Who Does NSFAS Cover

Who Does NSFAS Cover; NSFAS login

Are you a South African student dreaming of pursuing higher education but worried about the financial burden? You’re not alone. Many prospective students face significant hurdles when it comes to affording university or TVET college fees, accommodation, and daily living expenses. This is where the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) steps in. As a government-funded entity under the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET), NSFAS is dedicated to breaking down these financial barriers, offering study bursaries to qualified students across the country.​

NSFAS is more than just a financial aid scheme; it’s a lifeline for countless young South Africans. Its core mission is to empower disadvantaged students by ensuring that a lack of funds doesn’t prevent them from accessing quality education at public universities and TVET colleges. If you’ve ever wondered if you qualify for this important help or what exactly NSFAS funding entails, you’re in the right place. We’ll delve into the specifics of who NSFAS covers, exploring the essential eligibility criteria that applicants must meet. This includes knowing the income thresholds for different student groups, as well as the academic requirements necessary to receive and maintain funding.

Beyond eligibility, we’ll also break down the comprehensive range of costs that an NSFAS bursary can cover. From tuition and registration fees to accommodation, living expenses, transport, and even learning materials, NSFAS aims to provide holistic support. We’ll guide you through the straightforward online application process, so you can confidently take the first step towards securing your educational future. Understanding who NSFAS covers is important for anyone looking to leverage this invaluable opportunity to get smart faster and achieve their academic aspirations.

Who Does NSFAS Cover

Learn more: NSFAS For TVET College 2026

Eligibility Criteria for NSFAS Funding 2026

To be eligible for NSFAS, you must meet the following criteria;

• All South African citizens
• All SASSA grant recipients qualify for funding
• Applicants whose combined household income is not more than R350,000 per annum
• A person with a disability: Combined household income must not be more than R600,000 per annum
• SASSA recipients automatically qualify for funding and need not submit any proof of income.

What NSFAS Bursaries Cover

NSFAS bursaries cover various essential costs associated with higher education. NSFAS 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 is 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.

Programs In South Africa Covered By NSFAS

NSFAS primarily serves South African nationals and permanent residents who seek financial aid to pursue higher education in South Africa. It includes students who want to pursue a variety of qualifications, such as:

• University Degrees: NSFAS offers financial assistance for undergraduate degree programs at South African public institutions.
• TVET College Courses: It also includes students who attend Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) colleges and earn various certifications and certificates.
• HET College Courses: NSFAS covers Higher Education and Training (HET) colleges, allowing students to pursue courses and qualifications beyond TVET. NSFAS login

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. NSFAS login

Learn more: NSFAS For TVET College

How To Apply For NSFAS Online 2026

Follow the guide below to apply online for NSFAS.

• 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’. NSFAS login

Who Does NSFAS Cover

Contact NSFAS

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