NSFAS: Bursaries and Loans
The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) supports South African students. It offers two main types of funding: bursaries and loans. These help students from low-income families attend public universities and TVET colleges.
Bursaries cover students from households with an annual income up to R350,000, or R600,000 for students with disabilities. These non-repayable funds include tuition fees, registration costs, learning materials, living expenses, transport, and accommodation. NSFAS provides bursaries for undergraduate and TVET programmes.
Loans target the “missing middle” students from households earning between R350,001 and R600,000 per year. These repayable funds cover the same costs as bursaries. Loans may convert to bursaries based on academic performance, such as a 50% conversion if a student achieves over 70% marks.
Loans apply to both undergraduate and postgraduate studies. They focus on STEM fields. NSFAS limits funding to programmes approved under the National Qualifications Framework (NQF). It does not extend to private institutions or equivalent repeat qualifications, except in special cases.
Eligibility Requirements
To qualify, you must meet specific criteria. First, you need to be a South African citizen or permanent resident. Second, you must register or plan to register at a public university or TVET college.
Your household income must fall within the limits. For bursaries, it should not exceed R350,000 per year. SASSA grant recipients qualify automatically for bursaries, excluding child support grants. For loans, income ranges from R350,001 to R600,000 annually.
You must also meet academic requirements. New students need to satisfy the institution’s admission criteria. Continuing students must meet progression rules, such as passing a minimum number of modules.
NSFAS follows the N+ rule for funding duration. This covers the normal programme length (N) plus extra years, usually +1 or +2. It includes extensions for disabilities or special circumstances.
Students with disabilities must submit medical reports. NSFAS verifies all information through external databases. This ensures fair and accurate funding decisions.
How to Apply Online: Step-by-Step Guide
NSFAS accepts all applications online through the myNSFAS portal. Start by visiting www.nsfas.org.za. Create a myNSFAS account using your South African ID number, a valid email, and mobile number. The system verifies your details against the Department of Home Affairs database.
Log in and complete the application form. Provide personal, academic, and financial details. Upload the required supporting documents, listed below.
Review your application for accuracy. Submit it to receive a reference number for tracking. Monitor your status on the portal. NSFAS sends SMS or email updates if more information is needed.
Apply early to avoid delays. If rejected, submit an appeal through the portal with evidence. This process helps ensure you get the funding you need for your studies.
Required Supporting Documents
Documents vary by situation but are generally certified copies no older than three months. You need a South African ID or birth certificate for the applicant, parents or guardians, and spouse.
Prove your income with payslips, affidavits for the unemployed, or SASSA letters. Complete the NSFAS consent form to verify data. For disabilities, include the Disability Annexure form and a medical report.
If applicable, provide proof of orphan status, vulnerable children, or SASSA receipt. Submit guardianship or custody documents, such as court orders or death certificates.
SASSA recipients need fewer documents. Upload all in PDF format during application. This keeps the process smooth and efficient for everyone.
Allowances and Additional Benefits
NSFAS provides living allowances to funded students. The living allowance is usually R15,000 to R17,160 per year, about R1,500 to R1,716 per month over 10 months.
Learning materials get R5,200 to R5,678 annually. Accommodation allowance reaches up to R42,000 to R52,000 per year, depending on location. Urban areas pay more than rural ones. For managed TVET residences, it goes up to R54,045.
Transport allowance is up to R7,500 per year for students not living near their study place. NSFAS offers laptops through the Digital Learning Device (DLD) protocol for eligible students. Collect the form from your institution’s finance office and apply online.
For accommodation, apply via the NSFAS portal for approved options. Allowances pay directly to bank accounts or approved methods monthly. Amounts may adjust yearly. For 2026, expect similar rates to 2025 until reviewed.
TVET Colleges and Universities
NSFAS funds all 26 public universities and 50 TVET colleges in South Africa. Many now accept 2026 applications. Examples include University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN), University of South Africa (Unisa), Central University of Technology (CUT), and Tshwane University of Technology (TUT).
For TVET colleges, key ones are Tshwane South TVET, Ehlanzeni TVET, Tshwane North TVET, and Central Johannesburg TVET. Others qualify too. Applications often open in September or October and close in November or December.
For teaching programmes in TVET colleges, such as Educare or Early Childhood Development, options include False Bay TVET, Ekurhuleni West TVET, Tshwane South TVET, Boland TVET, Buffalo City TVET, and Capricorn TVET. These offer related programmes to build teaching skills.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
When should I apply for NSFAS 2026? Applications opened in September 2025 and remain open through October 2025.
How do I apply for NSFAS 2026? / How do I apply for NSFAS 2026 online? Follow the step-by-step process on the myNSFAS portal as described above. Ensure you have all correct documents.
What is the NSFAS application deadline? The deadline is 15 November 2025.
Which colleges offer NSFAS? All public universities and TVET colleges in South Africa qualify for NSFAS funding.
How much is the NSFAS allowance for 2026? / How much does NSFAS pay per student per month? 2026 allowances are not finalised but expected to match 2025: living allowance around R1,500–R1,716 per month (R15,000–R17,160 yearly), plus books and accommodation as detailed above.
Which colleges are open for 2026? Many, including UKZN, Unisa, CUT, TUT, Tshwane South TVET, Ehlanzeni TVET, and Central Johannesburg TVET. Check individual websites for exact deadlines.
How do I apply for the NSFAS laptop allowance 2025? If funded, download the DLD form from your institution’s finance office, complete it, and apply online.
Is NSFAS a loan or a bursary? Both: bursaries for low-income students (non-repayable); loans for missing middle (repayable, with possible conversion).
Can NSFAS fund me for six years? It depends on your qualification. Under N+2 rules, a four-year degree can get up to six years of funding if you meet progression requirements.
How do I apply for NSFAS accommodation allowance 2025? Check your funding status on the myNSFAS portal. If approved, accommodation pays automatically; apply for approved options via the portal.
Will NSFAS open for second semester in 2025? Yes, TVET colleges opened Semester 2 applications in July 2025 for 2025 registrations.
Which TVET colleges offer teaching programmes? Examples include False Bay TVET (ECD and Educare), Ekurhuleni West TVET, Tshwane South TVET, Boland TVET, and Buffalo City TVET.
How do I apply for late NSFAS? No, late applications are not accepted past the deadline. Apply before 15 November 2025 for 2026.
Additional Tips and Contact Information
Always check the official NSFAS website for the latest information. Policies can change. For help, call the toll-free number 08000 67327, email [email protected], or visit NSFAS offices.
NSFAS empowers thousands of students each year. Apply thoughtfully to secure your educational future. Take time to prepare your application well.
Related Resources
For other education and planning sources, explore these guides.
Was this helpful?
0 / 0
#Bursaries #Department of Home Affairs #Documents #Education #SASSA #SASSA Grant