NSFAS Who Qualifies

NSFAS Who Qualifies; NSFAS login

Thinking about applying for NSFAS but not sure if you qualify? You’re not alone. Many students want to know if they meet the requirements before starting the application process. The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) is a government program that helps South African students from low-income families pay for their studies at public universities and TVET colleges. NSFAS is there to make sure that money doesn’t stand in the way of your education.

It covers things like tuition fees, accommodation, learning materials, and even transport, depending on your situation. But before you apply, it’s important to understand who qualifies and who doesn’t. To be eligible, your total household income must not be more than R350,000 per year. If you’re living with a disability, the limit is R600,000. You must also be a South African citizen and planning to study at a public university or TVET college.

Meeting the academic requirements of your chosen course is also important. This article will help you understand all the NSFAS qualification criteria in simple terms. We’ll explain what documents you need, what income limits apply, and which students should not apply. If you’re serious about studying and need financial help, NSFAS might be the support you’ve been looking for. Keep reading to find out if you qualify.

Learn more: Is There An Age Limit For NSFAS?

Who Can Apply for NSFAS?

However, not everyone is eligible for this assistance. To qualify for NSFAS, you 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.

NSFAS login

Who shouldn’t apply for NSFAS?

• If you’ve already completed a qualification, you don’t need to apply.
• If your total household income is more than R350,000 a year, you won’t qualify.
• If you’ve already applied, been approved, and are receiving NSFAS funding, there’s no need to apply again. As long as you pass your subjects and meet the academic rules, your funding will continue. NSFAS Who Qualifies

What does the bursary cover?

Amounts indicated for accommodation, living allowance, transport, and learning materials need to be aligned with the latest approved 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 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

NSFAS login

Required Documents To Apply For NSFAS

The following documents must be uploaded to support the application;

• 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: Who Qualifies For NSFAS Funding 2026

 Apply For NSFAS 2026

Follow the steps below to apply;

• 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

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#

For individuals who meet the eligibility requirements, NSFAS financing is a great resource. Understanding and meeting these requirements is the first step in receiving the help you need to accomplish your academic objectives if you want to pursue higher education in South Africa and need financial aid. Visit the official website of NSFAS for more information.

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