You may want to help a learner continue studying but cannot fund an entire qualification. One option to explore with us is sponsoring clearly defined application support.

This would help with the steps before an admission decision. It would not be a tuition bursary, and it would not buy a place at an institution. At Scenda, we would agree the scope, costs and reporting with you before a sponsored arrangement begins.

Start with the barrier you want to address

Speak with the learners or the school supporting them. Is the main challenge understanding course requirements, preparing documents, paying institution application fees or following up on outstanding steps?

Different needs call for different support. A learner who only needs data may not need the same help as one who is unsure which courses fit their subjects. We would use this discussion to propose a suitable scope rather than assume every learner needs the same package.

Know exactly what your money would cover

Keep these possible costs separate in the proposal:

  • Our agreed support service.
  • Institution application fees, where applicable.
  • Other approved expenses, such as data or a required test.
  • Any administration or reporting work agreed for the project.

State which costs are included, which need separate approval and what happens to unused funds. A learner's tuition, registration and living costs would remain outside the arrangement unless expressly included in a separate funding commitment.

Applying directly to NSFAS is free. A sponsored support arrangement must never describe our service charge as an NSFAS fee.

Choose learners fairly

Agree simple selection criteria before inviting applications. These might consider financial need, readiness to apply, the project's location and whether the support matches the learner's needs.

Explain the criteria in language learners and families understand. Sponsorship should not depend on a learner agreeing to a public photograph, testimonial or personal story. Any publicity would need a separate, clear agreement.

Measure progress you can verify

For a proposed pilot, we suggest reporting separate counts for learners selected, learners who consented, document packs ready, applications submitted to institutions and outstanding actions.

An admission or funding outcome would be reported only when confirmed. Learners supported, applications submitted and offers received are different measures. Counting them separately gives you a more honest view of the work.

We would agree the information you need and the permission needed to share it. Routine reports should use grouped results wherever possible, rather than circulate identity documents or private financial records.

Your next step

Contact us about sponsorship with your intended learner group, approximate budget, location and preferred timing. Please leave out learner identity documents at this early stage.

We would then prepare a proposal for your review. A discussion does not commit either party to a funded programme. You can also book a partnership meeting to explore the fit.

Official reference: NSFAS application guidance.