Is There An Age Limit For NSFAS?

Is There An Age Limit For NSFAS?

If you’re thinking about studying but worried you might be too old to qualify for funding, don’t stress—NSFAS has no age limit. The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) in South Africa supports students of all ages who want to further their education but don’t have the money to pay for it themselves.

NSFAS believes that learning should be open to everyone, whether you’re just out of high school or returning to your studies after many years. Life doesn’t always follow one path, and many people decide to study later due to work, family, or personal reasons. That’s why NSFAS doesn’t set an age restriction. What matters most is whether you meet the other requirements.

To be eligible for funding, you must be a South African citizen and come from a household where the combined yearly income is R350,000 or less. You must also be accepted into a public university or TVET college, and your studies should lead to your first undergraduate qualification. So, if you’ve been thinking about going back to school or starting your studies for the first time, don’t let your age stop you. NSFAS is here to support learners at all stages of life. It’s never too late to follow your dreams and build a better future through education.

Read more: NSFAS Who Qualifies

Who Can Apply for NSFAS?

To be eligible for NSFAS funding, you must be

• 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 the NSFAS bursary cover?

NSFAS 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 institution) R7,500 per annum
• Living allowance R15, 000 per annum
• Book allowances R5200 per annum
• Incidental/personal care allowance R2900 per annum for students in a catered residence

TVET

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

Documents Required To Apply for NSFAS Funding 2026

The following are required to apply for the NSFAS fund;

• All applicants must provide a copy of their ID. A temporary ID issued by the Department of Home Affairs will be accepted.
• Non-SASSA applicants must provide ID copies of the parent/s, legal guardian/guardian, or spouse.
• Smart ID cards: a copy of both sides of the smart ID must be provided.
• Proof of income: The applicant and/or parents/legal guardian/spouse (where applicable (non-SASSA) should provide the latest payslip not older than 3 months, UIF letter, appointment letter, retrenchment letter (applicant and/or parent(s), legal guardian/spouse)
• Passports/Driver’s licenses will not be accepted as proof of ID.

Read more: Can A 35 -Year -Old Apply For NSFAS?

How To Apply For NSFAS for 2026

To apply for NSFAS, you must fill out the online application form found on the NSFAS website within the allotted application time. Make sure you have all of the necessary papers, such as evidence of identification, family income, and academic records. Follow the steps below to apply for NSFAS;

• Step 1: Go to www.nsfas.org.za and click on the ‘myNSFAS’ tab.
• Step 2: Create a myNSFAS account
• Step 3: Click on the ‘APPLY’ tab and complete the sections on the screen
• Step 4: Upload required supporting documents where applicable
• Step 5: Click on ‘Submit’.

Contact NSFAS

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#

For general, student, and NSFAS Wallet enquiries

• For all other queries regarding students:
• Tel No.: 08000 67327
• Email: info@nsfas.org.za

Physical Address

• The Halyard, 4 Christiaan Barnard St,
• Cape Town City Centre,
• Cape Town, 8001

There is no age limit for NSFAS applicants. The initiative is intended to assist South African students of diverse backgrounds and ages in pursuing higher education. Other qualifying requirements, such as citizenship, financial necessity, and academic excellence, must also be met. If you satisfy these requirements, NSFAS can be a great resource in assisting you to accomplish your educational objectives, regardless of your age. Visit the official website of NSFAS for more information.

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