Can NSFAS Fund You For A Second Degree

Can NSFAS Fund You For A Second Degree

NSFAS is designed mostly to help students who are studying for their very first undergraduate degree. So, if you’ve already completed one degree, NSFAS will not provide financial support for a second degree. This also includes postgraduate studies like honours degrees, postgraduate diplomas, master’s degrees, and PhDs — NSFAS does not fund these types of programs.

The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) is a government program in South Africa that gives financial aid to students who qualify. It helps cover the costs related to higher education, such as tuition fees, accommodation, textbooks, and other study materials. It also helps with everyday living expenses like meals and transport while you are studying.

NSFAS aims to make education more affordable for students who come from families with low income or limited financial resources. This way, students can focus on their studies without the heavy burden of financial worries. To get NSFAS funding, students need to apply and meet specific eligibility rules. If you qualify, NSFAS can cover all or part of your study costs, depending on your financial situation.

Read more: What Courses Are Not Funded By NSFAS 2026?

NSFAS Eligibility Requirements for 2026

In South Africa, eligibility for the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) is based on a set of criteria meant to guarantee that financial support is only given to students who truly need it. NSFAS eligibility requirements often include the following:

• South African citizens or permanent residents
• SASSA grant recipients
• Applicants whose combined gross household income is not more than R350,000 per year
• Persons with disabilities whose combined gross household income is not more than R600,000 per year.
• Must have an email account and cell phone number.

Who Cannot Apply for NSFAS?

The following students are not eligible to apply for NSFAS funding for the upcoming academic year;

• Students who have completed a previous qualification.
• Students with a combined household income of more than R350,000 per annum.
• Students who have already applied, qualified, and received funding. They are automatically funded for the duration of their studies, provided they pass their modules and meet the academic requirements.

Documents Required To Apply 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.

Other documents that may be required, if applicable:

• Retrenchment letter
• Death certificate/s
• Divorce Decree
• Proof of legal guardianship
• Marriage certificate
• Other documents may be required for appeal purposes, eg, retrenchment letter

How To Apply For NSFAS Online

NSFAS applications for the upcoming academic year are done online on the official website of the agency during the application period. Follow the steps below to apply 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
• Click on ‘Submit’

Read more: How Many Years Does NSFAS Fund A Student

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#

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 NSFAS website for more information. I hope the provided information is helpful. Please share your thoughts in the comment section below. Can NSFAS Fund You For A Second Degree

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