NSFAS Funding 2026-2027

NSFAS Funding 2026-2027

Are you dreaming of going to college or university in South Africa but unsure how to pay for it? Good news—NSFAS (National Student Financial Aid Scheme) is here to help! NSFAS is a government-funded programme that provides monetary assistance to students who come from poor or working-class families. If you’re planning to study during the 2026-2027 academic year, NSFAS could help cover your study expenses. This funding can pay for your tuition fees, books, meals, accommodation, and even travel costs.

It’s designed to give every student a fair chance at higher education, no matter their financial background. Many students across the country have already benefited from this support, and you could be one of them too. To be eligible for NSFAS, you need to meet certain requirements, such as being a South African citizen and coming from a household that earns below a set income limit.

You also need to provide supporting documents when applying. The procedure may seem a bit confusing at first, but don’t worry—this guide will walk you through everything step by step. In this complete guide, you’ll find all the information you need to know about NSFAS funding for 2026-2027, including who can apply, what’s required, and how to submit your application on time.

Eligibility Criteria For NSFAS Funding 2026-2027

All students applying for NSFAS funding must meet the following eligibility requirements;

• 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 NSFAS Funding Covers for 2026-2027

NSFAS funding commonly covers:

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 catered residences

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

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.

NSFAS Application Procedure for 2026-2027

The NSFAS application process is a straightforward one that must be done online on the official website of the agency. Follow these steps to submit your application for NSFAS funding:

• Visit the official website of NSFAS at www.nsfas.org.za
• Create a myNSFAS account
• Click on the ‘APPLY’ tab and complete the sections on the screen
• Click on ‘Submit’.

Contact NSFAS

Email: info@nsfas.org.za
Facebook: National Student Financial Aid Scheme
Twitter: @myNSFAS
Instagram: @myNSFAS
WhatsApp: +27 78 519 8006
USSD:*120*67327#

NSFAS funding for the academic year 2026-2027 provides an opportunity for students who want to study in South Africa. It not only makes education more accessible, but it also ensures that financial constraints do not prevent students from pursuing their academic goals. If you match the eligibility requirements, don’t hesitate to apply and open the door to a world of possibilities. Visit the official NSFAS website for more information.

RELATED LINKS

NSFAS Website