The National Student Financial Aid Scheme

NSFAS is a government bursary and loan programme that gets its funding from the Department of Higher Education and Training and reports back to it.

2026 NSFAS Applications

The South African Government recognises that many households face financial challenges in meeting the high costs of higher education. To address this, the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) ensures that deserving students are not denied the opportunity to pursue their studies due to financial constraints. On behalf of the Department of Higher Education, NSFAS provides funding support to students from poor and working-class families who cannot afford study fees

 

Who qualifies for the NSFAS funding?

• All South African citizens
• All SASSA grant recipients qualifies 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.

 

Who should not apply?

• Students who have completed a previous qualification.
• Students with a combined household income of more than R350 000 per annum.
• Students who have already applied, qualified and received funding. They are automatically funded for the duration of their studies provided they pass their modules and meet the academic requirements.

You will need the following supporting documents to apply:

All applicants are required to submit:

• Certified copy of your ID, not older than 3 months

• A signed and completed consent form 

If you are dependent on your parents/guardian/spouse, please provide:

Certified ID copies of parent/s, guardian, spouse not older than 3 months

Proof of income of parent, guardian or spouse (payslip or appointment letter)

If you are self-sufficient (no parent/guardian support) please provide:

• Proof of income (payslip or appointment letter)

• 3yrs IRP5

If you have a disability, please provide

• Completed and signed the Student with disability Form

• Completed and signed Declaration Form

Other documents required, if applicable:

Retrenchment letter

Death certificate/s

Divorce decree

* Note: If you are a SASSA recipient then no proof of income is required

 

How can you apply?

1. Visit www.nsfas.org.za and create your myNSFAS account
2. After creating the account, log in and Click the Apply tab: fill in your personal/required information and upload your supporting documents (personal information is pre-populated, provide your information is up-to-date at the Department of Home Affairs)
3. Once you have filled in all required information, click on the 'Submit' option to complete your application and note your application Reference number.

 

Once approved for NSFAS funding, the bursary will pay for;

Registration fee, tuition fees, food, study material, personal care allowance, travelling and accommodation where necessary.

 

Don't just apply for yourself, tell your friends to tell their friends to apply too.

 

Below are the NSFAS contact details for more information:

www.nsfas.org.za

Contact Centre Toll Free number: 08000 67327

Facebook: National Student Financial Aid Scheme

Instagram: myNSFAS

Twitter: myNSFAS