Who Gets NSFAS

Who Gets NSFAS

The National Student Financial Aid Scheme is a government-funded program that helps students in South Africa pay for their education. It is managed by the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) and offers bursaries to students who want to study at public universities and TVET (Technical and Vocational Education and Training) colleges.

You might be asking yourself, “Do I qualify for NSFAS?” If you’re still in high school, already in university, or planning to return to your studies, it’s essential to know the qualifications. The National Student Financial Aid Scheme is mainly for students who come from households earning R350,000 or less per year. If you get a SASSA grant, you automatically meet the financial criteria. The bursary covers vital costs like tuition fees, accommodation, textbooks, meals, and transport.

NSFAS was created to make higher education more affordable and accessible to students who need financial support. It has helped many young people reach their academic goals and build better futures for themselves and their families. Education can be expensive, but the National Student Financial Aid Scheme helps make it possible for students from low-income homes to go to college or university without worrying about how they will pay for it. If you want to further your education but don’t have the money, NSFAS could be the help you need. It’s all about opening doors and giving everyone a fair chance to succeed through education.

Learn more: Does The R350 Grant Affect NSFAS?

Eligibility for 2026 NSFAS Funding

To be eligible for funding, you must meet specific requirements set by the agency. To get funding, you must meet the following requirements;

• 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.

Who Does Not Qualify

NSFAS funding is not available to students in certain situations:

• Students who already have a qualification cannot apply again.
• If your household earns more than R350,000 a year, you don’t qualify for NSFAS.
• If you’ve already applied, been approved, and are getting NSFAS funding, you don’t need to apply again. You’ll keep getting the funding as long as you pass your subjects and meet the academic rules.

What the Bursary Covers

The National Student Financial Aid Scheme bursaries cover various educational expenses to help alleviate the financial burden on students.

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 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

TVET

• Accommodation in an urban area R24,000 per annum
• Accommodation in a peri-urban area R18,900 per annum
• Accommodation in a rural area R15,750 per annum
• Transport (up to 40 km from institution) R7,350 per annum
• Transport R7000 per annum
• Incidental/personal care allowance R2900 per annum

Supporting documents required for NSFAS

The National Student Financial Aid Scheme 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: NSFAS And Sassa

How To Apply For NSFAS Online 2026

Follow the guide below to apply.

• 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’.

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#

Follow the application process indicated above carefully to ensure you match the qualifying requirements and have the best chance of receiving funding. By doing so, you may take an important step toward attaining your academic and career goals while avoiding financial hardship. Visit the official website of the National Student Financial Aid Scheme

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