Categories: NSFAS Application 2026-2027

National Students Financial Aid Scheme

Established in 1999, NSFAS has been instrumental in mitigating the financial barriers that prevent many academically deserving students from pursuing tertiary education. It provides financial assistance in the form of bursaries and loans to students from disadvantaged backgrounds, reflecting the government’s commitment to equitable education.

With a significant annual budget, NSFAS aims to uplift the socio-economic status of its beneficiaries by ensuring they receive the necessary support to complete their studies and join the workforce. Furthermore, NSFAS not only assists with tuition but also covers accommodation and living allowances, thereby enabling students to focus on their academic goals.

The scheme targets a diverse demographic, including students from low-income households, and those in receipt of social grants. However, despite its positive contributions, NSFAS faces ongoing challenges, including delays in funding disbursement and administrative inefficiencies that impact student success. This essay will examine the role of NSFAS in South Africa’s higher education landscape, its funding mechanisms, and the challenges it currently encounters.

What is NSFAS?

NSFAS is a government entity under the Department of Higher Education and Training established according to the NSFAS Act (Act 56 of 1999) to provide financial support to disadvantaged students who wish to further their studies at public universities or TVET colleges.

The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) is the government student bursary and loan scheme that receives its funding budget from, and reports to the Department of Higher Education and Training. The scheme was established in terms of the National Student Financial Aid Scheme Act 56 of 1999.

READ ALSO: Apply For NSFAS Online 2026-2027

Key Application Dates for NSFAS

The 2025 National Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) application period was open from the beginning of the year until December 15, 2024. All applications were required to be submitted online.

Application period: Open from the beginning of the year until December 15, 2024
Trimester 2: May 12–23, 2025
Semester 2: July 14–31, 2025
Trimester 3: September 8–19, 2025

Who qualifies for NSFAS funding?

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 disability: Combined household income must not be more than R600 000 per annum
Students who started studying before 2018 and whose household income is not more than R122 000 per annum.

Who should not apply?

Students who have completed a previous qualification.
Students with a combined household income of more than R350 000 per annum.
Students who have already applied, qualified and received funding. They are automatically funded for the duration of their studies provided they pass their modules and meet the academic requirements.

What does the bursary cover?

Amounts indicated for accommodation, living allowance, transport and learning materials need to be aligned with the approved latest DHET guidelines.

UNIVERSITY

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

TVET

Accommodation in an urban area is R24,000 per annum
Accommodation in a peri-urban area is R18,900 per annum
Accommodation in a rural area Ris 15,750 per annum
Transport (up to 40 km from the institution) R7,350 per annum
Transport R7000 per annum
Incidental/personal care allowance R2900 per annum

Documentation Required To Apply For NSFAS

NSFAS requires personal information from agencies relating to the employment status and level of income of the parents or guardians/spouse of the applicant.
NSFAS Declaration Form is completed by the Principal of the School or the Social Worker. (Non-SASSA only).
The Orphan and Vulnerable Child Declaration Form (for applicants under 18 years) is completed by the Social Worker. (Non-SASSA only).
The NSFAS Consent form is completed by the applicant and/or parent/s, guardian or spouse. SASSA recipients do not require this form. (Non-SASSA only).
If an applicant has indicated that they have a Legal guardian, they must provide proof of guardianship issued by the Court.
Guardianship (not court-appointed) applicant to provide NSFAS declaration form.
Disability Annexure Form: The form must be filled out by a certified, duly registered medical doctor or another suitably qualified professional (such as an optometrist, physiotherapist, or head of the disability unit), who may confirm the student’s status as disabled and specify the kind of support the student needs as well as how the student would benefit from the suggested support.

Other documents that may be required, if applicable:

Retrenchment letter
Death certificate/s
Divorce Decree
Proof of legal guardianship
Marriage certificate
other documents may be required for appeal purposes, eg retrenchment letter.

Steps to NSFAS Status Check Online

Visit the NSFAS Website. Navigate to the official NSFAS website at www.nsfas.org.za.
Log in to Your myNSFAS Account.
Select “View Applications”
Check Your NSFAS Status.
Follow Up on Your Application (If Necessary)

How To Apply For NSFAS

Once you have confirmed your eligibility and gathered the necessary documents, follow these steps to apply for NSFAS:

Visit the NSFAS website at www.nsfas.org.za and click on the myNSFAS tab.
Create a myNSFAS account if you do not have one, or log in to your existing account.
Click on the “Apply” tab on the myNSFAS page and fill in the required sections with your details.
Upload all the necessary supporting documents.
Carefully review your application to ensure all information is accurate before submitting it.
Click the “SUBMIT” button to ensure your application is sent for evaluation.
It is essential to keep track of your application status by logging in to your myNSFAS account.

Impact on Student Access and Success

The NSFAS has significantly impacted student enrollment and completion rates in South Africa. Studies show that beneficiaries of NSFAS are less likely to drop out compared to their peers who do not receive assistance, with NSFAS students enjoying a higher throughput rate. The direct correlation between financial support and academic performance underscores the importance of NSFAS in meeting the educational needs of the country’s youth.

However, despite these successes, challenges remain. A considerable proportion of NSFAS students encounter administrative issues that hinder their ability to access funds promptly, leading to financial stress that impacts their academic performance. Reports of delayed payments and bureaucratic obstacles frequently surface in discussions surrounding the efficacy of the scheme. These challenges not only affect students’ education but also their mental health, leading to anxiety and stress.

Challenges Faced By NSFAS

The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) in South Africa faces many challenges, including:

Administrative issues:

NSFAS has administrative challenges, including high administrative costs and a lack of cooperation between NSFAS and universities.

Funding:

NSFAS has faced reduced funding for current students and has backlogs in funding.

Unpaid loans:

Graduates have unpaid loans, which can make it difficult for NSFAS to provide financial support.

Corruption:

NSFAS has faced a corruption crisis.

Political interference:

NSFAS has faced political interference.

Student allowances:

NSFAS has faced problems with student allowances.

Accommodation:

NSFAS has faced accommodation challenges.

Students with disabilities:

Students with disabilities face barriers to accessing and completing their studies.

Policy environment:

NSFAS has faced an unstable policy environment.

Information technology:

NSFAS has faced inadequate information technology systems.

The National Student Financial Aid Scheme stands as a testament to South Africa’s commitment to expanding access to higher education for all its citizens. While significant strides have been made in increasing enrollment and retention among disadvantaged students, persistent challenges necessitate urgent reforms to enhance the scheme’s effectiveness. By addressing these issues, NSFAS can continue to empower future generations, fostering an inclusive educational environment that nurtures talent and promotes economic growth. Click here to learn more about NSFAS.

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