NSFAS Required Documents

NSFAS Required Documents

The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) plays an important role in ensuring that every deserving South African student has the opportunity to pursue higher education. To achieve this, NSFAS relies on a thorough application process that requires candidates to submit a comprehensive set of documents. These documents are vital, as they not only verify the information provided in your application but also determine your eligibility for financial aid and the amount of support you may receive.

Essentially, they help paint a complete picture of your financial need and academic standing. Understanding the importance of each document and ensuring its accuracy and completeness is key to a successful application. Any missing or incorrectly submitted paperwork can delay or even jeopardize your chances of receiving funding. That’s why it’s so important to gather everything needed well in advance and double-check all details.

Whether you’re a prospective student excited to embark on your academic journey or a current student seeking much-needed financial support, this guide is designed to help you navigate the document submission process with confidence and clarity. We’ll break down exactly what you need, why it’s needed, and how to make sure your application is as strong as possible, paving the way for your educational aspirations to become a reality.

Learn more: NSFAS Documents Needed 2026-2027

Who qualifies for NSFAS funding?

• 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 NSFAS bursary cover?

NSFAS 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

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: NSFAS How To Upload Documents 2026

Application Procedure for NSFAS

Follow the simple steps below to apply online 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 required supporting documents where applicable.
• Click on ‘Submit’.

Contact NSFAS

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#

Physical Address

• The Halyard, 4 Christiaan Barnard St,
• Cape Town City Centre,
• Cape Town, 8001

It may seem daunting to gather all the required documentation for your NSFAS application, but with careful planning and close attention to detail, you can guarantee a smooth and successful submission. 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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