NSFAS Qualifying Students 2026/2027

NSFAS Qualifying Students 2026/2027

Studying after high school can be expensive, and not every student in South Africa can afford university or college fees. That’s why the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) was created—to give financial support to students who need it the most. NSFAS helps make higher education possible for thousands of students every year. To be considered a qualifying NSFAS student, there are a few basic requirements you must meet.

You need to be a South African citizen, show that you come from a low-income household, and have the right academic results to get into a public university or TVET college. NSFAS also expects students to keep doing well in their studies. If you’re already in college, you must pass at least half of your courses to continue receiving help. Also, if you’ve already completed another qualification, you generally won’t be eligible unless you’re applying for a supported postgraduate programme.

NSFAS doesn’t just pay for tuition. It can also cover accommodation, transport, textbooks, meals, and other study-related needs. This kind of support helps take the pressure off students and their families, allowing them to focus on their education. If you’re planning to study in 2026/2027 and need help paying for it, NSFAS might be the solution. In this guide, we’ll explain how NSFAS works, what the requirements are, and how you can apply. With the right support, your education dreams are within reach.

Learn more: NSFAS Check Status

Who Qualifies for NSFAS in 2026/2027?

To qualify for NSFAS, you must meet the following requirements;

• All South African citizens
• All SASSA grant recipients qualify for funding
• Applicants whose combined household income is not more than R350,000 per annum
• Person with disability: Combined household income must not be more than R600,000 per annum
• Students who started studying before 2018, whose household income is not more than R122,000 per annum.
• Returning Students: You need to pass at least half of your modules to keep getting NSFAS funding.
• No Other Qualifications: If you already qualify, you can’t apply again—unless you’re going for a postgraduate course that NSFAS supports.

What Does NSFAS Cover?

For eligible students, NSFAS covers:

UNIVERSITY

• Accommodation
  As per the actual costs charged by the university (costs for private accommodation must not exceed costs for university residence)
• Transport (up to 40 km from institution) R7,500 per annum
• Living allowance R15, 000 per annum
• Book allowances R5200 per annum
• Incidental/personal care allowance R2900 per annum for students in catered residences

TVET

• Accommodation in an urban area R24,000 per annum
• Accommodation in an peri-urban area R18,900 per annum
• Accommodation in a rural area R15,750 per annum
• Transport (up to 40 km from institution) R7,350 per annum
• Transport R7000 per annum
• Incidental/personal care allowance R2900 per annum

Supporting documents required for NSFAS

NSFAS needs information to confirm the employment and income of an applicant’s parents, guardians, or spouse.

• NSFAS Declaration Form: completed by the school principal or social worker. (Non-SASSA only)
• Orphan and Vulnerable Child Declaration Form: completed by a social worker for applicants under 18. (Non-SASSA only)
• NSFAS Consent Form: signed by the applicant and/or parent, guardian, or spouse. (Not needed for SASSA recipients)
• If the applicant has a legal guardian, court-issued proof is required.
• For non-court-appointed guardians, submit the NSFAS Declaration Form.

Learn more: What Are The NSFAS Requirements 2026-2027?

How to Apply For NSFAS 2026-2027

Follow the all-inclusive, gradual guide below to apply for NSFAS.

• Visit the official website of NSFAS at:  www.nsfas.org.za
• Click on the ‘myNSFAS’ tab.
• Create a myNSFAS account with your personal information
• Click on the ‘APPLY’ tab and complete the sections on the screen
• Upload the required supporting documents, where applicable
• Click on ‘Submit’.

 NSFAS Contact Details

• Email: info@nsfas.org.za
• Facebook: National Student Financial Aid Scheme
• Twitter: @myNSFAS
• Instagram: @myNSFAS
• WhatsApp: +27 78 519 8006
• USSD:*120*67327#

Please bear in mind that qualifying requirements and application processes are subject to change. Visit the official website of NSFAS for more information.

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