What Are The NSFAS Requirements 2026-2027?

What Are The NSFAS Requirements 2026-2027?

If you’re a South African student with big dreams of going to college or university, you may already be worried about how you’ll pay for everything. Higher education can be expensive, especially when you think about tuition fees, textbooks, housing, food, and transport. The good news is that you don’t have to face this challenge alone. The National Student Financial Aid Scheme was created to help students like you cover these costs so you can focus on your studies instead of stressing about money.

NSFAS provides financial assistance to thousands of qualifying students each year. But before you apply, it’s very important to know exactly what the NSFAS requirements are for the 2026–2027 academic year. These requirements are a set of rules and conditions you must meet to be considered for funding. They make sure that the money goes to students who truly need help to access higher education.

Some of the key things NSFAS looks at include your household income, whether you are studying at a public university or TVET college, and your academic progress if you’re already enrolled. Knowing these requirements will help you prepare your application correctly and improve your chances of receiving support. If you’re serious about achieving your education goals, take the time to learn about NSFAS now.

Read more: Who Qualifies For NSFAS 2026?

NSFAS Eligibility Requirements for 2026-2027

Higher education is a desire for many South African students, but it often seems out of reach owing to financial limitations. The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) tries to close this gap by providing financial help to qualified students. However, to be eligible for NSFAS funding, you must meet the following requirements;

• South African citizens or permanent residents
• SASSA grant recipients
• Applicants whose combined gross household income is not more than R350,000 per year
• Persons with disabilities whose combined gross household income is not more than R600,000 per year.
• Must have an email account and cell phone number.

Academic eligibility criteria

Academic progression criteria will be measured by the percentage of course modules that a student passes in the academic year

TVET College Academic Eligibility Criteria

These rules apply to TVET College students:

• If you’re progressing to the next Report 191 N-Level, you need to pass at least 3 subjects in the previous level.
• For occupational programmes, each TVET College decides what academic progress is needed, and they will send your results to NSFAS.
• Non-FTEN students need to pass at least 70% of their courses each year to continue getting financial support.
• To move up to the next NC(V) level, you must have passed at least 5 subjects in your previous NC(V) level.

University Academic Eligibility Criteria

These rules apply to university students:

• If you get NSFAS financial aid, you must reach certain academic results to keep your funding.
• If you are not a first-time entering student, you have to pass at least 60% of all your courses for the year to stay eligible for funding in the next academic year.

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.

Read more: Can NSFAS Fund My Second Degree

How To Apply For NSFAS 2026-2027

Follow the steps below to apply for NSFAS;

• Go to the www.nsfas.org.za official website and click on the ‘myNSFAS’ tab.
• Create a myNSFAS account.
• Click on the ‘APPLY’ tab and complete the sections on the screen.
• 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#

For general, student, and NSFAS Wallet enquiries

• For all other queries regarding students:
• Tel No.: 08000 67327
• Email: info@nsfas.org.za

Physical Address

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

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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