NSFAS 2026 Application Requirements & Eligibility

The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) is a South African government initiative that provides funding to qualifying students from low-income and working-class families. NSFAS covers tuition fees, accommodation, transport, learning materials, and living allowances at public universities and TVET colleges. For many students, it’s the only way to afford higher education. Understanding the 2026 application requirements and eligibility criteria is crucial if you plan to apply.

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Basic NSFAS 2026 Eligibility Requirements

To qualify for NSFAS funding in 2026, students must meet several core criteria:

South African citizenship or permanent residency with a valid ID number.
First-time entering student at a public university or TVET college, or a continuing student who meets the academic progression rules.
Enrolled or planning to enrol in an NSFAS-approved course at a public higher learning institution.
Financial need based on household income.

Household Income Requirements

The financial eligibility test remains central to NSFAS funding. For 2026:

Students from households with a combined annual income of R350,000 or less qualify.
Students with a disability qualify if their household income is R600,000 or less per year.
Supporting documents such as parents’/guardians’ payslips or affidavits for unemployed parents will be required to verify income.

Academic Requirements for NSFAS 2026

NSFAS has minimum academic standards to ensure students can cope with tertiary studies:

Matric completion: You must have passed Grade 12 (or an equivalent qualification).
Institutional admission: You must have received an acceptance offer from a public university or TVET college.
Progression rules: Continuing NSFAS students must pass at least 50% of their modules and meet their institution’s academic progression policy to maintain funding.
Approved qualifications only: NSFAS will fund selected courses aligned with the Department of Higher Education’s priority skills list.

Special Categories of Eligible Students

NSFAS recognises special circumstances for some students:

Students with disabilities: Higher household income threshold (R600,000) and additional allowances for assistive devices or support.
Orphaned or child-headed households: Automatically considered financially needy and may receive priority funding.
Social grant beneficiaries: Students who receive SASSA grants (such as the Child Support Grant or Foster Care Grant) automatically qualify financially, but must still meet academic requirements.
TVET college students: NSFAS provides bursaries for approved NC(V) and NATED programmes.

Who Does Not Qualify for NSFAS 2026

Not everyone is eligible for NSFAS. Funding will not be provided to:

Students who already hold a tertiary qualification (degree or diploma) unless applying for an approved postgraduate teaching qualification.
Students enrolled at private colleges or universities, as NSFAS funds only public institutions.
Students from households with combined annual incomes above the set thresholds.
International students or those without South African citizenship or permanent residency status.

Common Misconceptions About NSFAS Eligibility

There are several myths about NSFAS eligibility:

Myth 1: NSFAS pays for any course at any institution. Reality: NSFAS funds only approved programmes at public universities and TVET colleges.
Myth 2: All applicants automatically receive funding. Reality: You must meet financial and academic criteria, and funds are limited.
Myth 3: You can apply anytime during the year. Reality: Applications open and close on specific dates; late applications are generally not accepted.
Myth 4: Having a part-time job disqualifies you. Reality: What matters is the household income threshold, not whether you work part-time.

Also check: Can You Apply for NSFAS Without Matric? Here’s the Answer

FAQs: NSFAS 2026 Requirements & Eligibility

1: When will NSFAS 2026 applications open?
Applications are expected to open around September or October 2025, but students should monitor the NSFAS website and social media for official announcements.

2: Can postgraduate students apply for NSFAS?
Only certain postgraduate teaching qualifications are funded. Most postgraduate programmes are not covered.

3: Do I need to reapply each year if I’m already funded?
Continuing students usually do not need to reapply but must meet academic progression rules annually to maintain funding.

4: What documents are needed for income verification when applying for NSFAS?
You’ll typically need certified copies of your ID, parents’/guardians’ IDs, payslips or affidavits, and proof of admission at your institution.

5: Will NSFAS cover short courses or part-time studies?
No. NSFAS funds only full-time qualifications at public universities and TVET colleges.

6: Can I update my NSFAS application after submitting it if I made a mistake?
Yes. NSFAS usually allows applicants to correct certain details (like contact information or uploaded documents) during the application period. Log in to your myNSFAS account, make the changes, and re-upload any required documents. However, once applications close, changes may not be accepted, so check everything carefully before submitting.

7: Does NSFAS cover registration fees upfront at universities and TVET colleges?
Yes. NSFAS pays registration fees directly to universities and TVET colleges for approved students. This means you don’t have to pay upfront while waiting for your allowance, provided your funding is confirmed before registration closes.

8: How does NSFAS assist students who need accommodation but live far from campus?
NSFAS provides accommodation allowances for students staying in accredited residences or private accommodation approved by their institutions. The amount varies depending on the university or TVET college and whether the accommodation is on-campus or off-campus.

9: What happens if my household income changes after I’ve applied for NSFAS?
If your household income increases or decreases significantly, you must inform NSFAS as soon as possible. NSFAS may reassess your eligibility for funding. Not reporting a change in financial circumstances could affect your future funding or lead to repayment obligations.

10: How long does NSFAS take to confirm whether my application is approved or rejected?
NSFAS typically processes applications over several weeks to months. Most applicants receive confirmation before the start of the academic year. You can track your application status by logging into your myNSFAS account.

Also check: NSFAS 2026 Application: What You Need to Know Early

NSFAS remains one of South Africa’s most important tools for promoting access to higher education. For 2026, the focus stays on financially needy students with strong academic potential. By understanding the application requirements and eligibility criteria, you can prepare your documents and apply on time to increase your chances of approval. Check the NSFAS website frequently for updates, and don’t wait until the last minute to submit your application.