How Much Is NSFAS Allowance 2026

How Much Is NSFAS Allowance 2026

Pursuing higher education is an exciting opportunity for many students in South Africa, but it can also come with significant financial challenges. The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) helps by providing funding that covers not only tuition fees but also various living expenses through different allowances. These allowances are designed to assist students with costs such as accommodation, food, transport, and essential study materials, making it easier to manage daily expenses while focusing on their studies.

Learning how these allowances work and what they cover is important for both new applicants and current NSFAS beneficiaries. While the exact allowance amounts for 2026 have not yet been announced, they are normally reviewed and adjusted each year to reflect changes in living costs and inflation. By looking at recent figures and trends, students can get a clearer idea of what support to expect for the coming academic year. This complete guide will provide a detailed look at the various NSFAS allowances available to university and TVET college students.

We’ll explain who qualifies for each type of allowance, what expenses they cover, and how the payments are typically made. With this information, students can better plan their finances and understand the full scope of support NSFAS offers beyond just tuition funding. Whether you’re applying for the first time or continuing your studies with NSFAS support, knowing about these allowances will help you make the most of the financial aid available to you and ease some of the financial pressures of student life.

Learn more: NSFAS For TVET College

Eligibility Criteria for NSFAS Funding

To be eligible for the NSFAS allowance, 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.

NSFAS Allowance for 2026

NSFAS offers different types of allowances to help students pay for things like food, transport, and study needs. Here’s a quick look at what students usually get:

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: Colleges With NSFAS 2026

How To Apply For NSFAS

Follow the steps below to complete the NSFAS application;

• Visit the official website of NSFAS at: www.nsfas.org.za
• 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#

Visit the official website of NSFAS for more information.

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