Boost Your NSFAS Funding: Entrepreneurship Tips for Sol Plaatje Students

How Sol Plaatje Students Can Increase Their NSFAS Funding Through Entrepreneurship

For many students at Sol Plaatje University, the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) is essential for covering tuition fees, accommodation, and other academic expenses. However, NSFAS funding can sometimes fall short of covering all your needs, leaving you to find alternative ways to supplement your finances. One effective method is entrepreneurship — starting your own small business or side hustle while studying. Not only can this increase your financial resources, but it also develops important skills that will benefit you beyond university.

Understanding NSFAS and the Need for Extra Income

NSFAS aims to support students from low-income households by covering their educational expenses. However, the funding often focuses on tuition and basic needs, and may not cover extras like transport, textbooks, food, or other personal costs. This gap means many students struggle to make ends meet, which can negatively impact academic performance and overall wellbeing.

Entrepreneurship offers a practical solution to these challenges. By starting a small business, you can generate additional income to supplement your NSFAS funding, easing financial pressure and improving your university experience.

Step 1: Discover Your Entrepreneurial Potential

As a Sol Plaatje student, you possess unique talents and skills that can be turned into profitable ventures. Begin by identifying what you are good at or passionate about. It could be anything from tutoring other students, creating art or crafts, offering digital services like graphic design or social media management, to selling snacks or beverages on campus.

Choose something manageable that fits around your class schedule and workload. Starting small allows you to test your idea without risking too much.

Step 2: Plan and Start Lean

You don’t need a big investment to launch your business. Use free tools like social media platforms (Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp) to market your products or services. Take advantage of your university environment to find customers easily—fellow students, lecturers, or staff can be your first clients.

Keep your expenses low and focus on making consistent sales. A simple budget to track your income and costs will help you understand your business better and plan for growth.

Step 3: Use Your Earnings Wisely

Once you start earning, allocate your income wisely. Prioritize essentials that NSFAS doesn’t cover, such as transport, study materials, or food. This financial boost can reduce stress and allow you to concentrate on your studies.

Saving a portion of your profits can help you reinvest in the business or prepare for unexpected expenses.

Step 4: Grow Your Business and Network

As your business stabilizes, look for ways to expand. Maybe add new products or services, or collaborate with other students to reach more customers. Attend entrepreneurship workshops and use university resources like the Sol Plaatje Business Development Centre, which offers mentorship and training.

Growing your business not only increases income but also builds a valuable portfolio of experience that can impress future employers or bursary committees.

Step 5: Enhance Your NSFAS Prospects

Being an entrepreneur demonstrates initiative, responsibility, and determination—all qualities that can strengthen your future NSFAS applications or scholarship requests. When you show that you are proactively supporting yourself, you position yourself as a strong candidate for additional funding opportunities.

Final Thoughts

Balancing entrepreneurship and studies requires good time management and dedication. But the rewards—financial independence, valuable skills, and improved confidence—are worth it. By starting a small business, Sol Plaatje students can not only increase their NSFAS funding but also set themselves up for success in both their academic and professional lives.

Ready to take the first step? Identify your strengths today and explore how entrepreneurship can support your university journey.