NSFAS Requirements
The National Student Financial Aid Scheme, better known as NSFAS, has become synonymous with making higher education accessible in South Africa. The scheme has been established to help fund university and TVET college students from poor and working-class families. If you would like to attend university or TVET college, read on to learn more about the NSFAS requirements before applying to universities and colleges.
How Does NSFAS Work?
NSFAS subsidizes higher education and training at public universities and TVET colleges for students who meet the NSFAS requirements. The scheme is funded mainly through government allocations; bursaries and student loans have different conditions. To qualify for the NSFAS bursary, you need to meet the NSFAS requirements (read more about it below).
Additionally, if you are accepted to a TVET college or university, to ensure your NSFAS bursary remains active, you will need to meet other NSFAS requirements. Continuing funding depends on the applicable academic progression, registration and permitted study-duration rules; approval is not a guarantee of funding for every later year.
Who Qualifies For NSFAS?
Applications for 2027 funding opened on 18 September 2026 and close on 31 October 2026 at 23:59 South African time, according to the NSFAS notice issued on 20 October 2026. Apply through myNSFAS and check the current funding criteria.
The National Student Financial Aid Scheme’s mission is to help those from poor and working-class families who would otherwise not be able to attend university. Therefore, the scheme primarily focuses on income as qualifying criteria. However, there are other requirements which you can see listed below.
The following explains the main bursary eligibility categories. Financial eligibility alone does not guarantee an award; your citizenship or residency, institution, qualification and academic requirements must also be met:
- For a non-SASSA bursary applicant, your gross combined household income is R350,000 or less per year.
- You are a South African citizen or permanent resident, under the eligibility categories published by NSFAS.
- You meet the entry and academic requirements of an approved qualification; a Grade 12 pass is not required for every TVET programme.
- You plan to study, or are registered, at an eligible public university or TVET college. A verified qualifying SASSA grant recipient meets the financial criterion; do not assume that a parent’s grant alone guarantees your funding.
- You are a student with a disability, and your household income does not exceed R600,000 per year.
Note: Older applicants may apply, but all applicable funding rules still apply. NSFAS’s current FAQ explains how income is assessed for independent, financially self-sufficient applicants over 34.
What Do You Need To Apply for NSFAS
To kick off the application process, NSFAS will request that you provide supporting documentation. This documentation you can upload while making your NSFAS online application. These documents include:
- Copy of your ID or birth certificate.
- A completed, signed NSFAS consent form and any income evidence specifically requested by myNSFAS.
- Parent, guardian or spouse identity and income documents where requested for your circumstances.
- The current disability questionnaire or Annexure A and the required medical confirmation, if applicable.
- If NSFAS verifies your qualifying SASSA recipient status, you meet the bursary’s financial requirement. Still complete the consent form and upload any documents the system requests.
- Complete the current Orphan or Vulnerable Child Form, or Declaration Form, if your age and family circumstances require it.
Also Read: NSFAS Application: Everything you need to know
How To Contact NSFAS
If you have any more questions concerning the application process or whether you would qualify for NSFAS, you can contact NSFAS on 08000 67327 or email info@nsfas.org.za.
