How NSFAS Work

NSFAS provides financial aid for tuition, accommodation, study materials, and other necessities, allowing students to focus on their studies without financial worries. To access this support, students must apply, meet specific eligibility criteria, and maintain satisfactory academic performance. Understanding how NSFAS works—from the application process to funding disbursement—ensures students can fully benefit from this essential program and pursue their academic and career goals.

*How NSFAS Works: The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) is a government-funded program designed to help students from low-income households afford higher education in South Africa. Its main goal is to eliminate the financial gap that frequently prohibits eligible students from enrolling in tertiary education institutions. NSFAS provides financial assistance in the form of loans and bursaries to pay fees, living expenses, books, and other associated expenses.

Types Of NSFAS funding

NSFAS offers different types of aid to meet the varying requirements of South African students. Below are some types of NSFAS funding;

Bursaries:

These are funds awarded to qualifying students based on financial need, academic performance, and the availability of funding. Bursaries, unlike loans, do not have to be returned, giving them a lifeline for students from low-income families.

Loans:

NSFAS also provides loans to students, which must be returned after graduation. The loan conditions are meant to be inexpensive, with low interest rates, so that graduates may focus on creating their professions without being burdened by excessive financial obligations.

READ: Who Qualifies For NSFAS 2025?

What Does NSFAS Funds Cover?

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

Who Can Apply For NSFAS Bursary 2025?

The NSFAS fund intended to give financial assistance to South African students who meet the eligibility requirements. To be eligible for this fund, you must;

Be a South African citizens
Be SASSA grant recipients qualify for funding
Applicants whose combined household income is not more than R350 000 per annum
A person with disability: Combined household income must not be more than R600 000 per annum
Students who started studying before 2018 and whose household income is not more than R122 000 per ann.

Eligibility Criteria

NSFAS uses specific criteria to determine who qualifies for financial aid. These include:

South African citizenship
Financial need, determined by the household income (typically below a threshold, e.g., R350,000 per year for families)
Acceptance into a public university or TVET college
Meeting the academic requirements of the institution

How To Apply For NSFAS Funds

Follow the steps below to apply for NSFAS;

Go to www.nsfas.org.za and click on the ‘myNSFAS’ tab.
Create a myNSFAS account
Click on the ‘APPLY’ tab and complete the sections on the screen
Upload required supporting documents where applicable
Click on ‘Submit’.

READ: NSFAS Application For 2025-2026

NSFAS Contact Details

NSFAS Virtual Contact Centre

We are available to assist through the following channels:

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

Many South African students seeking higher education rely on the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS). Understanding how NSFAS works allows qualified students to begin their academic path with financial assistance, paving the route for a brighter future. Visit the official website of NSFAS for more information.

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