Students at Sol Plaatje University (SPU) in Kimberley are funded mainly through NSFAS, the Funza Lushaka bursary, SETAs, Northern Cape provincial bursaries and Fundi loans. SPU's Financial Aid Office and Student Debtors work together on funding and clearance. The details below come from SPU's 2026 undergraduate prospectus and its 2026 financial registration guidelines.
NSFAS
NSFAS funds disadvantaged students who want to study towards an undergraduate qualification. Apply online on the NSFAS website. First-time entering students and returning undergraduates on the NSFAS-funded list do not pay any upfront amount at registration.
Funza Lushaka
The Funza Lushaka bursary applies only to selected BEd programmes, and you apply online on its own website.
Other funders
- SETA bursaries: listed on the various SETA websites
- Northern Cape transversal provincial bursaries: from the provincial government
- Fundi: study loans for all qualifications
- Feenix: a crowdfunding platform where students can raise money for their studies
SPU says students are responsible for applying for funding, so investigate every option and apply in time.
Refunds
SPU refunds only accounts with a credit balance, after a written application from the person or organisation that paid, with proof of banking details. Refunds are processed at the end of the academic year or when a student cancels.
Recognised bursaries
Students who hold recognised bursaries or scholarships may use their award to cover or reduce the minimum amounts payable at registration. Email your award letter to finance.enquiries@spu.ac.za before registration.
Self-funded students
In 2026, self-funded students paid R6,000 for academic registration, plus R6,000 for residence if they had a confirmed residence place. If you cannot pay upfront, write a motivation letter to the Financial Aid and Scholarship Committee at financialappeal@spu.ac.za, with your academic results, IDs, proof of income or SASSA, and death certificates where applicable. If there is no response within three weeks, consider the application unsuccessful.
Students with debt
Returning students owing less than R25,000 continue registering and sign an online acknowledgement of debt. Those owing more must first reduce their debt to set levels and pay the minimum amounts.
Contact
For funding information, SPU's prospectus lists contacts in the Financial Aid Office, and for tuition fee quotations, contacts in Student Accounts. You can also email finance.enquiries@spu.ac.za.
Plan ahead
There is a wide range of funding sources in South Africa, from bursaries to study loans from government and banks. Apply early, because many have closing dates months before registration.
More funding
Frequently Asked Questions
Do NSFAS students pay upfront at SPU?
No. Students on the NSFAS-funded list do not pay upfront.
Who can get Funza Lushaka at SPU?
Students in selected BEd programmes.
Where do I send my SPU bursary letter?
To finance.enquiries@spu.ac.za, before registration.