NSFAS (the National Student Financial Aid Scheme) is a South African government entity that provides bursaries to eligible students at public universities and TVET colleges. Established under the National Student Financial Aid Scheme Act (Act 56 of 1999), NSFAS falls under the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) and funds students from poor and working-class families so they can access post-school education.
NSFAS funding covers tuition and registration fees, plus allowances for learning materials, accommodation or transport, living expenses, and personal care.
Who Qualifies for NSFAS?
To qualify for NSFAS funding, you must meet these criteria:
- South African citizen or permanent resident with a valid South African ID number
- Combined gross household income must not exceed R350,000 per year
- Students with disabilities: the income threshold increases to R600,000 per year
- Must be registered at or applying to a public university or one of South Africa’s 50 public TVET colleges
- Must have an email address and cellphone number for the application process
SASSA Grant Recipients
If you are a recipient of a SASSA grant — specifically the Foster Care, Care Dependency, or Child Support Grant — you automatically meet the financial eligibility criteria for NSFAS. Recipients of the Social Relief of Distress (SRD) grant do not automatically qualify.
Who Does Not Qualify for NSFAS?
NSFAS does not fund:
- Students at private institutions (only public universities and TVET colleges are covered)
- Students who have already completed an undergraduate qualification and want to study for a second one
- Students enrolled in qualifications not approved by DHET
- Students whose household income exceeds the R350,000 threshold (or R600,000 for students with disabilities)
- Students who already receive a full bursary from another source that covers their cost of study
What Does NSFAS Cover?
NSFAS covers the full cost of study for eligible students, which includes:
| Covered Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Tuition and registration fees | Paid directly to the institution based on the approved fee handbook |
| Learning materials allowance | For academic books, materials, and/or a learning device (university students) |
| Living allowance | Covers food and incidental expenses for university students not in catered residences |
| Accommodation allowance | Capped amount for institution-owned, leased, or accredited private accommodation |
| Transport allowance | For students living with family or relatives (you qualify for transport OR accommodation, not both) |
| Personal care allowance | For personal necessities |
Allowance cap amounts are published annually by NSFAS in a separate handbook. Accommodation caps differ between metro and non-metro areas.
TVET college students receive a different allowance structure: personal care, and accommodation or transport. TVET students do not receive a separate learning materials allowance.
For a full breakdown of current allowance amounts, see our NSFAS allowances guide.
The NSFAS Loan Scheme
Students from households earning between R350,001 and R600,000 per year do not qualify for the NSFAS bursary but may apply for a NSFAS loan. The loan scheme requires:
- A 60% course pass rate for continued funding
- Students achieving above 70% qualify for a 50% bursary conversion, meaning half the loan is converted to a grant that does not need to be repaid
The loan scheme is a separate funding mechanism from the NSFAS bursary and applies to students in the “missing middle” income bracket who earn too much to qualify for the full bursary.
How to Apply for NSFAS
Applications are submitted online through the myNSFAS portal. The process involves:
- Create a myNSFAS account using your South African ID number
- Select up to 3 institutions and 3 fields of study
- Upload supporting documents: ID or birth certificate, parent/guardian ID, and proof of income. Documents do not need to be certified.
- Submit a signed consent form — this allows NSFAS to verify your household income through third-party sources such as SARS
- Track your application status on the myNSFAS portal
Additional documents may be required:
- Declaration form — for applicants aged 34 or younger (to verify parental/guardian details)
- Disability annexure — applicants with disabilities must include a medical report from an HPCSA-registered professional
- Vulnerable child declaration — for qualifying applicants under 18
For a step-by-step guide, see our NSFAS application guide.
NSFAS Application Dates for 2027
NSFAS has not yet announced the official 2027 application dates. Based on the historical pattern:
| Year | Applications Opened | Applications Closed |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 academic year | September 2023 | November 2023 |
| 2026 academic year | 16 September 2025 | 15 November 2025 |
| 2027 academic year | Expected September 2026 | To be confirmed |
The 2026 application cycle closed on 15 November 2025. Students planning to apply for 2027 should monitor the official NSFAS website from August 2026 for the confirmed dates.
Continuing students who were funded in the previous academic term do not need to re-apply annually, unless they change institution type (e.g., from TVET to university) or move through an academic progression pathway.
How Long Does NSFAS Fund You? (The N+ Rule)
NSFAS funding is limited by the N+ Rule, which sets the maximum duration you can receive financial aid:
- N = the minimum time required to complete your qualification
- N+1 = you get one additional academic term beyond the minimum
- Students with disabilities qualify for N+2 (two additional terms)
- For distance university students, N equals double the minimum completion time
For example, a 3-year degree has N = 3. With N+1, you can receive NSFAS funding for a maximum of 4 years.
Academic Requirements to Keep NSFAS Funding
NSFAS may withdraw funding if you do not meet the academic progression criteria:
- University students: must achieve a 60% course pass rate each academic year
- TVET NC(V) students: must pass at least 5 subjects at the previous NC(V) level
- TVET Report 191 students: must pass a minimum of 3 subjects at the previous N-level
What to Do If Your NSFAS Application Is Rejected
If your application is rejected, you can lodge an appeal through the myNSFAS portal. Appeals are considered by an Independent Appeals Tribunal. Grounds for appeal include:
- Your household financial circumstances have changed since the application
- You can provide evidence that your household income is below the threshold
- A key income contributor has become incapacitated or deceased
- The academic results NSFAS received were incorrect
For a detailed guide, see our NSFAS appeal process guide.
NSFAS Contact Details
- Toll-free number: 08000 67327 (08000 NSFAS)
- Email: info@nsfas.org.za
- myNSFAS portal: my.nsfas.org.za
- Website: www.nsfas.org.za
For a full list of NSFAS contact details including office addresses, see our NSFAS contact details page.
Frequently Asked Questions About NSFAS
Does NSFAS fund postgraduate studies?
No. NSFAS funds first undergraduate qualifications and certificate qualifications at universities, and NC(V), Report 191, occupational, and PLP programmes at TVET colleges.
Do I need to re-apply for NSFAS every year?
No. Continuing students who were funded in the previous term and remain at the same institution type do not need to re-apply. You must re-apply if you change from a TVET college to a university (or vice versa), or if you are a returning or gap-year student.
Does NSFAS cover private universities or colleges?
No. NSFAS only funds students at public universities and public TVET colleges.
Can I receive NSFAS and another bursary at the same time?
Only if the other bursary does not cover your full cost of study. If you receive a full bursary from another source, you must notify NSFAS within 10 days and the NSFAS funding will be withdrawn.
What happens if I fail?
University students who do not achieve a 60% course pass rate may lose funding. However, you can appeal if the failure was due to documented illness, death in the family, being a victim of a violent crime, or pregnancy/childbirth, provided the institution confirms you can still complete the qualification in the remaining N+ period.
Do my documents need to be certified?
No. NSFAS has removed the requirement for documents to be certified.
