How Much Is NSFAS Money 2026

How Much Is NSFAS Money 2026

Knowing how much money you can get from NSFAS in 2026 is an important step for any student planning to study at a public university or TVET college in South Africa.​ The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) offers financial support to deserving students to help cover various study-related costs, including tuition, accommodation, textbooks, transport, and living expenses. Understanding the breakdown of the amounts provided can help you prepare better and manage your finances throughout your academic year.

NSFAS funding continues to cover full tuition fees for qualifying students, ensuring that financial barriers don’t prevent access to higher education in 2026. Beyond tuition, NSFAS offers allowances to assist with accommodation costs, which normally depend on the actual fees charged by your institution. Living allowances and transport stipends are also included, with fixed monthly or annual amounts set to help cover daily expenses and travel to and from campus. For instance, living allowances often amount to several thousand rands per year to support meals, personal care, and other essentials, while transport allowances cover travel up to a certain distance.

These funds aim to create a comprehensive financial support system so students can focus on their studies without the stress of financial hardship. Keep in mind that the exact amounts can differ based on your specific circumstances, institution, and study program. Having a clear idea of how much NSFAS money you may receive in 2026 allows you to plan effectively and take full advantage of this important support on your educational path.

Learn more: Who Does NSFAS Cover

Qualification For NSFAS Money

To be qualified for NSFAS funding, you must meet specific requirements, including:

• 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.

What Does NSFAS Money Pay For?

In South Africa, the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) provides financial aid to eligible students to help them meet the costs of higher education. NSFAS money is often used to pay a variety of expenditures associated with a student’s academic journey.NSFAS funds are typically used to pay for:

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 year
• Living allowance R15, 000  per year
• Book allowances of R5200 per year
• Incidental/personal care allowance of R2900 per annum for students in catered residences

TVET Colleges

• Accommodation in an urban area is R24,000 per year
• Accommodation in a peri-urban area is R18,900 per year
• Accommodation in a rural area is R15,750 per year
• Transport (up to 40 km from the institution) R7,350  per year
• Transport R7000 per year
• Incidental/personal care allowance R2900 per year.

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

 How to apply online for NSFAS 2026

Follow the steps below to apply for NSFAS funding money;

• 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’.

NSFAS Contact  Details

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

The amount of NSFAS funding you are qualified for is determined by several variables, including your family’s financial position, tuition prices, and personal circumstances. If you match the eligible criteria and complete the application procedure, you will be able to obtain the financial support you require to continue your education and build a better future. Visit the official NSFAS website for more information.

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