Who Does Nsfas Cover 2026/2027

Who Does Nsfas Cover 2026/2027

Who Benefits from South Africa’s Financial Aid Scheme:

The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) continues to play a vital role in helping thousands of South African students access higher education. If you are wondering who NSFAS covers in 2026/2027, this guide explains everything you need to know before applying. NSFAS is a government-funded financial aid program designed to support students from poor and working-class families who wish to study at public universities or TVET colleges.

In the 2026/2027 academic year, NSFAS covers South African citizens who meet specific eligibility requirements. Students from households with a combined annual income of R350,000 or less qualify for funding. Additionally, all SASSA grant recipients automatically qualify for NSFAS assistance. The scheme also extends its support to students with disabilities, provided their combined household income does not exceed R600,000 per year. Furthermore, students who started their studies before 2018 and have a household income below R122,000 annually remain eligible under the previous criteria.

NSFAS funding covers much more than just tuition fees. Beneficiaries receive comprehensive financial support that includes accommodation, transport, learning materials, and living allowances, all based on the Department of Higher Education and Training’s approved guidelines.

For students facing financial difficulties, NSFAS 2026/2027 provides an opportunity to study without worrying about costs. Whether you’re entering university for the first time or continuing your studies at a TVET college, NSFAS aims to ensure that financial barriers do not stand in the way of your education and future success.

Read: Which Nsfas Registration Forms For 2026/2027

Nsfas Online Application Date For 2026/2027

Nsfas has announced that they will be providing financial assistance to qualified South African students who are studying in any of the public TVET colleges or universities for the 2026/2027 academic year.

• The 2026/2027 application window will open from September 2025
• The online application window for NSFAS will be closing on the 15th of November 2025 for the 2026 academic year.

It is essential to stay informed about any updates and announcements from NSFAS or the Department of Higher Education and Training, as application deadlines are strict, and late submissions will not be considered.

Who Does Nsfas Cover 2026/2027

NSFAS is designed to assist students who meet specific eligibility criteria, which include:

• All South African citizens
• All SASSA grant recipients qualify for funding
• Applicants whose combined household income is not more than R350 000 per annum
• Person with disability: Combined household income must not be more than R600 000 per annum
• Students who started studying before 2018, whose household income is not more than R122 000 per annum.

What Does Nsfas Cover 2026/2027

NSFAS provides financial aid in several forms, including:

UNIVERSITY STUDENTS:

• 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 institution) R7 500 per annum
• Living allowance R15, 000 per annum
• Book allowances R5200 per annum
• Incidental/personal care allowance R2900 per annum for students in catered residences

TVET STUDENTS:

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