How Many Months Does NSFAS Pay 2026

The National Student Financial Aid Scheme, better known as NSFAS, plays a big role in helping South African students from poor or working-class families afford higher education. Many students depend on NSFAS to pay for their tuition fees, accommodation, and other daily living costs while they study. To really understand how this helpful program works, it’s vital to know how many months NSFAS pays and what things affect how long you can get funding. NSFAS usually supports students for the full length of their studies, whether they’re doing an undergraduate course or, in some cases, a postgraduate qualification.

The exact number of months you’ll be funded is based on the type of course you’re taking and the qualification level you are aiming for. Unlike some bursaries with fixed time limits, NSFAS does not have a strict time range for all students. Instead, funding is based on whether there is enough money available in the year you apply and if your course meets the requirements.

In general, NSFAS beneficiaries can receive funding for up to three years. However, if your program lasts longer—like a four-year degree—you can still get funding for the entire period, as long as you stay registered and meet the academic progress requirements. It’s also important to know that NSFAS will only pay for one qualification at a time and only at one institution. For example, if you complete an N6 certificate at a TVET college, you may still qualify for funding when you decide to move on to university. But once you finish your N6, you’ll need to submit a new application for university funding to continue receiving support.

Learn more: NSFAS Allowance 2026

Eligibility for NSFAS Funding in 2026

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.

NSFAS Allowance Payment Schedule

Second Upfront Payment

During the first week of March, NSFAS sent the second upfront payment to universities. This funding allows universities to pay students their allowances for March without delays.

How Many Months Does NSFAS Pay 2026

NSFAS Payment to TVET Colleges

Also in March, NSFAS processed payments to TVET colleges to cover two months of allowances for students. These payments were only made once valid registration details were received. By the beginning of the business day in March, 18 TVET colleges had already uploaded their registration information. Because of this, NSFAS could release the first payments to students at those 18 colleges.

NSFAS Allowances and Covered Expenses for 2026

The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) bursary is intended to help eligible South African students pursue higher education. An NSFAS bursary covers a wide range of fees that are important for a student’s academic career. The NSFAS bursary 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 the institution) R7 500 per annum
Living allowance R15, 000 per annum
Book allowances R5200 per annum
Incidental/personal care allowance of R2900 per annum for students in catered residences

TVET

Accommodation in an urban area is R24,000 per annum
Accommodation in a peri-urban area R18,900 per annum
Accommodation in a rural area is R15,750 per annum
Transport (up to 40 km from the 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: How Often Does NSFAS Pay For Accommodation

NSFAS Application Steps for 2026

Follow the steps below to apply for NSFAS;

Visit the NSFAS portal at https://www.nsfas.org.za/
Select the “Create an account” tab where you will be required to fill in your ID number, first and last name, email address, contact number, and your selected password
You will then be required to validate your account and the information you have provided
After creating your account, you can choose the “Login” tab and log in by filling in your ID number and password.
Fill in all the required information and upload your supporting documents.
Submit your application before the closing date.

Contact NSFAS

We are available to assist through the following channels: