UCT GAP Funding Overview

GAP funding is available for applicants who do not meet the NSFAS loan eligibility criteria as they exceed the 30% non-STEM programme requirement set by NSFAS. The Student Financial Aid Office will conact those non-STEM students and offer UCT GAP Funding. 

Who Can Apply?

NSFAS loan applicants who are undergraduates and unsuccessful in their NSFAS loan application and have a gross family income of between R350 001 and R600 000. 

Funding Breakdown

UCT Administered Bursaries towards Course Fees

GAP funded students will receive a non-repayable course fee bursary ranging from 70% to 50% based on gross family income. For example, a first-year BCom student may receive as much as R45,000 as a course fee bursary.

UCT Student Loan Offer

GAP funded students qualify for a UCT loan offer of either R58,600 or R16,800 (2025 loan offer amounts), depending on whether they are local or from out of town. Out-of-town students receive the higher loan offer. These loans are underwritten by UCT and may be adjusted annually to account for inflation and budget availability.

GAP Funding Rules

The following rules apply to ensure equitable and fair allocation of GAP funding resources:

  • If students pay all their fees, GAP funding will be withdrawn pro rata to any credits in their account.
  • If students receive sponsorship or scholarships, their UCT tuition bursary will be reduced, and any loan offer will be reduced or cancelled in proportion to the external funding received.
  • Students will not receive UCT GAP funding if other funding exceeds the determined GAP funding package.
  • All GAP funded students must contribute towards their study costs.
  • Loan conditions apply, and loans are repayable once a student completes or stops their studies.
  • Loan offers are applied towards outstanding fees. Students will only receive funding for private accommodation if they have a credit. No refunds are permitted.

How to Apply for GAP Funding

UCT is part of the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) student-centred application model. All students needing financial support must first apply to NSFAS. If your NSFAS application for missing middle funding is unsuccessful, contact the Student Financial Aid Office to assess your eligibility for GAP funding.

NSFAS Online Application

Application Outcome

Once your GAP funding application is received, it will be evaluated, and the outcome will be communicated to you. It is essential to submit a properly completed application with all supporting documents to avoid delays.

Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for GAP funding, you must meet the following criteria:

  • South African citizenship or permanent residency (proof required).
  • First undergraduate qualification.
  • Financial eligibility within the GAP funding range.
  • Unsuccessful NSFAS loan application for the missing middle undergraduate programme.
  • No administrative order against the applicant.
  • Compliance with the N+1 Rule: Minimum duration of the programme plus one year. All years of study are counted to determine N+1, regardless of the funding sources.

Note: The post-degree law programme (LAWP01), PGDA, and PGCE programmes are no longer funded.

UCT will confirm your eligibility for GAP funding via email.