Which Universities Does NSFAS Fund 2026/2027

Which Universities Does NSFAS Fund 2026/2027

Paying for higher education in South Africa can be difficult for many students because of the high costs involved. Fortunately, the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) helps students from low-income families by providing financial help to study at public universities and TVET colleges. As the 2026/2027 academic year draws near, many students want to know which universities are funded by NSFAS. NSFAS assists students attending public universities and Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) colleges across South Africa.

This includes well-known institutions like the University of Cape Town, University of the Witwatersrand, University of Pretoria, and the University of KwaZulu-Natal, among others. The funding helps cover tuition fees, accommodation, textbooks, and other important costs, making it easier for students to focus on their studies without worrying about money.

It’s essential to know that NSFAS funding is only available for students enrolled at public institutions. Private universities do not qualify for this financial aid. So, if you want to benefit from NSFAS, you need to choose a public university or a TVET college. Knowing which universities NSFAS covers helps students make informed choices about their education. With the right support, many students can pursue their academic goals and build a better future without the heavy financial burden.

Learn more: Which College Does NSFAS Fund

Eligibility criteria for NSFAS funding

To get NSFAS funding, students must meet certain requirements. You must be:

• All South African citizens
• All SASSA grant recipients qualify 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.

What NSFAS covers for universities

NSFAS covers the following things;

• 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 institution) R7,500 per annum
• Living allowance R15, 000 per annum
• Book allowances R5200 per annum
• Incidental/personal care allowance R2900 per annum for students in catered residences

Documents Required to Apply For NSFAS Funding

NSFAS Candidates are required to upload and submit supporting legal papers along with the completed application form. The following official papers are required;

• 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.

How To Apply For NSFAS At Universities

Follow the detailed steps below to apply for National Student Financial Aid Scheme funding at Universities.

• Go to www.nsfas.org.za and click on the ‘myNSFAS’ tab.
• Create a myNSFAS account
• Click on the ‘APPLY’ tab and complete the sections on the screen
• Upload the required supporting documents, where applicable
•  Click on ‘Submit’.

Learn more: Coinvest NSFAS App

Universities funded by NSFAS in South Africa

NSFAS provides funding to 26 universities across South Africa. The following universities are funded by NSFAS;

• University of Venda (UNIVEN)
• University of Zululand (UNIZULU)
• Nelson Mandela University (NMU)
• Rhodes University (RU)
• Vaal University of Technology (VUT)
• North-West University (NWU)
• Central University of Technology (CUT)
• University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN)
• University of the Western Cape (UWC)
• University of Fort Hare (UFH)
• University of the Free State (UFS)
• Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT)
• Sol Plaatje University (SPU)
• University of Mpumalanga (UMP)
• University of Limpopo (UL)
• Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU)
• Tshwane University of Technology (TUT)
• University of Pretoria (UP)
• University of Johannesburg (UJ)
• University of Cape Town (UCT)
• University of the Witwatersrand (Wits)
• Durban University of Technology (DUT)
• Mangosuthu University of Technology (MUT)

Contact NSFAS

Email: info@nsfas.org.za
Facebook: National Student Financial Aid Scheme
Twitter: @myNSFAS
Instagram: @myNSFAS
WhatsApp: +27 78 519 8006
USSD:*120*67327#

NSFAS plays an essential part in making higher education available to students from low-income families. The program gives support to a wide range of South African universities and TVET colleges, ensuring that qualified students can pursue their educational goals. Visit the official website of NSFAS for more information.

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