NSFAS Funded Courses 2026/2027

The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) is a vital government-funded initiative in South Africa that aims to make higher education accessible to financially disadvantaged students. NSFAS provides financial assistance in the form of study bursaries to eligible students planning to study at Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) colleges and public universities. This scheme is managed by NSFAS, a public entity that reports to the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET).

Unlike student loans, NSFAS bursaries generally do not require repayment upon completion of studies, provided academic requirements are met. The application period for NSFAS funding is anticipated to open on September 1, 2025, and close on January 31, 2026, for both university and TVET college applicants. Students interested in applying for NSFAS funding should prepare by gathering necessary documents and understanding the eligibility criteria.

These criteria typically include being a South African citizen, intending to study at a public university or TVET college, and having a household income below R350,000 per year (or R600,000 for students with disabilities). SASSA beneficiaries automatically qualify for financial eligibility, though an application is still required. This comprehensive support covers tuition and registration fees, learning materials, and allowances for accommodation, transport, and living costs.

Learn more: List of Courses Funded by NSFAS 2026-2027

What Courses Does NSFAS Fund for 2026?

NSFAS provides financing for a variety of programs in numerous disciplines. Among the fields that are eligible for NSFAS financing are, but are not limited to:

Engineering and Technology:

This category covers courses such as civil engineering, electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, information technology, and computer science.

Health Sciences:

NSFAS funds programs like medicine, pharmacy, nursing, dentistry, and other allied health professions.

Natural Sciences:

Funding is available for courses in biology, chemistry, physics, mathematics, environmental science, and related disciplines. NSFAS Funded Courses 2026/2027

Humanities and Social Sciences:

NSFAS covers fields like psychology, sociology, anthropology, political science, economics, languages, and more.

Education:

Courses in teaching, education, and related subjects are eligible for NSFAS funding.

Business and Commerce:

Programs such as accounting, finance, marketing, economics, and business administration may qualify for NSFAS support.

Agricultural and Environmental Sciences:

NSFAS funds courses in agriculture, forestry, horticulture, environmental studies, and related fields.

Tvet College Courses Funded By Nsfas

Here are some examples of TVET courses funded by NSFAS:

NATED/NCV courses in Engineering and Business Studies
National Certificate (Vocational) (NCV) courses in Hospitality and Tourism, Engineering and Related Design, Information and
Communications Technology, and Business Studies
Occupational programs such as Plumbing, Electrical, and Automotive Engineering
Artisan trades such as Welding, Boiler making, and Fitting and Turning
National Diploma courses in Agriculture, Food Technology, and Nature Conservation
National Certificate in Small Business Management
National Certificate in Advertising
National Certificate in Film and Television Production
National Certificate in Game Ranging
National Certificate in Journalism/Nsfas 2026/2027

University Courses Funded by NSFAS

Here are some examples of the courses that are funded:

Bachelor of Arts (BA)
Bachelor of Science (BSc)
Bachelor of Commerce (BCom)
Bachelor of Engineering (BEng)
Bachelor of Education (BEd)
Bachelor of Laws (LLB)
Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBChB)
Bachelor of Social Work (BSW)
Bachelor of Occupational Therapy (BOT)
Bachelor of Physiotherapy (BPT)
Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS)
Bachelor of Pharmacy (BPharm)
Bachelor of Veterinary Science (BVSc)
Bachelor of Accounting Science (BASc)

NSFAS Eligibility Criteria 2026

If you want to apply for NSFAS Funding 2026, you must qualify for the following:

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.

Learn more: How Do You Check If NSFAS Has Funded You?

How To Apply For NSFAS Funded Courses for 2026

Follow the steps below to apply for NSFAS;

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.

To plan their educational route, prospective students must have a thorough understanding of the courses that qualify for NSFAS support. Students who complete the requirements and match their academic goals with NSFAS-approved courses are eligible for financial aid to help fund their higher education.

NSFAS Contact Details