NSFAS Eligibility Criteria 2025-2026

NSFAS Eligibility Criteria 2025-2026; www.nsfas.org.za apply

As the cost of higher education continues to rise, The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) remains an important resource for many South African students striving to achieve their academic dreams. The Eligibility criteria for NSFAS funding have been updated for the 2025-2026 academic year, reflecting the scheme’s ongoing commitment to inclusivity and support for those in financial need.

Are you hoping to study in South Africa for a higher degree and need financial support? It is essential to learn about the 2025-2026 NSFAS (National Student Financial Aid Scheme) eligibility requirements to obtain funding for the study.

Applicants whose combined gross household income is not more than R350 000 per year. Prospective applicants should familiarize themselves with the NSFAS Bursary requirements for the 2025-2026 academic term as the academic year draws near. The goal of NSFAS is to give qualifying students financial support so they can pursue their academic studies without worrying about money.

SEARCH ALSO: What Are The NSFAS Requirements 2025-2026?

NSFAS Eligibility Criteria 2025-2026

SASSA grant recipients
South African citizens or permanent residents
Candidates whose annual gross household income combined is not greater than R350 000
individuals with disabilities whose annual gross family income is not greater than R600,000.
Both a cell phone number and email address are required.

The NSFAS Requirements 2025-2026?

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 2024.
By 2024, students who want to continue their education must have completed their previous academic term with a course credit pass rate of 55%.

www.nsfas.org.za apply

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.

In cases where the applicant or student is single, household income is the total of the gross income (from all sources) of the applicant or student, the biological mother, and the biological father.
In cases where the applicant or student is under legal guardianship, the household income is the whole of the applicant’s or legal guardian’s gross income (from all sources).
If the student or applicant is married, the total gross income of the student’s spouse and the student or applicant constitutes the household income (from all sources).
To prove they are not receiving financial aid from SASSA, applicants or students who are single and not reliant on their parents must provide a social work report or a court order.

Social Grants Recipients (SASSA)

Any student who is a South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) recipient, as validated by NSFAS, automatically meets the financial eligibility criteria and will be eligible for a bursary award if they are registered at an institution and are academically eligible

www.nsfas.org.za apply

Non–Social Grants Recipients (NON-SASSA)

Beginning with the academic year 2024, all students (except those with impairments), regardless of when they initially enrolled at a particular school, will be deemed financially eligible if their household income is R350,000 or less.
If an applicant’s household income is R600,000 or less, they will be considered financially eligible even if they live with a disability.
In addition to the declared household income, NSFAS will examine any third-party data source to assess an applicant’s financial eligibility.

SEARCH ALS: Can NSFAS Fund Me If I Failed?

Application Process for NSFAS

Follow the process below to apply online for the NSFAS bursaries for 2025-2026:

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.