How to Apply for NSFAS Funding

The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) funds qualifying students at public universities and TVET colleges. Depending on your situation it can cover tuition and registration fees plus allowances for accommodation, transport, food and learning materials.

• South African citizens studying (or planning to study) at a public university or TVET college
• Students from households with a combined annual income of up to R350 000
• Students with disabilities from households earning up to R600 000 per year
• SASSA grant recipients (who are generally assessed as financially eligible)

Have a copy of your ID, the IDs of your parents/guardians or spouse, proof of household income (payslips, an appointment letter or a SASSA letter) and, where applicable, a disability annexure or a declaration of a vulnerable child. Keep them scanned and ready before the window opens.

Applications are submitted free of charge on the official NSFAS website (www.nsfas.org.za) through a myNSFAS account. Create an account, complete the online form, upload documents, submit, and then track your status on myNSFAS. NSFAS never charges an application fee — be cautious of anyone who asks you to pay to apply on your behalf.

Note that NSFAS funding is separate from your admission: you must still apply to and be accepted by a university or college.