How Many Months Does NSFAS Pay

How Many Months Does NSFAS Pay

Are you curious about how many months NSFAS pays students in South African universities and colleges? NSFAS( National Student Financial Aid Scheme) helps students from poor and working-class families to pay for their education. It offers financial support for up to ten months each academic year, with payments usually made in the first week of every month.

This financial support covers essential costs such as tuition, textbooks, meals, transportation, and accommodation. The support you receive from NSFAS is based on the type of course you’re doing and how long it takes to finish. Each academic program has a set time limit, and NSFAS expects students to complete their studies within that period. If you go beyond the allowed time, your funding may stop.

That’s why it’s very vital to learn how long your course is meant to take and to stick to that schedule. You need to pass your subjects and make good progress to keep getting the bursary. NSFAS is there to help students reach their academic goals without having to worry about money. But students must also take responsibility for their studies and meet the program’s requirements. By managing your time well and staying focused, you can make sure you keep receiving support throughout your course.

Learn more: NSFAS Loan Or Bursary 2026

Types of Financial Support Offered by NSFAS

The duration of your NSFAS payments is mostly determined by the type of funding you get. NSFAS provides support in two major categories:

Loans:

• NSFAS loans, on the other hand, are repayable if you complete your education and reach a certain salary level.
• NSFAS loans can be extended for the rest of your undergraduate education, including any extra years if you fail a course or take a gap year.
• The time required to repay NSFAS loans varies, although there is typically a grace period before repayment begins.

Bursaries:

• If you receive an NSFAS bursary, your tuition and accommodation fees will be paid for the whole academic year.
• Bursaries are not repaid, and they normally span 10 months of study, which corresponds to the conventional academic year.

What does the NSFAS funding cover?

NSFAS covers the following;

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 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

Who Does Nsfas Fund for 2026

The NSFAS bursary is available for the category of people listed below:

• 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.

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 2025 Declaration Form (available on the website)

Learn more: NSFAS Bursaries For 2026

Other documents that may be required for appeals purposes:

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

How To Apply For NSFAS 2026

Follow the 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

How Many Months Does NSFAS Pay

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

The duration of your NSFAS payments is determined by several requirements, including the type of support you receive, your academic achievement, the N+2 rule, and changes in your circumstances. Visit the official NSFAS website for more information.

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