How Does NSFAS Fund 2026

How Does NSFAS Fund 2026

The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) is a government initiative that helps students from low- to middle-income families afford higher education. As the 2026 academic year approaches, many students are eager to know how NSFAS will support them. This funding is mainly available to those attending public universities and TVET colleges across South Africa, and it covers more than just tuition fees; it also helps with daily living costs.

For the 2026-2027 funding year, NSFAS will continue using a two-tiered system. Students from households earning R350,000 or less per year qualify for full bursaries. These bursaries pay for tuition, registration, accommodation, transport, and meals. The best part is, students don’t have to repay this money. On the other hand, students from households earning between R350,001 and R600,000 may receive income-based loans. These loans only need to be paid back after graduation, and only if the student is employed and earning above a certain amount.

NSFAS also offers extra support for students living with disabilities, including allowances for special learning materials and personal care. To get funding, applicants must meet certain requirements such as being a South African citizen, showing financial need, and maintaining good academic performance. NSFAS funding for 2026 aims to give students the chance to study without worrying about money. By removing financial obstacles, the scheme helps thousands of young people focus on their studies and build a better future.

Learn more: How Much Does NSFAS Give Students

NSFAS Qualification Requirements for 2026

To be qualified for this program, 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.

How Does NSFAS Provide Funding in 2026?

When a student is approved for NSFAS, their tuition fees are paid directly to their university or college. Besides that, NSFAS also gives students allowances to help with their daily living costs.
Here’s a simple breakdown of what the funding 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

How Does NSFAS Fund 2026

TVET

• Accommodation in an urban area R24,000 per annum
• Accommodation in a 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: NSFAS Track Status

Application Process For NSFAS 2026

To apply for NSFAS funding, follow the steps below;

• 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#

The NSFAS Fund is an invaluable resource for South African students seeking financial backing to further their studies. If you match the eligible requirements, don’t wait to apply and open the door to a better educational future. Visit the official NSFAS website for more information.

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