Can A 35 -Year -Old Apply For NSFAS?

Can A 35 -Year -Old Apply For NSFAS?

Many people wonder if there’s an age restriction when applying for the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS). The good news is that age does not prevent you from applying. If you’re 35 years old and thinking about furthering your education, you can still apply for NSFAS funding. NSFAS is designed to help South African students who cannot afford the costs of higher education, whether you’re attending a public university or a TVET college.

Unlike some bursaries or scholarships that only target young school leavers, NSFAS has an open approach that welcomes applicants of different ages. While it’s true that most students funded by NSFAS are in their late teens or early twenties, the scheme does not mention any specific upper age limit in its official rules.

This means that as long as you meet the other requirements—such as proving that your household income falls below the NSFAS threshold and that you meet the academic criteria—you are free to apply, no matter how old you are. If you have been out of school for a few years or are returning to study later in life, NSFAS could still be the financial support you need to achieve your goals. So don’t let your age hold you back. If you qualify, NSFAS funding can help you build a better future through education.

Learn more: What Is NSFAS Age Limit?

NSFAS Eligibility Criteria for 2026-2027

To qualify for an NSFAS bursary, you must meet the following eligibility 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.

Can A 35 -Year -Old Apply For NSFAS?

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.

Can A 35 -Year -Old Apply For NSFAS?

How To Apply For NSFAS in 2026

The NSFAS applications are done online on the official website of the NSFAS agency. The NSFAS application procedure is straightforward. Follow the steps below to apply for NSFAS;

• Go to the www.nsfas.org.za official website and click on the ‘myNSFAS’ tab.
• Create a myNSFAS account.
• Click on the ‘APPLY’ tab and complete the sections on the screen.
• Upload required supporting documents where applicable.
• Click on ‘Submit’.

How to Check Your myNSFAS Application Status

Follow these steps to see how your application is progressing:

Visit the myNSFAS Portal

• Go to www.nsfas.org.za.
• Click the myNSFAS button at the top right of the homepage.

Log In to Your Account

• Enter your email address and password.
• Complete the CAPTCHA to confirm it’s you.
• Click Sign In.

Learn more: Is There An Age Limit For NSFAS?

Check Your Application Status

• After logging in, find the Track Application Progress or Application Status tab.
• Click it to see your current status.

Contact NSFAS

NSFAS Virtual Contact Centre

We are available to assist through the following channels:

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

Can A 35 -Year -Old Apply For NSFAS?

For general, student, and NSFAS Wallet enquiries

• For all other queries regarding students:
• Tel No.: 08000 67327
• Email: info@nsfas.org.za

Physical Address

• The Halyard, 4 Christiaan Barnard St,
• Cape Town City Centre,
• Cape Town, 8001

Visit the official website of NSFAS for more information. I hope the provided information is helpful. Share your thoughts below in the comment section.

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