Can I Apply For NSFAS If I Am Working

Balancing work and studies is a reality for many South Africans, and with the rising cost of education, financial support becomes essential. The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) was established to help students from disadvantaged and working-class backgrounds access higher education without worrying about tuition fees, accommodation, or study materials. However, if you already have a job, you might be wondering if you can apply for NSFAS

The good news is that being employed does not stop you from applying for NSFAS. What matters most is your total household income and whether it meets the NSFAS funding requirements. The scheme sets a specific income threshold, which ensures that funding reaches students who genuinely cannot afford their studies. So, even if you are working, as long as your annual household income is R350,000 or less, you may still qualify for assistance. For students living with a disability, the threshold is slightly higher at R600,000.

This means that working students, especially those earning modest salaries or supporting their families, still have the opportunity to receive financial aid. NSFAS understands that having a job does not always mean you can cover all the costs of tertiary education. Knowing the criteria and understanding how your income is assessed can help you make an informed decision about applying. In this article, we’ll guide you through the process and explain what working applicants need to know about qualifying for NSFAS.

Learn more: NSFAS New Platform 2026/2027

Can Employed Students Qualify for NSFAS?

Yes, you can still apply for NSFAS even if you are employed. Having a job, whether it is part-time, full-time, an internship, or any other work opportunity, does not automatically disqualify you from receiving funding. What matters most is that you meet the NSFAS requirements.

To qualify, your total household income must not be more than the limit set by NSFAS. As long as your earnings and your family’s combined income fall within this range, and you meet the academic criteria, you can still receive financial support. This means that being employed will not affect your chances, provided your income stays under the required threshold. Can I Apply For NSFAS If I Am Working

The requirements needed to qualify for NSFAS 2026

If you are a citizen of South Africa, intend to enrol in school in 2026, or are enrolled in a public university or TVET college, and match the following criteria, you are eligible for an NSFAS bursary:

All South African citizens
All SASSA grant recipients qualify 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.

What does the bursary cover?

Amounts indicated for accommodation, living allowance, transport, and learning materials need to be aligned with the latest DHET guidelines.

UNIVERSITY

Accommodation : As per the actual costs charged by the university (costs for private accommodation must not exceed costs for university residence)
Transport (up to 40 km from the institution) R7 500 per annum
Living allowance R15, 000 per annum
Book allowances R5200 per annum
Incidental/personal care allowance of R2900 per annum for students in catered residences

TVET

Accommodation in an urban area is R24,000 per annum
Accommodation in a peri-urban area is R18,900 per annum
Accommodation in a rural area is R15,750 per annum
Transport (up to 40 km from the institution) R7,350 per annum
Transport R7000 per annum
Incidental/personal care allowance R2900 per annum

Application Process for NSFAS 2026

Below is a comprehensive guide that will help you easily follow the National Student Financial Aid Scheme application process by providing you with all the necessary information.

Getting the Necessary Documents:

Collect the necessary paperwork for the application procedure, including your school or university admission letter, a certified copy of your ID, and evidence of your income for yourself or your guardian.

Learn more: How Do I Know If I Qualify For NSFAS 2026-2027

Qualifications for NSFAS Registration:

Make sure that you meet the NSFAS eligibility requirements before applying.
To be eligible, a person must normally meet certain requirements, such as being a citizen of South Africa, being enrolled in or accepted into a public university or TVET college, and having a recognized qualification.

How to utilize the NSFAS Application:

Find the application section by visiting the NSFAS portal or website. Register for an account, or sign in with an existing account.
To obtain the application for the 2026-2027 school year, follow the instructions.

Fill out the Application Form:

Complete the application form with precision and thoroughness. Make sure the information is accurate and up to date, and include any pertinent facts.
Prepare yourself to enter personal, academic, and financial data as needed.

Putting in the Application:

Submit your application online after filling it out and attaching the required files. For your records, make sure you obtain an application reference number or a confirmation of submission. Can I Apply For NSFAS If I Am Working

Verify the Status of Your Application and Follow-Up:

Utilizing your application reference number or login information, follow up on the status of your application once it has been submitted.
This will assist you in being updated on any changes or new prerequisites that may be required to process your application

You are not automatically ineligible for NSFAS support just because you work. NSFAS takes into account more than just work status when determining eligibility. If you are a working person looking for financial assistance for more education, be sure you fulfill the requirements, give the correct information, and send in your application on time.

NSFAS Contact Details

NSFAS Contact Center: