Criteria For NSFAS 2026/2027

Are you planning to apply for the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) for the 2026-2027 academic year? If yes, it is important to understand the requirements before starting your application. Knowing the NSFAS criteria helps you determine if you qualify for funding and also guides you through the process with confidence. NSFAS has specific rules in place to decide who can benefit from the bursary. These criteria look at several factors such as citizenship, household income, and academic performance. To begin with, applicants must be South African citizens who are registered or planning to register at a public university or TVET college.

Another key requirement is household income. Generally, students whose combined household income is below a set threshold are considered for funding, ensuring that support goes to those who truly need it. Academic results also play a role in the process. Students are expected to meet the minimum academic standards set by their chosen institution. Meeting these requirements shows NSFAS that you are capable of completing your studies successfully.

By meeting the NSFAS criteria, students gain access to financial aid that covers tuition fees, accommodation, study materials, and even allowances for meals and transport. This support makes it possible for thousands of students to pursue higher education without the burden of financial stress. Taking time to understand the NSFAS 2026/2027 criteria will help you prepare your application properly and increase your chances of securing funding.

Learn more: NSFAS Application Criteria 2026/2027

Who Qualifies to Apply for NSFAS 2026-2027

All South African citizens
All SASSA grant recipients qualifies 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.

NSFAS Requirements for 2026-2027

Academic Eligibility Criteria

The percentage of course credits that a student earns during the academic year will be used to calculate the academic progression requirements. Institutions and NSFAS will gradually align the standards for academic advancement.

First Time Entering Students (FTEN) are required to have a 50% course credit pass rate from their previous academic term as of 2026.
By 2026, students who want to continue their education must have completed their previous academic term with a course credit pass rate of 55%.

Financial Eligibility Criteria

Prospective students seeking financing for the first time, as well as continuing and returning students, are evaluated based on their financial eligibility.

Students/applicants under legal guardianship: The household income is the combined gross income of the legal guardian and the applicant.
Married students/applicants: The household income is the total gross income of both the applicant and their spouse.
Unmarried students/applicants: The household income includes the total gross income from all sources of the biological or adoptive mother, biological or adoptive father, and the applicant.
Independent or adult learners: If you are unmarried, financially independent from your parents, and meet the definition of an “adult learner” as outlined in the Requirements and Conditions for Matriculation Endorsement and the issuing of Exemption Certificates for university admission, you do not need to submit the NSFAS declaration form.

Social Grants Recipients (SASSA)

Students who receive grants from the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) are automatically considered financially eligible for NSFAS funding. This means if you are registered at a public university or TVET college and meet the academic requirements, you can qualify for a bursary.
The types of SASSA grants that make students eligible for NSFAS include the Child Support Grant, Foster Care Grant, and Care Dependency Grant.

Non–Social Grants Recipients (NON-SASSA)

Students with a household income of R350,000 or less per year qualify for NSFAS. For students with disabilities, the limit is R600,000 per year.
NSFAS considers students eligible if their family income is R350,000 or less, or R600,000 or less for those with disabilities.

Supporting documents required for NSFAS

NSFAS needs information to confirm the employment and income of an applicant’s parents, guardians, or spouse.

NSFAS Declaration Form: completed by the school principal or social worker. (Non-SASSA only)
Orphan and Vulnerable Child Declaration Form: completed by a social worker for applicants under 18. (Non-SASSA only)
NSFAS Consent Form: signed by the applicant and/or parent, guardian, or spouse. (Not needed for SASSA recipients)
If the applicant has a legal guardian, court-issued proof is required.
For non-court-appointed guardians, submit the NSFAS Declaration Form.

Learn more: What Are The NSFAS Requirements 2026-2027?

Application Process for NSFAS 2026-2027

Follow the process below to apply online for the NSFAS bursaries for 2026-2027:

Create a profile: Use this link to register for a myNSFAS account: https://my.nsfas.org.za/ or get the NSFAS App from the App Store or Google Play. Your username will be your ID number.
Apply now: To amend your personal information and upload the supporting documents for your application, click the “Apply” option.
Complete: Submit your application

Fulfilling these prerequisites is necessary to be eligible for financing. To increase your chances of receiving financial aid, be sure you fulfill the NSFAS’s requirements for documentation, finances, and academic standing.

Contact Details Of NSFAS

NSFAS Contact Center: