What is NSFAS?
NSFAS is a government bursary scheme that funds qualifying students from poor and working-class families to study at South Africa’s public universities and TVET colleges. For most students it is a bursary, not a loan, meaning it does not have to be repaid provided you meet the conditions.
Who qualifies for NSFAS?
- South African citizens.
- Students from households with a combined income below the NSFAS threshold (generally up to R350,000 per year; higher for students with disabilities).
- SASSA grant recipients automatically meet the financial requirement.
- Students accepted to, or already studying at, a public university or TVET college.
What does NSFAS cover?
- Tuition fees.
- An accommodation allowance (or transport allowance for students living at home).
- A learning materials allowance.
- A living or personal care allowance, depending on your situation.
Documents you need
- Your ID or birth certificate.
- Parents’ or guardians’ IDs and proof of income (payslips, or an affidavit if unemployed).
- Your latest academic results.
- Proof of any SASSA grant, if applicable.
How to apply, step by step
- Create an account on the official NSFAS portal (my.nsfas.org.za).
- Complete your personal and household details.
- Upload the required supporting documents.
- Submit before the application deadline.
- Track your application status online.
When to apply
NSFAS applications usually open around September and close early in the year for the following academic year. Apply as early as possible and make sure your documents are complete, as incomplete applications are delayed or rejected.
After you apply
Check your status regularly and respond quickly to any request for more information. Once approved, keep meeting the academic requirements to keep your funding.
Next step
While you study, explore learnerships, internships and graduate programmes to build experience alongside your qualification.