What Does NSFAS Bursary Cover

What Does NSFAS Bursary Cover

The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) is a South African government entity that provides financial assistance to eligible tertiary students. NSFAS seeks to reduce the financial burden of higher education and make it available to students who would not otherwise be able to afford it. the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) covers more than simply tuition fees, it also gives a lifeline to financially disadvantaged students by giving bursaries to cover different education-related expenditures.

The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) bursary plays a necessary role in supporting financially disadvantaged students in South Africa, enabling them to access higher education. For those who qualify, the NSFAS bursary covers a range of essential costs associated with studying at public universities and TVET colleges. From tuition fees to living allowances, accommodation, and other necessary expenses, the bursary ensures that students can focus on their studies without the burden of financial strain. Understanding what the NSFAS bursary covers is essential for students planning to apply and take full advantage of this funding opportunity.

READ: How Many Months Does NSFAS Pay?

What Does NSFAS Bursary Cover

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

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: What Does NSFAS Cover For Unisa Students

How To Apply for NSFAS Bursary

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’.

Required 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 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.

When Will NSFAS Application Results Be Communicated?

All candidates will be notified of their application status after NSFAS receives confirmation from the institution that an academic offer has been offered to them. This will be sent to you by SMS, email, and myNSFAS account before the start of the academic year.

READ: How Much Does NSFAS Pay For Accommodation?

NSFAS Contact Details

NSFAS Virtual Contact Centre

We are available to assist through the following channels: