Who Qualifies For NSFAS 2025-2026

The eligibility requirements for the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) are those that students must fulfil to be eligible for government financial aid in South Africa. Giving financial aid to worthy students who want to continue their education but don’t have the funds to do so is the main objective of NSFAS.

Determining eligibility for the National Student Financial Aid Scheme is a good step for new students and returning students seeking financial support for the 2025-2026 academic year and understanding who qualifies for NSFAS is key to getting through the application process and securing the funding necessary to achieve academic goals

To assist you in improving your chances of meeting the NSFAS qualifying standards for the 2025-2026 academic year, this detailed guide will discuss the criteria for eligibility and offer beneficial guidance.

NSFAS Application Dates for 2025-2026

Application 2025-2026 opening date: 21st November 2024
Application 2025-2026 closing date: 31st January 2025
Late Application 2025-2026: Late application will not be considered

Who Qualifies For NSFAS 2024-2025

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 gross yearly family income is not greater than R600,000.
Both a cell phone number and email address are required.

Who does not qualify for NSFAS

Students who have completed a previous qualification.
Students with a combined household income of more than R350 000 per annum.
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

What does the bursary cover?

Amounts indicated for accommodation, living allowance, transport, and learning materials need to be aligned with the approved latest DHET guidelines.

UNIVERSITY

Accommodation As per the actual costs charged by the university (costs for private accommodation must not exceed costs for university residence)
Transport (up to 40 km from the institution) R7 500 per annum
Living allowance R15, 000 per annum
Book allowances R5200 per annum
Incidental/personal care allowance of R2900 per annum for students in catered residences

TVET

Accommodation in an urban area is R24,000 per annum
Accommodation in a peri-urban area is R18,900 per annum
Accommodation in a rural area is R15,750 per annum
Transport (up to 40 km from the institution) R7,350 per annum
Transport R7000 per annum
Incidental/personal care allowance R2900 per annum

NSFAS Needed Documents for 2025 Applications

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

READ ALSO: Does NSFAS Fund 30-Year-Olds?

Make sure you meet all the prerequisites and conditions to safeguard your future by applying for the National Student Financial Aid Program for the forthcoming school year. For details, go to https://www.nsfas.org.za

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