Who Qualifies For NSFAS Funding 2026

Who Qualifies For NSFAS Funding 2026

The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) is a government program in South Africa that helps students from low-income families pay for their studies. It’s designed to give everyone a fair chance at getting a university or TVET college education, especially those who can’t afford the costs on their own. With NSFAS, many students can focus on their studies without worrying about tuition fees, accommodation, or textbooks.

If you’re planning to study in 2026 and need financial support, NSFAS could be the solution. But not everyone can apply. There are certain requirements you must meet to qualify. First, you must be a South African citizen with a valid ID. Your combined household income should be R350,000 or less per year. If you’re a person living with a disability, the income limit is slightly higher—up to R600,000 per year. You also need to have passed Grade 12 and be accepted to study at a public university or TVET college in South Africa.

For the 2026 academic year, NSFAS remains committed to helping students from disadvantaged communities get access to higher education. Students and families need to understand the qualifying criteria before applying. In this complete guide, we’ll walk you through who qualifies for NSFAS funding in 2026, what documents are needed, and what steps to follow. This information will help you prepare and apply with confidence.

Learn more: NSFAS Who Qualifies

Who Is Eligible for NSFAS in 2026?

To qualify for NSFAS funding, applicants must ensure they meet the eligibility requirements for the fund. The general eligibility requirements for NSFAS funding are listed below;

• 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 2026

NSFAS funded 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 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

Documents Required To Apply for NSFAS 2026

NSFAS Applicants must upload and submit supporting documents required by NSFAS. The common documents required are provided below;

• Copy of student ID / Birth certificate
• Copy of parent/s or guardian/ spouse ID
• Smart card: both sides of the card are 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.

Learn more: Who Gets NSFAS

 Apply for NSFAS 2026

Follow the comprehensive step-by-step guide below to apply for NSFAS.

• Visit the official website of NSFAS at:  www.nsfas.org.za
• Click on the ‘myNSFAS’ tab.
• Create a myNSFAS account with your personal information
• Click on the ‘APPLY’ tab and complete the sections on the screen
• Upload required supporting documents where applicable
• Click on ‘Submit. ’

Contact NSFAS

NSFAS Virtual Contact Centre

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

You can increase your chances of receiving this much-needed financial support by meeting the criteria for eligibility and following the application procedure thoroughly. If you fit the prerequisites, don’t hesitate to apply and begin your journey to a brighter future through education. Visit the official website of NSFAS for more information.

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