NSFAS Loan Or Bursary 2026

NSFAS Loan Or Bursary 2026

If you’re planning to study at a public university or TVET college in South Africa in 2026, you’ve probably heard about NSFAS and its vital role in helping students cover their education costs. But one common question remains: is NSFAS a loan, or is it a bursary? Knowing this can make a big difference when you’re planning how to finance your studies without worrying about debt. The National Student Financial Aid Scheme is a government initiative designed to assist students from low-income families in accessing higher education.

For many years, NSFAS has provided monetary help that covers tuition fees, accommodation, books, and other education-related expenses. What makes NSFAS unique compared to traditional loans is that, under certain conditions, the financial aid you receive is a bursary, in other words, money you don’t have to pay back.​ In 2026, this distinction remains important because the government continues to expand NSFAS bursary funding, especially focusing on students who meet specific academic and income criteria.

Although NSFAS started as a loan scheme many years ago, it has evolved, with more emphasis now on converting loans to bursaries to reduce students’ financial burdens. Before applying, it’s essential to know how eligibility works, what costs are covered, and how to apply to make sure you get the best support possible. In this complete guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about the NSFAS loan or bursary for 2026 so you can confidently take the next step toward your academic journey without unnecessary stress.

Learn more: NSFAS Bursary Requirements 2026/2027

Eligibility for NSFAS 2026 Funding

To be eligible for NSFAS support, the candidate must meet the following 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 does the bursary cover?

NSFAS covers the following things;

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.

Learn more: Loan Application 2026

How To Apply For the NSFAS Bursary?

Provided below is a step-by-step guide on how 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’.

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 loans and bursaries are an important component of South Africa’s efforts to promote equal access to higher education. If you meet the qualification requirements, don’t hesitate to apply and open up the opportunity to a better future. Visit the official website of NSFAS for more information.

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