Paying for university or college in South Africa can be challenging, especially as tuition, textbooks, accommodation, and daily expenses quickly add up. Many students find that a single funding source isn’t enough, so knowing how to combine Fundi loans with other student funding sources is important to covering all education-related costs without undue stress.
Fundi loans are a popular and reliable option, but when combined strategically with bursaries, scholarships, NSFAS, family support, part-time jobs, or crowdfunding, they become even more effective in supporting your studies.
1. Combine Fundi Loans with Bursaries
Bursaries are financial awards given to students who meet specific requirements, such as good grades, financial need, or commitment to a certain field. Unlike loans, bursaries don’t need to be repaid.
Here’s how to combine a Fundi loan with a bursary:
- Apply early for bursaries offered by universities, government departments, or private companies.
- Use the bursary to cover part of your fees or accommodation, and the Fundi loan for the remaining balance.
- Inform both Fundi and the bursary provider about your combined funding to avoid overpayments.
Popular bursary providers in South Africa:
- Department of Education
- Vodacom Foundation
- Sasol Bursary Scheme
- Nedbank Bursaries
- Allan Gray Orbis Foundation
2. Combine Fundi Loans with Scholarships
Scholarships are another form of financial aid that doesn’t need to be repaid. They are often based on academic performance, sports ability, or leadership skills.
Here’s how to combine scholarships with your Fundi loan:
- Use the scholarship to cover full or partial tuition, and apply for a Fundi loan to handle study tools or housing.
- Keep track of scholarship renewal terms. Some scholarships require annual academic reviews.
- If the scholarship covers most costs, reduce the amount you borrow from Fundi to avoid unnecessary debt.
3. Combine Fundi Loans with NSFAS (If Eligible)
The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) provides funding for students in need. While Fundi is a private lender, NSFAS is government-based and supports low-income families.
You can only use both if:
- You’ve exhausted your NSFAS benefits and need help with extra costs, such as accommodation or equipment.
- NSFAS delays your payment, and you use a Fundi loan as a temporary solution.
Be sure not to double-dip on costs that NSFAS has already covered. Transparency is key to keeping your funding organized and legal.
4. Use Fundi Loans with Family Contributions
Sometimes, family members can help with your education expenses, but not cover everything. You can:
- Ask your family to pay for daily living expenses like food or transport.
- Use your Fundi loan for long-term payments such as tuition or residence fees.
- Keep a simple budget to ensure you don’t overspend or rely too heavily on loans.
When your family and Fundi both support your studies, you reduce the need to borrow large amounts.
5. Combine Fundi Loans with a Part-Time Job
Working part-time while studying can help you:
- Cover small, day-to-day expenses like stationery, printing, or mobile data.
- Save on interest by paying back your Fundi loan faster.
- Learn time management and gain valuable work experience.
If you’re using a Fundi loan, avoid using your job income for big expenses. Instead, focus on using your salary to stay on top of small needs, so your loan covers the bigger costs.
6. Fundi Loans and Crowdfunding
Some students create online fundraising campaigns on platforms like:
- BackaBuddy
- GoGetFunding
- Thundafund
You can share your story, explain your educational goals, and ask friends, family, and the public to help. If you raise part of your funds, you can take a smaller Fundi loan, which means lower monthly repayments later.
Always be clear about how much you still need after crowdfunding and communicate that clearly to Fundi during your application.
7. Managing Multiple Student Funding Sources
Using more than one funding source can be powerful, but it also requires good management. Here’s how to keep everything organized:
- Create a funding plan: List each source, the amount provided, and what it will cover.
- Track payment dates: Know when bursaries, scholarships, or loans will pay out.
- Avoid duplication: Don’t apply for two sources to cover the same expense.
- Update funders: If something changes (like receiving a new bursary), inform all other funding partners.
- Limit your loan amount: Only borrow what’s absolutely necessary from Fundi to reduce future debt.
Benefits of Combining Fundi Loans with Other Funding
When done correctly, combining funding has many advantages:
- Covers more expenses: You can meet all your study needs.
- Reduces stress: You’re less likely to run out of money mid-semester.
- Builds financial discipline: Managing multiple sources improves your budgeting skills.
- Keeps loan debt low: If you use bursaries, scholarships, and part-time income, you borrow less and pay less interest later.
How to Combine Fundi Loans with Other Student Funding Sources
Combining a Fundi loan with other student funding options can help you study without financial pressure. It gives you the flexibility to meet your academic needs fully, even when one source alone is not enough. Whether you’re relying on a bursary, scholarship, part-time work, or family support, each type of assistance can work together with a Fundi loan to build a strong financial plan for your studies.
Being smart about your funding helps you avoid future debt problems and keeps your mind focused on what really matters—your education. Always plan ahead, stay organized, and borrow responsibly. With the right strategy, you can make every rand count and complete your education journey with confidence.