Categories: www.nsfas.org.za

Which Qualifications Does NSFAS Fund 2026/2027

Getting a higher education in South Africa can be costly, and many students worry about how they’ll afford it. That’s where the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) comes in. NSFAS is a government program that helps students from low-income families pay for their studies at public universities and TVET colleges. As we approach the 2026/2027 academic year, one of the most important questions students ask is: “Which courses or qualifications does NSFAS pay for?”

NSFAS doesn’t fund every qualification. Instead, it focuses on specific programs that are approved and meet national education and job market needs. This means NSFAS helps students who are studying for their first undergraduate degree or doing practical, skills-based training at a public college. Courses must be officially recognised and offered by public institutions. If your chosen course doesn’t meet these requirements, NSFAS might not pay for it.

Examples of funded qualifications include teaching, engineering, nursing, social work, and other fields that contribute to the country’s growth. However, NSFAS does not fund private college courses, short courses, or second degrees. So, it’s important to check the eligibility of your course before applying. By understanding what NSFAS funds, you can choose a qualification that matches both your career goals and the funding rules. This can help you avoid financial stress and keep your focus on building a better future through education.

Learn more: How Many Qualifications Does NSFAS Fund

Qualifications Funded by NSFAS in 2026/2027

NSFAS primarily supports high-demand qualifications and courses that are connected with the country’s economic and developmental achievements. NSFAS funds the following qualifications;

TVET College Qualifications

If you’re studying at a public TVET college, NSFAS can fund:

NATED/Report 191 programmes – N1 to N6 in fields like engineering, business, and hospitality
Some occupational programmes (depending on the course and college)
NC(V) programmes – National Certificate (Vocational) levels 2 to 4
Make sure your chosen course is approved by NSFAS before applying.

University Qualifications

NSFAS helps pay for undergraduate courses at public universities. These include:

Bachelor’s degrees like BA, BSc, BCom, BEd, and LLB
Higher certificates (only if the university offers them)
National diplomas
Advanced diplomas

Who qualifies for NSFAS funding?

To qualify for NSFAS funding:

All South African citizens
All SASSA grant recipients qualifies 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.

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.

Learn more: Does NSFAS Fund 6 Months Courses 2026?

How To Apply For NSFAS 2026

Follow the steps below to complete the NSFAS application;