Categories: NSFAS Application

Requirements For NSFAS Bursary 2025-2026

The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) supports South African students pursuing higher education. For the academic year 2025-2026, NSFAS provides financial assistance to eligible students, but it’s essential to understand and meet the requirements for the bursary application. This article outlines the eligibility criteria and essential documents needed to apply for the NSFAS bursary, ensuring that you are well-prepared to access this vital financial aid. Whether you’re a first-time applicant or reapplying, knowing what is required can significantly increase your chances of receiving funding for your studies. Continue reading to learn about the essential eligibility requirements, supporting materials, and academic standards that will assist you in submitting a successful application for the NSFAS bursary for the 2025-2026 academic year.

What is NSFAS?

NSFAS is a government agency in South Africa that was founded in 1999 and is managed by the Department of Higher Education, Science, and Innovation. Its main goal is to give qualified students financial aid in the form of loans and bursaries. The program pays for a range of costs, such as living expenses, study materials, housing, and even tuition.

NSFAS Eligibility Requirements 2025-2026

If you are a citizen of South Africa, intend to enrol in school in 2025, or are enrolled in a public university or TVET college and match the following criteria, you are eligible for an NSFAS bursary:

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.

NSFAS bursary 2025-2026 Required Documents For Application

You will need the following support for your NSFAS online application 2025:

You must provide a copy of your student ID / Birth certificate
A copy of the parent/s or guardian/spouse’s ID
A Smart card: both sides of the card required
Proof of income (where applicable)
Persons living with disability (Disability Annexure A form)
A vulnerable child must provide a completed Vulnerable Child Declaration form completed by a social worker
An applicant who has indicated that he/she has no family member details and or abridged birth certificate must complete the Declaration: Non-SASSA

Other documents that may be required, if applicable

Retrenchment letter
Death certificate/s
Divorce Decree
Proof of legal guardianship
Marriage certificate
other documents may be required for appeal purposes,….eg retrenchment letter

NSFAS Bursary 2025-2026 Application Process

The application process for provisionally funded NSFAS involves the following steps:

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.

What does the NSFAS bursary cover?

NSFAS will cover your costs for the following:

Accommodation
Living allowance
Learning material allowance
Personal care allowance

UNISA students will receive funding for the following:

Tuition
Books (subject to the number of modules registered)
Personal care allowance

Eligible students with a disability will receive funding for:

Assistive Devices
Meals
Tuition
Transport
Tuition
Human Support
Accommodation

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Students can greatly increase their chances of receiving financial support from NSFAS by fulfilling qualifying requirements and timely submission of required papers. Visit the NSFAS Official Website for additional information or leave your comment in the section below.

NSFAS Contact Details