NSFAS And TVET Colleges 2026

NSFAS And TVET Colleges 2026

If you’re planning to study at a TVET (Technical and Vocational Education and Training) college in South Africa in 2026 but are worried about how you’ll cover the costs, the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) could be the solution you need. NSFAS is a government-funded bursary programme that helps deserving South African students pay for their education, including tuition fees, accommodation, transport, and study materials. This help is especially essential for students attending TVET colleges, which offer practical training and skills that prepare graduates for employment in various industries.

TVET colleges play a key role in equipping young people with technical and vocational skills in areas such as engineering, hospitality, agriculture, business studies, and more. These skills are in high demand in the job market, making TVET education a valuable choice for many students. However, without financial support, many capable students might struggle to afford registration fees, books, or even daily transport. That’s where NSFAS steps in.

NSFAS funding will continue to be available for qualifying students who wish to enrol at public TVET colleges across South Africa for the 2026-2027 academic year. To benefit from this support, students must meet certain requirements, such as being from a household with an annual income of R350,000 or less. Applying early is highly recommended, as funding is not guaranteed without a successful and timely application. With the help of NSFAS, TVET students can focus on their studies and future careers without the added pressure of financial stress.

Learn more: Colleges With NSFAS 2026

Key Dates for NSFAS 2026

NSFAS applications for 2026 are expected to open on 1 September 2025 and close on 31 January 2026 for both university and TVET college students. It’s a good idea to apply as early as possible to avoid any delays caused by missing documents or a busy system.

Eligibility Criteria for 2026 NSFAS

To qualify for NSFAS funding at a TVET college in 2026, applicants must meet specific criteria:

• Only South African citizens are qualified for this bursary scheme.
• A student must be enrolled or intending to register in a PLP, NC(V), or Report 191 program at any of the fifty (50) public TVET Colleges in South Africa;
• Must need financial backing (NSFAS will determine whether or not a student meets the financial qualification criteria);
• Returning students must demonstrate proven and accepted academic performance (academically deserving) in line with the College’s progression policy or the progression prescriptions of the Bursary Rules and Guidelines (whichever is higher);
• Must not be registered for a qualification that duplicates previous learning that was state-funded; and
• Candidates will be eligible if they fall within the maximum threshold of up to R350,000 of combined gross family income per annum and have been admitted/received a firm offer for enrolment in a College.

What NSFAS Covers for 2026

NSFAS provides complete financial help to TVET college students, which typically includes:

• 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

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.

How to Apply for NSFAS 2026

NSFAS for TVET Colleges applications are done online on the official website of the NSFAS agency during the application period. 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’.

Learn more: Which College Does NSFAS Fund

List of Supported TVET Colleges in South Africa

Below is the list of TVET colleges funded by NSFAS;

KwaZulu-Natal:

• Coastal KZN TVET College
• Elangeni TVET College
• Majuba TVET College
• Mthashana TVET College
• Umgungundlovu TVET College

Western Cape:

• Boland TVET College
• College of Cape Town
• False Bay TVET College
• Northlink TVET College
• South Cape TVET College
• West Coast TVET College

Gauteng:

• Central Johannesburg TVET College
• Ekurhuleni East TVET College
• Ekurhuleni West TVET College
• Sedibeng TVET College
• South West Gauteng TVET College
• Tshwane North TVET College
• Tshwane South TVET College
• Western TVET College

Northern Cape:

• Northern Cape Urban TVET College
• Northern Cape Rural TVET College

Limpopo:

• Capricorn TVET College
• Lephalale TVET College
• Letaba TVET College
• Mopani South East TVET College
• Vhembe TVET College
• Mopani TVET College

Eastern Cape:

• Buffalo City TVET College
• Eastcape Midlands TVET College
• King Sabata Dalindyebo TVET College
• Lovedale TVET College
• Port Elizabeth TVET College

Free State:

• Flavius Mareka TVET College
• Goldfields TVET College
• Maluti TVET College
• Motheo TVET College

North West:

• Orbit TVET College
• Taletso TVET College
• Vuselela TVET College

NSFAS Contact Details

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#

In 2025, NSFAS and TVET colleges will be more than simply educational institutions; they will be beacons of hope, propelling South Africa toward a more inclusive and prosperous future. Visit the official NSFAS website for more information.

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