Who Qualifies For Nsfas 2026/2027

Who Qualifies For Nsfas 2026/2027

NSFAS (National Student Financial Aid Scheme) Eligibility 2026/2027

NSFAS (National Student Financial Aid Scheme) eligibility refers to the criteria that students must meet to qualify for financial aid from the South African government. The primary goal of NSFAS is to provide financial assistance to deserving students who wish to further their education but lack the necessary financial resources. This comprehensive guide will outline the eligibility requirements and provide helpful tips to increase your chances of successfully meeting the NSFAS qualifying criteria for the 2026/2027 academic year.

Applicants must be South African citizens or permanent residents to qualify for NSFAS funding. The combined annual household income for applicants generally should not exceed R350,000 per annum. This income includes all forms from both formal and informal sectors, such as salaries, wages, retirement income, grants, business income, and investment gains. For students living with a disability, the combined household income limit is extended to R600,000 per annum. Students whose combined annual household income is between R350,001 and R600,000 may be eligible to apply for an NSFAS student loan.

Nsfas Online Application Open And Closing Date For 2026/2027

If you wish to study or are already studying at a public university or TVET college and come from a family with an income of R350,000 or less, then apply for NSFAS.

• Nsfas will be opening its online application window for the 2026/2027 academic year from the 1st of September 2025, and the online application will be closing on the 31st of  January 2026.

Read ALSO: Nsfas website

Who Qualifies For Nsfas 2026/2027

To be eligible for NSFAS funding, applicants must meet the following criteria:

• All South African citizens
• All SASSA grant recipients qualify for funding
• Applicants whose combined household income is not more than R350,000 per annum
• A person with a disability: Combined household income must not be more than R600,000 per annum
• Students who started studying before 2020 and whose household income is not more than R122 000 per annum.

Requirements Needed To Apply For Nsfas 2026/2027

The following are supporting documents needed when applying for NSFAS for the 2026/2027 academic year:

• Provide your own cellphone number and email address
• You must have a copy of your ID or birth certificate
• National ID copies of parents, guardians or spouses
• The evidence of your income or 1 year’s IRP5 if necessary
• The proof of income of your parents, guardian, or spouse.
• If you are a SASSA grant recipient, you don’t need to provide any evidence of income.
• All Applicants with a disability should provide and submit a completed and signed Disability Annexure A Form
• An applicant who is known as a Vulnerable Child by the Department of Social Development should also provide a completed and signed
• Vulnerable Child Declaration and Consent Form.

What Does The Bursary Cover For Students 2026/2027

The Nsfas bursary covers for the following:

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 College Students:

• Accommodation in an urban area R24,000 per annum
• Accommodation in a peri-urban area is R18,900 per annum
• Accommodation in an 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

Nsfas Contact Details

Stay informed, focused, and committed to your academic success, and embrace the bright future that lies ahead. I hope the information provided above has been useful to you. If you have any suggestions, kindly leave them on the comments section provided below. You can also visit the official NSFAS website for further clarification.

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