How Old Must You Be To Apply For NSFAS 2026

When applying for the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS), it is very important to understand the different requirements that determine whether you qualify. One of the common questions students ask is about the age limit for NSFAS in 2026. The good news is that NSFAS does not set a strict age restriction for applicants. Unlike some financial aid programmes that focus heavily on age, NSFAS mainly looks at other factors when deciding who qualifies for funding.

The key requirements that NSFAS prioritises include your financial background, your academic performance, and whether you are registered or planning to register at a recognised public university or TVET college in South Africa. This means that even if you are older than the typical student age group, you can still apply for NSFAS as long as you meet the financial and academic conditions. The approach is in line with the South African government’s mission to make higher education more accessible to young people and working-class citizens.

By focusing less on age and more on financial need and academic ability, NSFAS plays a vital role in supporting students who might not otherwise have the opportunity to study further. So, if you are planning to apply for NSFAS funding in 2026, do not worry too much about your age. What matters most is proving that you meet the other important requirements. This flexibility ensures that many students can benefit from the programme and contribute to South Africa’s growth through education.

Learn more: What Is NSFAS Age Limit?

Who is Eligible For NSFAS 2026-2027

If you are a citizen of South Africa, intend to enrol in school in 2026, or if you 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.

Why Does NSFAS Have An Age Limit?

To guarantee that funds are allocated to students who most need financial aid, the NSFAS age limit was put in place. NSFAS can concentrate its resources on younger students who are just beginning their tertiary education and who might not have had the chance to establish themselves in the workforce by restricting the age of applications.

Qualifications by Age for NSFAS 2026

NSFAS creates certain age requirements for candidates to meet to be eligible for funding. Generally, to be eligible for NSFAS financing, applicants must be a certain age. Even though the age requirements for eligibility may change, it’s important to know the age limit for the 2026 application season.

Who should not apply for NSFAS?

Students with a combined household income of more than R350 000 per annum.
Students who have completed a previous qualification.
Students who have already applied, qualified, and received funding. They are automatically funded for the duration of their studies, provided they pass their modules and meet the academic requirements

Exemptions From The NSFAS Age Cap

There are certain exceptions to the age restriction if you want to apply for NSFAS financing when you are over 35. Among them are:

Students with disabilities: Students with disabilities are exempt from the age limit and can apply for funding at any age.
Postgraduate students: Postgraduate students can apply for funding regardless of their age.
Medical students: Medical students are exempt from the age limit and can apply for funding at any age.
Continuing students: Students who are already receiving NSFAS funding and are over the age of 35 can continue to receive funding until they complete their studies.

Learn more: When Will NSFAS Open For 2026-2027

Contact Details Of NSFAS

NSFAS Contact Center: