Eligibility Criteria for DTEF Sponsorship

Government sponsorship is a privilege designed to empower the citizens of Botswana. Because funds are limited and highly competitive, the Department of Tertiary Education Financing (DTEF) has strict eligibility criteria. Before you spend time gathering documents for the online application, review these standard requirements to see if you qualify.

1. Citizenship

The most fundamental requirement is citizenship. DTEF sponsorship is exclusively available to citizens of Botswana. You must possess a valid Omang (National Identity Card). If you are under 16 and do not yet have an Omang, your birth certificate and parents' details will be required, though most tertiary applicants are of Omang-holding age.

2. Academic Performance (Cut-off Points)

Sponsorship is merit-based. You must achieve a minimum number of points in your Botswana General Certificate of Secondary Education (BGCSE) or equivalent recognized examinations.

• General Cut-off: Historically, the general cut-off point for sponsorship has hovered around 36 points, but this is subject to change every academic year based on the national performance and budget availability.
• Priority Programs: Certain STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) or priority sector programs may have different cut-off criteria or specific subject requirements (e.g., strong grades in Mathematics and Sciences).

3. Admission to an Accredited Institution

You cannot apply for sponsorship without a destination. You must have an official, unconditional offer or letter of admission from a recognized tertiary institution. Furthermore, the institution and the specific program must be on the DTEF's Approved Institutions List. Sponsorship will not be granted for unaccredited programs or 'fly-by-night' colleges.

4. Prior Sponsorship Restrictions

The government generally aims to sponsor a student for their first tertiary qualification. If you have previously been sponsored by DTEF for a degree program, you are generally not eligible for a second sponsorship at the same level (e.g., getting sponsored for a second Bachelor's degree). There are specific, separate procedures for progression (e.g., moving from a Diploma to a Degree, or applying for postgraduate funding), which have their own strict criteria.

5. Age Limits

While tertiary education is for all ages, there are sometimes upper age limits placed on initial undergraduate sponsorship (often around 35 years of age, though this can vary). Mature entry students should verify current policies directly with the DTEF.

If you meet all these criteria, your next step is to prepare your paperwork using our Required Documents Checklist.