Quick Overview
Bursary Description
The NSFAS Bursary provides fully funded higher education opportunities to eligible South African students from low-income households. Funding covers tuition, accommodation, study materials, and living allowances for students studying at public universities and TVET colleges.
About NSFAS and Funding
National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) is a government-funded programme established to improve access to higher education for financially disadvantaged students in South Africa.
NSFAS funding is not a loan for most students, it is a bursary that does not need to be repaid, provided students meet academic progression requirements.
The scheme supports students at:
- Public Universities
- TVET Colleges across South Africa
Funding typically includes:
- Tuition fees (paid directly to the institution)
- Accommodation (on-campus or accredited off-campus)
- Transport allowance (for qualifying students)
- Living allowance
- Learning materials allowance
Fields Covered by the NSFAS Bursary
NSFAS covers all undergraduate programmes offered at:
- Public Universities
- TVET Colleges
There are no field restrictions, provided the qualification is offered at an accredited public institution.
Who Should Apply for the NSFAS Bursary?
You should apply if you are:
- A matric learner planning to study in 2026
- A current university or TVET student without funding
- A student needing continued funding support
How to Apply for NSFAS Funding?
To create your bursary aplication with NSFAS, theses are the stps you need to follow:
- Visit the NSFAS online application portal
- Create a myNSFAS account
- Complete the online application form
- Upload supporting documents:
- Certified copy of ID
- Proof of income (parents/guardian or affidavit if unemployed)
- Completed consent form
- Academic results
Applicants can track their application status through their myNSFAS account via the portal.
NSFAS Allowances Breakdown (Typical Funding Structure)
While amounts may change yearly, NSFAS funding generally includes:
- Tuition: Fully covered
- Accommodation: Based on institution rates
- Living allowance: Paid to student
- Transport: For students living at home (within distance limits)
- Learning materials: Annual allowance
Important Notes
- NSFAS applications usually open once per year (typically late in the year before the academic year)
- Late applications are rarely accepted
- Students must pass and meet progression requirements to continue receiving funding
- Funding is reviewed annually based on academic performance
- Rejected students who meet the criteria for funding can appeal their case after receiving the rejection status
Requirements & Eligibility
Applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Be a South African citizen
- Come from a household with a combined annual income of:
- R350,000 or less (general applicants)
- R600,000 or less (students with disabilities)
- Be accepted or registered at a public university or TVET college
- Meet the academic requirements of the chosen institution
- Not be receiving funding from another government bursary scheme
NSFAS also funds:
- SASSA grant recipients (automatically qualify financially)
Other full funding bursaries in South Africa like NSFAS: Allan Gray Orbis Fellowship Bursary 2026
FAQS About NSFAS
Is NSFAS open for 2026?
NSFAS applications for 2026 are now closed. However, applications typically open before the academic year and close before registration periods.
Is NSFAS a loan or bursary?
NSFAS is a bursary for most students and does not need to be repaid if conditions are met. If a stduent is not eligible for a bursary, they do obatin the NSFAS loan which needs to be repaid as per the terms and conditions.
Can I apply without university acceptance?
Yes, but you must be accepted before funding is finalised.
Bursary to apply for if you were not accepted by NSFAS: ISFAP Bursary 2026
How to Apply
Application Method: Online
