector education and training authorities

According to National Treasury listings, the NSF has been classified as a Schedule 3A public entity since 2012, which places it under strict financial governance and reporting requirements.

How NSF bursary and skills funding applications work

The NSF does not run continuous open bursary applications in the same way as NSFAS. Instead, funding is released through specific calls and partnerships.

There are two main application routes.

Open calls
In an open call process, the NSF publishes requests for proposals and invites qualifying institutions and organisations to submit skills development proposals. These are evaluated competitively based on alignment with national priorities, available funding, and geographic spread.

Closed calls
In closed calls, the NSF targets specific institutions or sectors. These often include TVET colleges, universities, community education and training colleges, municipalities, state-owned companies, and non-profit organisations.

Individual applicants usually apply through funded programmes rather than directly to the NSF.

2026 NSF-linked bursary and training opportunities

For the 2026 cycle, several NSF-linked and government-supported programmes have opened or announced timelines.

One confirmed opportunity affecting Gauteng youth is the Flyfofa Cabin Crew Training Programme for 2026. According to programme details, the initiative targets young people seeking aviation training in partnership with the Department of Higher Education and Training.

Other 2026 funding opportunities linked to NSF-supported sectors include programmes associated with SASSETA, Armscor, and provincial government bursaries, although each has its own application process and deadlines.

The NSF has also introduced the NSF Connect system to improve tracking of learner data, stipends, and funded training outcomes.

What This Means for Gauteng Residents

For Gauteng residents, NSF funding represents access to skills training beyond traditional academic degrees. The fund supports programmes linked to employment opportunities, particularly in sectors with skills shortages.

However, access is dependent on whether training providers, colleges, or employers in Gauteng secure NSF funding and open applications locally. This means availability can vary by region, sector, and year.

It also means that NSF funding does not replace NSFAS and does not guarantee placement. Applicants are typically selected through funded programmes rather than by applying directly to the fund.

NSF leadership and accountability

The NSF operates under an executive structure responsible for strategy, financial management, skills implementation, and compliance.

According to the fund, it is currently led by acting executives overseeing strategy, skills development implementation, and financial governance. The entity reports to the Department of Higher Education and Training and is subject to parliamentary oversight.

General enquiries are handled through the NSF administration and communications office.

FAQs

Is the NSF the same as NSFAS?
No. The NSF funds skills development initiatives and programmes, while NSFAS provides financial aid to qualifying students at universities and TVET colleges.

Can individuals apply directly to the NSF for bursaries?
In most cases, no. Individuals apply through NSF-funded programmes, colleges, or training providers.

Are NSF bursaries only for university students?
No. NSF funding supports a wide range of post school education and training, including learnerships, skills programmes, and workplace-based learning.

Does NSF funding focus on Gauteng only?
No. Funding is national, but many programmes are implemented in Gauteng due to population size and economic activity.

Is NSF funding guaranteed every year?
No. Funding depends on approved budgets, national priorities, and programme performance.

What happens next

The National Skills Fund is expected to continue issuing funding calls and supporting priority skills programmes through the 2026 academic and training cycle. Timelines for new calls depend on budget approvals and departmental planning processes.

For Gauteng residents, access to NSF-funded opportunities will depend on local institutions securing funding and opening applications. The department has not indicated changes to the fund’s mandate but has emphasised ongoing alignment with labour market demand and national development goals.