Is There An Age Limit For NSFAS?

Is There An Age Limit For NSFAS?

NO. NSFAS has no age limit for funding. In South Africa, the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) plays an important role in providing financial assistance to students pursuing higher education. As a result, NSFAS recognizes that education is a lifelong journey, and people of all ages may choose to pursue higher education at various points in their lives.

NSFAS does not have an age limit, but it does have particular requirements for eligibility that applicants must complete to be eligible for financial aid. Continue reading to discover more about these criteria.

NSFAS Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for NSFAS funding, You must be a South African citizen or permanent resident to apply. The combined total household income should not be more than R350,000 per year. The combined total family income of disabled people should not exceed R600,000 per year. SASSA recipients are automatically eligible for financial assistance. An email address and a cell phone number are required. Students who began their studies before 2018 have a combined household income of no more than R122,000 per year.

Documents Required To Apply for NSFAS Funding 2025

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 parent/s, legal guardian/guardian or spouse.
Smart ID cards: a copy with 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 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.

How To Apply For NSFAS 2025

NSFAS Application is done online on the official website of the agency. You can apply for nsfas via the official website at www.nsfas.org.za using a cell phone, tablet or computer. 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’.

NB: If you do not have a digital device or internet connection, do not worry; simply go to your local National Youth Development Agency (NYDA) or Thusong Centre and apply in the same manner.

Who Can Appeal For NSFAS?

If a student’s financial aid application is denied or financial aid for a continuing student is removed, he or she may file an appeal with the NSFAS.

The appeal decisions are subject to budget availability.
Appeals will only be considered for students who have applied to NSFAS for Financial Aid.

Who Cannot Appeal For NSFAS?

Students are not permitted to appeal if they:

Are registered for a qualification that NSFAS does not fund;
They have reached N+2 (or N+3 in the case of students with disabilities).
The student is a gap year student who NSFAS previously denied financial aid to because s/he did not meet the academic eligibility criteria.
If the institution has not submitted its registration record to NSFAS or has submitted an incorrect registration record such inquiries should be directed to the institution.

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.