NSFAS Bursary
National Student Financial Aid Scheme
Bursary Type
Full Bursary
The NSFAS bursary provides financial assistance to eligible South African citizens and permanent residents pursuing higher education, covering a range of study costs.
What's covered
Eligibility at a Glance
Study Level
Available In
All Provinces (Nationwide)Quick Facts
About This Bursary
The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) bursary is a comprehensive financial aid programme designed to support South African citizens and permanent residents who wish to pursue higher education at public universities and TVET colleges. It aims to make education accessible by covering significant study-related expenses.
This bursary covers the full cost of registration, tuition fees, and essential learning materials. Additionally, it provides allowances for living expenses, personal care, transport, and accommodation, ensuring students can focus on their studies without undue financial burden. For TVET Trimester 2 applications, the funding specifically covers transport or accommodation and learning materials.
There is no explicit workback requirement mentioned for the NSFAS bursary.
Eligibility Requirements
- Must be a South African citizen or permanent resident.
- Combined annual household income must not exceed R350,000.
- For applicants living with disabilities, the combined annual household income cap is R600,000.
- SASSA grant recipients automatically qualify based on financial eligibility.
- Students who have received 100% study funding from non-NSFAS sources are not eligible.
- Students who have already obtained an undergraduate qualification and wish to study for a second undergraduate qualification are not eligible.
- Students who have achieved a certificate qualification and wish to study for a second certificate qualification are not eligible.
- Students studying at a private institution are not eligible.
- Students enrolled for qualifications that are not approved by DHET and/or SAQA accredited are not eligible.
How to Apply
- 1Visit the NSFAS website: https://www.nsfas.org.za/
- 2Create a myNSFAS profile.
- 3Complete all required information on the portal.
- 4Submit your application online.
Required Documents
- NSFAS 2026 Consent form
- NSFAS Declaration form (for applicants 34 years or younger)
- Disability Annexure Form with medical report (for students with disabilities)
- NSFAS Orphan or Vulnerable Child Declaration form (for applicants under 18 who are orphans or vulnerable children)
✅ Application readiness
4 required documents for this bursary
- NSFAS 2026 Consent form
- NSFAS Declaration form (for applicants 34 years or younger)
- Disability Annexure Form with medical report (for students with disabilities)
- NSFAS Orphan or Vulnerable Child Declaration form (for applicants under 18 who are orphans or vulnerable children)
Tip: manage your full checklist on the bursary finder before applying to NSFAS Bursary.
Ready to Apply?
Applications are currently open. Visit the official website for the latest requirements and deadlines.
All bursary applications are free. Never pay to apply.
Bursary Summary
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