How Much Is NSFAS Allowance 2026?

How Much Is NSFAS Allowance 2026?

Going to college or university in South Africa can be expensive, but luckily, NSFAS is out there to help. If you’re wondering how much money NSFAS will give students in 2026, you’re not alone! The NSFAS allowance is a financial benefit provided to qualifying students to help with the various expenses of tertiary education. This grant is intended to cover necessary expenses such as housing, food, transportation, and study materials, allowing students to concentrate on their studies without undue financial stress. NSFAS isn’t just about paying for your classes; it also helps with other important costs.

NSFAS will continue to give these allowances to students who deserve them. The amount you get is based on a few things, like where you study, whether you live on campus, in private accommodation, or at home, and what kind of expenses you have. These allowances are meant to help you manage daily life while you focus on your education. The exact amount of the allowance may differ from year to year, and the allowance structure is likely to be adjusted depending on inflation and the cost of living during the academic year 2026.

The NSFAS board will establish the exact amount of the NSFAS allowance for the 2026 academic year, taking into account several criteria such as inflation, the cost of living, and available financing. Knowing how much money to expect from NSFAS can help you plan better for the year ahead. Whether you’re applying for the first time or you’ve received NSFAS funding before, it’s always good to stay updated with the latest information. In this complete article, we’ll explain what allowances NSFAS offers in 2026 and how much you might receive, so you can be fully prepared for your studies.

Read more: How Often NSFAS Pay For College Students 2026

Who Qualifies For NSFAS for 2026?

Applicants who apply for NSFAS must meet the following qualifications;

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 student must be registered or intending to register on a PLP, NC(V), or Report 191 program at any of the fifty (50) public TVET Colleges in South Africa;
Must need financial assistance (NSFAS will determine whether or not a student meets the financial eligibility criteria);
Returning students must demonstrate proven and accepted academic performance (academically deserving) in line with the College’s progression policy or the progression prescriptions of the Bursary Rules and Guidelines (whichever is higher);
Must not be enrolling for a qualification that duplicates previous learning that was state-funded; and

What Does NSFAS Allowance Cover for 2026?

NSFAS is an agency of the government within the Department of Higher Education and Training that was founded by the NSFAS Act (Act 56 of 1999) and pays for the following

Registration & Tuition Fees
Personal Care Allowance
Transport Allowance

Accommodation: The amounts mentioned for lodging, living allowance, transportation, and learning materials must be consistent with the most recent DHET rules. NSFAS funding 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 is 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.

Document Required To Apply for NSFAS 2026

These documents must be submitted during the NSFAS 2026 application.

A certified copy of your ID document or birth certificate
Proof of income for yourself and your parents or guardians, such as salary slips or an affidavit
A certified copy of your latest academic results or a statement of results
A letter of acceptance from the tertiary institution you will be attending
A completed and signed NSFAS bursary application form
Retrenchment letter
Death certificate/s
Divorce Decree
Proof of legal guardianship
Marriage certificate

Other documents may be required for appeal purposes, eg, retrenchment letter

Read more: Will NSFAS Fund Me for 5 Years?

NSFAS Allowance Application Steps for 2026

Follow the steps below to apply for the NSFAS allowance 2026-2027;

Go to the NSFAS portal at https://www.nsfas.org.za/
Select the “Create an account” tab
You will then be required to validate your account and the information you have provided
After creating your account, you can select 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