NSFAS Bursaries 2025-2026

NSFAS Bursaries 2025-2026

Higher education opens doors to a better future, but the cost can often be a significant barrier. Thankfully, South Africa’s National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) continues to help ease that burden.

As we approach the 2025-2026 academic year, NSFAS is once again offering life-changing bursaries. These bursaries are part of an essential financial aid program designed to make higher education more accessible for students from low-income families.

NSFAS bursaries are a form of financial aid from South Africa’s National Student Financial Aid Scheme, designed to help eligible students cover the costs of their higher education. These bursaries primarily support students from low-income families who demonstrate financial need.

They cover various educational expenses, such as tuition fees, accommodation, books, and other essential supplies. To qualify, students generally need to meet certain academic criteria and apply through the NSFAS website.

READ: NSFAS Allowance 2025

What Does The NSFAS Bursary Cover?

Funded by the government, NSFAS supports eligible students with the costs of studying at public universities and TVET (Technical and Vocational Education and Training) institutions. Amounts indicated for accommodation, living allowance, transport and learning materials need to be aligned with the approved latest DHET guidelines.

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.

READ: How Much Is NSFAS Allowance 2025-2026?

NSFAS Bursary Eligibility Criteria 2025/2026

To be eligible for NSFAS bursaries for the 2025/2026 academic year, you must meet the following criteria:

• South African citizens or permanent residents
• SASSA grant recipients
• Applicants whose combined gross household income is not more than R350 000 per year
• Persons with disabilities whose combined gross household income is not more than R600 000 per year.
• Must have an email account and cell phone number.

Required Documents To Apply for NSFAS 2025

The following documents must be uploaded to support the application:

Students with disabilities must provide:

• A completed and signed Disability Annexure Form, please ensure that the medical report is merged with this disability annexure when you create a file to submit with your application.

The Students must download the NSFAS 2025 Consent form:

• NSFAS reserves the right to validate all information and details provided by the applicant and parent/guardian/spouse against independent third-party data sources.

Students must download the NSFAS Orphan or Vulnerable Child Declaration form:

• This form is only to be completed by applicants who are under the age of 18 and who are orphans OR, who are vulnerable children in that they have been exposed to abuse, neglect, exploitation, risk of violence and substance abuse.

The Students must download the NSFAS Declaration form:

• This form only applies to applicants who are 34 years old or younger. This form is used to verify parental/guardian details.

Other documents that may be required, if applicable:

• Retrenchment letter
• Death certificate/s
• Divorce Decree
• Proof of legal guardianship
• Marriage certificate
• Other documents may be required for appeal purposes,….eg retrenchment letter

NOTE: Based on the application type, the system will generate a list of required documents for upload.

How To Apply For NSFAS 2025/2026

NSFAS applications are done online on the official website of the agency during the application period. Follow the steps below to apply for NSFAS 2025;

• 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’.

Who Can appeal for NSFAS Bursary 2025/2026?

A student whose application for financial aid is rejected or the financial aid for a continuing student is withdrawn, may 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.

READ: How Much Does NSFAS Pay For Accommodation?

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#

NSFAS Bursaries for the 2025-2026 academic year are a lifesaver for students who want to study in South Africa. NSFAS ensures that financial constraints do not stand in the way of your aspirations by providing complete financial support that includes tuition, accommodation, allowances, and more. Visit the official website of NSFAS for more information. I hope the provided information is helpful, share your thoughts below in the comment section.

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