NSFAS Who Qualifies

NSFAS Who Qualifies

Are you interested in applying for NSFAS sponsorship but not sure if you qualify? Then, this article is the best for you, as we give you detailed insight into NSFAS eligibility requirements and more. The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) is a lifeline for many South African students, designed to ensure that financial barriers do not hinder access to higher education. However, understanding who qualifies for this support is essential to applicants. NSFAS provides funding primarily to students from disadvantaged backgrounds, but eligibility extends beyond just financial need.

NSFAS provides financial help to qualified individuals, allowing them to pursue higher education and establish better lives. In this article, we will go into the specific criteria that determine qualification for NSFAS funding, including academic requirements, household income thresholds, and other essential factors that prospective students should consider when applying for financial aid.

READ: Is NSFAS A Bursary Or Loan?

NSFAS Who Qualifies

However, not everyone is eligible for this assistance. To qualify for NSFAS you must meet the following requirements;

Citizenship or Permanent Residency in South Africa:

You must be a South African citizen or have permanent status in the nation to be eligible for NSFAS financing. This condition guarantees that financial aid is aimed toward supporting the education of people who are devoted to contributing to the growth of the nation.

State of Financial Need:

To qualify for funding, you must demonstrate a genuine financial need. Your family’s total yearly income plays a vital part in evaluating your eligibility, with an emphasis on those earning below a set level.

Academic Performance:

NSFAS wants to help as many worthy students as it can, but your academic standing is equally important. You must fulfil the minimum academic criteria of the institution to which you intend to apply. A pass in a National Senior Certificate (NSC) or comparable qualification is frequently considered by NSFAS.

Previously Received NSFAS Funding:

If you have already received NSFAS funds, your future eligibility may be affected. The National Science Foundation has procedures in place to evaluate whether you may reapply for funding, which typically depends on your academic advancement and other things.

Disabilities and Special Cases:

NSFAS is dedicated to providing students with disabilities with equitable access to education. Students with impairments have access to specialized funding. There are also special arrangements for students who are orphans.

What does the bursary cover?

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

READ: NSFAS Online Application Form 2025-2026

How To Apply For NSFAS

Follow the steps below to apply;

Step 1: Go to www.nsfas.org.za and click on the ‘myNSFAS’ tab.

*Step 2: Create a myNSFAS account

Step 3: Click on the ‘APPLY’ tab and complete the sections on the screen

*Step 4: Upload required supporting documents where applicable

Step 5: Click on ‘Submit’.

Required Documents To Apply For NSFAS

The following documents must be uploaded to support the application;

Copy of student ID / Birth certificate
Copy of parent/s or guardian/ spouse ID
Smart card: both sides of the card required
Proof of income (where applicable)
Persons living with disability (Disability Annexure A form)
An applicant who is recognised as a vulnerable child by the Department of Social Development must provide a completed Vulnerable Child Declaration form completed by a social worker
An applicant who has indicated that s/he has no family member details and or abridged birth certificate must complete the Declaration: Non-SASSA.

READ: NSFAS Declaration Form 2025

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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