How NSFAS Work

How NSFAS Work; NSFAS login

The National Student Financial Aid Scheme helps students in South Africa who cannot afford to pay for their university or college education. It gives monetary help to students at public universities and Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) colleges. NSFAS offers money to cover costs like tuition fees, accommodation, books, and other related expenses, making education more accessible for students from low-income families.

To get assistance from NSFAS, students need to register online by creating an account on the official NSFAS website. They will be asked to provide some essential information, such as their ID number and details about their family’s income. Normally, NSFAS helps students whose families earn below a certain amount each year. It also aids students who receive social grants and those with disabilities. After applying, NSFAS checks if the student meets the financial and academic requirements before approving the funding.

Once a student is approved, NSFAS pays for the approved education costs during the study period. If students receive loans, they don’t have to pay back the money while studying, but once they finish their studies and start working, they may need to begin repaying the loan. NSFAS also works hard to prevent fraud by verifying all the information students give during the application process. NSFAS plays a big role in helping many South African students get the education they need without worrying too much about money.

Learn more: How NSFAS Work At Unisa 2026

Who Can Apply For the NSFAS Bursary 2026?

The NSFAS fund is 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 citizen
• Do 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 annum. NSFAS login

Types of NSFAS funding for 2026

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

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.

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.

What Does NSFAS Fund 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/ NSFAS login

Learn more: How Much Does NSFAS Pay 2026

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 the required supporting documents, where applicable
• Click on ‘Submit’.

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 way for a brighter future. Visit the official website of NSFAS for more information.

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