NSFAS Grant

NSFAS Grant

The NSFAS grant is a huge help for thousands of South African students who want to study but don’t have enough money. It’s run by the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) and is designed to support students from families with low income. This grant covers important costs like tuition fees, accommodation, textbooks, and even living expenses, so students don’t have to stress about how to pay for their education.

If you’re planning to go to a university or a TVET college, the NSFAS grant can make your education more affordable and accessible. It helps remove the financial challenges that often stop students from continuing their studies. Because it’s a grant, you won’t have to pay this money back, which is a big relief compared to student loans. This means you can focus more on learning and less on money worries.

To get the NSFAS grant, you need to apply properly by filling out an online application form on the NSFAS website. You’ll also need to send in documents that prove your family’s income, your South African citizenship, and your acceptance at a public institution. Make sure to apply before the deadline, so you don’t miss out on this valuable support that can change your future.

Learn more: Does The R350 Grant Affect NSFAS?

Who Qualifies for the NSFAS Grant?

To be eligible for the NSFAS grant, students must meet specific criteria. Below are the requirements:

• South African Citizenship: Only South African citizens can apply for the NSFAS grant.
• Household Income: Your total household income must not exceed R350,000 per year. For students with disabilities, the household income threshold is R600,000 per year.
• Enrolment: You must be registered at a public university or TVET college.
• Academic Requirements: While NSFAS does not impose stringent academic requirements, you must pass a minimum number of courses to continue receiving funding.
• First-time Applicants: First-time applicants who have never studied at a tertiary institution before may apply.

What Does the NSFAS Grant Cover?

The NSFAS bursary 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 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

Documents Required To Apply for NSFAS Grant

The following documents are required to apply for NSFAS;

• 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 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.

Learn more: NSFAS And Sassa

How To Apply For NSFAS Grant 2026-2027

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

•  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. ’

Contact NSFAS

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 grant is essential in making higher education available to eligible South African students. You may improve your chances of receiving this financial help and starting your academic adventure by knowing the eligibility criteria and application procedure and following the information in this guide. Visit the official website of NSFAS for more information.

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