Financial aid guide
Understanding NSFAS
The National Student Financial Aid Scheme is the South African government's student funding programme. If you qualify, it can cover your tuition, accommodation, food allowance, transport and learning materials.
What is NSFAS?
Government funding for students who cannot afford tertiary education
NSFAS is a government bursary for South African students from low-income households. Unlike a loan, a NSFAS bursary does not need to be repaid if you pass your studies and meet the requirements.
NSFAS funds students at public universities and TVET colleges. It does not fund private institutions.
What NSFAS covers
- ✓Tuition fees
- ✓Accommodation (on-campus or accredited)
- ✓Food and meal allowance
- ✓Transport allowance
- ✓Learning materials allowance (books, devices)
- ✓Personal care allowance
Eligibility checklist
- South African citizen or permanent resident
- Combined household income below R350,000 per year
- Registered at a public university or TVET college
- Enrolled in a NSFAS-approved qualification
- Not exceeding the N+ rule (years of study allowed)
SASSA grant recipients are automatically eligible if their parent receives a SASSA social grant.
How to apply
Seven steps to a NSFAS application
Get accepted first
Apply to a university or TVET college. You need a provisional or conditional acceptance before NSFAS can process your application.
Create a myNSFAS account
Go to my.nsfas.org.za and register with your ID number and a valid email address. Keep your login details safe.
Complete the application
Fill in all sections: personal details, household income, institution and qualification details.
Upload supporting documents
Your ID or birth certificate, parent or guardian IDs, proof of household income (payslips, SASSA letter or affidavit if unemployed).
Submit and track
Submit your application and check your myNSFAS account regularly for status updates. NSFAS communicates via email and the portal.
Confirm registration
Once funded, confirm your registration at your institution. Your institution registers you with NSFAS for disbursement.
Receive your allowances
Allowances are paid via the NSFAS Wallet into your account. Tuition is paid directly to your institution.
Key dates
Typically September
NSFAS usually opens applications in September for the following academic year. Check nsfas.org.za for the exact date each year.
Typically November
Applications usually close in November. Late applications are generally not accepted. Apply as early as possible.
From February
Funding decisions are communicated from February. Check your myNSFAS account and your institution’s financial aid office.
Continue exploring