Categories: www.nsfas.org.za

How Many Points Needed For NSFAS 2026

Understanding how to qualify for NSFAS in 2026 can be a bit confusing, especially with all the talk about “points” when applying to universities. A common question students ask is, “How many points do I need for NSFAS?” It’s a good question but the answer may surprise you. Unlike university admission, which is often based on the number of points you get from your Grade 12 results, NSFAS doesn’t use a points system to decide who qualifies for funding.

NSFAS is designed to help students from low-income households access higher education, so their main focus is on financial need rather than academic points. To be eligible for NSFAS in 2026, you’ll need to be a South African citizen, have been accepted or enrolled at a public university or TVET college, and your household income must be below a certain threshold (usually R350,000 per year, or R600,000 for students with disabilities).

While you do need to pass your subjects and progress in your studies to keep the funding once you’re in, your high school “points” aren’t what gets you NSFAS support. Instead, it’s about meeting the financial and administrative requirements. So if you’re worried that you don’t have enough points, don’t stress—NSFAS is more about your financial background than your exact school marks. Focus on applying correctly and meeting the eligibility criteria, and you’ll be on the right path to funding your studies.

Learn more: NSFAS Required Documents

NSFAS Eligibility Criteria for 2026

NSFAS Applicants 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
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.

Points Needed For NSFAS 2026

The proportion of course credits earned by a student throughout the academic year will be used to determine academic advancement requirements. Academic advancement criteria will be gradually aligned by institutions and NSFAS. NSFAS funding requires candidates to have a total point score of 24 or above. Obtaining this score suggests a substantial need for financial support as well as a respectable academic record.

Academic Eligibility and Enrollment

For First-Time Applicants:

If you’re applying for NSFAS for the first time, you must be a South African citizen. You should either be starting your first undergraduate degree at a public university or studying at a TVET college in a National Certificate Vocational (NC(V)) or Report 191 programme.

To study at university, you must have passed Grade 12.
For TVET colleges, passing Grade 9 or 10 is enough, depending on the programme.

For Returning Students:

If you’re already getting NSFAS, you need to keep up your academic performance to stay funded.

University students (not in their first year) must pass at least 60% of their modules each year.
TVET students need to pass 70% of their modules.
NC(V) students should pass at least 5 subjects.
Report 191 students must pass at least 3 subjects.

The N+ Rule:

NSFAS will fund your studies for the standard length of your course (N) plus one extra year if needed (+1). If you have a disability, you can get up to two extra years (N+2).
NSFAS only funds your first undergraduate qualification, so changing courses or repeating a completed one might affect your funding.

Learn more: NSFAS Website Status Check 2026

Applying for NSFAS Funding for 2026

To apply for NSFAS funding, you must submit an online application during the stated application time. To support your application, gather any relevant documents, such as proof of income and academic transcripts.

Submit your completed application before the closing date to be considered for the funding.