How Much Must I Earn To Qualify For NSFAS 2026

The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) plays a very important role in helping South African students from disadvantaged backgrounds to access higher education. If you are planning to apply for NSFAS funding for the 2026 academic year, it is important to understand the income requirements, as these determine whether you qualify for support. NSFAS is designed to assist students from poor and working-class families. To be eligible, your household income must not exceed a certain limit. The general rule is that the combined household income of the applicant’s family should not be more than R350,000 per year.

This includes the total earnings of parents, guardians, or anyone who provides financial support in the home. However, NSFAS also makes special provision for students living with disabilities. In this case, the income threshold is higher to provide more opportunities and support. If you are a student with a disability, you can still qualify for NSFAS if your household earns up to R600,000 per year.

These income limits ensure that funding is directed to students who need it most. NSFAS covers tuition fees, accommodation, study materials, and living allowances, reducing the financial burden on families who might otherwise not be able to afford higher education. Understanding the NSFAS income requirements for 2026 is the first step in preparing a successful application. If your household income falls within the set limits, you have a strong chance of receiving financial aid to pursue your studies.

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

NSFAS Financial Requirements for 2026

NSFAS evaluates eligibility based on some criteria, the main among them being household income. Financial help may be available to applicants whose total annual household income does not exceed a specific threshold. However, this is not always the case. It is imperative to take note of the particular income thresholds and eligibility criteria for the 2026 academic year. How Much Must I Earn To Qualify For NSFAS 2026

Eligibility Criteria for NSFAS 2026

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 NSFAS 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 the 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

Factors Affecting Eligibility for Income

Family Income:

To ascertain eligibility, NSFAS evaluates the household’s overall income.
All forms of income, including salaries, wages, pensions, and other benefits, are included in this.

Offspring:

Another factor affecting eligibility is the number of dependents living in the family.
A higher income threshold might be possible with more dependents.

Support Form:

Eligibility requirements for NSFAS grants, loans, and bursaries may differ depending on the type of grant and the applicant’s income.

Learn more: What Are The Requirements To Qualify For NSFAS 2026/2027

Apply for NSFAS online 2026-2027

Follow these procedures to successfully apply for NSFAS online for the 2026-2027 academic year:

Create a profile: Create a myNSFAS account via this link: https://my.nsfas.org.za/ or download the NSFAS App on Google Play or App Store. Your ID number will be your username.
Apply now: Click on the “Apply’ tab to update your personal information and upload your application supporting documents, as indicated.
Complete: Submit your application

Prospective applicants must know the income criteria required to be eligible for the NSFAS in 2026. People can more accurately assess their eligibility and increase the likelihood of receiving financial help for higher education by being well-informed about the income requirements and related criteria.

Contact Details Of NSFAS

NSFAS Contact Center: