Introduction
The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) is a bursary scheme funded by the Department of Higher Education and Training in South Africa. It provides financial aid to disadvantaged students from the poor and working class who meet eligibility criteria to study at public universities or TVET colleges.
Top Searches on NSFAS
- When can I apply for NSFAS?
- How much does NSFAS pay monthly?
- Do you still have to pay back NSFAS?
- Does NSFAS give pocket money?
- How many years does NSFAS fund a student?
What does the bursary cover?
Amounts indicated of 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 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
- Accommodation in an urban area R24,000 per annum
- Accommodation in an peri-urban area 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
Who qualifies for NSFAS funding?
- All South African citizens
- All SASSA grant recipients qualifies 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.
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.