Can NSFAS Fund My Second Degree

Can NSFAS Fund My Second Degree

The National Student Financial Aid Scheme(NSFAS) is a South African government initiative that offers monetary help to students who cannot afford to pay for their tertiary education. It mainly helps first-time undergraduate students by covering expenses like tuition fees, accommodation, meals, transport, and study materials at public universities and TVET colleges.

But what if you’ve already completed a degree and want to study again—can NSFAS fund your second degree? The short answer is that NSFAS is mostly focused on helping students who are entering higher education for the first time. If you’ve already completed an undergraduate qualification, you normally won’t be qualified to get funding for another one. However, there are a few exceptions. NSFAS may fund a second qualification if it is considered essential or falls within specific categories they support.

They also look at your academic record from your first degree and whether you meet the current eligibility requirements, both academically and financially. In some rare cases, students who are pursuing certain postgraduate courses (like teaching or nursing diplomas) may also qualify. If you’re considering applying for NSFAS for a second degree, it’s important to research thoroughly and find out if your new course is one of the few that NSFAS still supports. You can visit their official website or contact their offices for detailed and updated information on your eligibility.

Learn more: How Many Years Does NSFAS Fund A Student

Eligibility Requirements For NSFAS Application

To be eligible for NSFAS, you must meet the following criteria;

All South African citizens
All SASSA grant recipients qualify for funding
Applicants whose combined household income is not more than R350,000 per annum
A person with a disability: Combined household income must not be more than R600,000 per annum
SASSA recipients automatically qualify for funding and need not submit any proof of income.

Can NSFAS Fund My Second Degree

How to Get NSFAS Funding for a Second Degree:

NSFAS may consider you for your second degree depending on the following points;

Previous NSFAS support:

If you obtained support for your first degree, you can apply for additional funding for your second degree.
However, the overall amount of funds you may obtain from NSFAS is limited, so satisfy their criteria.

Academic achievement:

When determining your eligibility for a second-degree loan, NSFAS analyzes your academic achievement in your prior degree.
To qualify, you must meet the minimal academic criteria.

Financial Eligibility:

As with the first degree, your financial condition will be evaluated to see if you fit the criteria for support.
This involves taking into account your family’s income as well as other financial conditions.

Supporting documents required for NSFAS

All applicants must provide;

Valid South African ID number of the Applicant
Valid South African ID number of parent(s), guardian, or spouse
Income information, where applicable.
Students with disabilities must provide: A completed and signed Disability Annexure A Form (available on the website)
Students recognized as vulnerable children must be provided:
Students who have indicated no family members’ details must complete the 2026 Declaration Form (available on the website)

Can NSFAS Fund My Second Degree

Other documents that may be required for appeals purposes:

Retrenchment letter,
Death certificate/s
Proof of legal guardianship
Marriage certificate

Learn more: Colleges With NSFAS 2026

How To Apply For NSFAS 2026

Follow the step-by-step guide below to apply online for NSFAS.

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

Contact NSFAS

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

NSFAS can support your second degree in South Africa if you match their eligibility criteria and meticulously complete the application process. Visit the official NSFAS website for more information.

NSFAS For Postgraduate 2026