What Does NSFAS Bursary Cover
What Does NSFAS Bursary Cover
The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) is a government program in South Africa that helps students who cannot afford the costs of university or college. Its main aim is to make higher education more accessible to students from poor and working-class families. NSFAS provides funding in the form of bursaries, which students do not need to repay if they meet all the academic and financial requirements.
NSFAS does not only pay for tuition fees. It also helps students with other important costs, such as accommodation, meals, learning materials, and transport. This kind of support allows students to focus on their studies without constantly worrying about money. The NSFAS bursary is available to students studying at public universities and Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) colleges.
If you qualify, the bursary will cover most of the expenses needed to complete your education. This support plays a big role in improving the lives of many young South Africans by giving them the chance to build a better future through education. Students need to know what NSFAS offers and how to apply. Understanding the benefits and requirements of the bursary will help you make the most of this opportunity if you are planning to study at a public institution in South Africa.
Learn more: NSFAS Bursary Requirements 2026-2027
What Does NSFAS Bursary Cover for 2026
The NSFAS bursary is intended to cover a variety of higher education costs. The amounts mentioned for accommodation, living allowance, transportation, and learning materials must be consistent with the most recent DHET rules. The NSFAS bursary 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 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
What Does NSFAS Bursary Cover
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.
Documents To Apply For NSFAS Bursary
All NSFAS Applicants must upload and attach the following documents to their completed applications;
- Copy of student ID / Birth certificate
- Copy of parent/s or guardian/ spouse ID
- Smart card: both sides of the card are 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.
Learn more: NSFAS Bursary Application Form 2026 PDF
Apply for NSFAS Bursary 2026
Follow the step-by-step guide below to apply for NSFAS bursary.
- Visit the NSFAS official website at: www.nsfas.org.za
- 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. ’
NSFAS Contact Details
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#
Visit the official NSFAS website for more information.
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