NSFAS Application Criteria 2026/2027

If you are planning to study at a public university or TVET college in South Africa in 2026 or 2027 but cannot afford the costs, the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) could be your solution. NSFAS provides financial assistance to students from low-income and working-class households, covering tuition fees, accommodation, learning materials, and other study-related costs. Before you apply, it is important to understand the NSFAS application criteria for 2026/2027. These criteria are in place to make sure that the funding goes to students who truly need it and meet the necessary academic and financial requirements.

Knowing these rules will help you prepare your application properly and avoid mistakes that could delay or even prevent approval. The criteria include factors such as your household income, academic results, citizenship status, and whether you are registered at an NSFAS-approved institution. You will also need to provide certain supporting documents to confirm your information. Meeting these requirements is the first and most important step toward getting your application approved.

This guide will explain the NSFAS application criteria for 2026-2027 in simple terms so you know exactly what to expect before applying. Whether you are applying for the first time or returning for continued funding, understanding these requirements will help you submit a strong application and improve your chances of securing the support you need to achieve your education goals.

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

NSFAS Criteria for 2026-2027 Application

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.

University academic eligibility criteria

To stay eligible for funding, university students need to pass at least 60% of their courses. In 2026, this means having a 60% course credit pass rate by the end of the 2026 academic year.

TVET academic eligibility criteria

Students advancing to the next NC(V) level must have passed at least 5 subjects in their current level to receive a bursary.
Those moving to the next Report 191 level must pass at least 3 subjects in their previous N-Level.
Academic progression requirements for occupational programmes are set by each TVET College, and the results are shared with NSFAS. NSFAS Eligibility Criteria 2026/2027

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.

If a student or applicant is unmarried, the household income is the total income from all sources earned by their biological or adoptive mother, biological or adoptive father, and the student/applicant.
If the student or applicant is under the care of a legal guardian, the household income is the combined total income of the guardian and the student/applicant.
If the student or applicant is married, the household income is the total income from all sources earned by both the student/applicant and their spouse.
Unmarried students who are financially independent from their parents and meet the definition of an “adult learner” in the Requirements and Conditions for Matriculation Endorsement and Certificates of Exemption for admission to higher education do not need to submit the NSFAS declaration form.

Social Grants Recipients (SASSA)

Students who receive a South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) grant and are confirmed by NSFAS automatically meet the financial eligibility requirements. If they are registered at an approved institution and meet the academic standards, they can receive a bursary.
Qualifying SASSA grants for funding include the Foster Care Grant, Care Dependency Grant, and Child Support Grant.

Non–Social Grants Recipients (NON-SASSA)

Students, other than those with disabilities, will be considered financially eligible if their total household income is R350,000 or less per year, regardless of when they first enrolled at an institution.
For students with disabilities, the income limit is R600,000 or less per year to qualify for financial eligibility.

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: Criteria For NSFAS 2026-2027

Apply Online For NSFAS 2026 Application

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

Applicants requesting financial help must be aware of the NSFAS Application Criteria for 2026-2027. You can increase the likelihood that you will receive this important support by fulfilling the requirements listed and according to the application procedures.

Contact Details Of NSFAS

NSFAS Contact Center: