How, What, When, Where ...

At 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) R10 000 per annum.
• Living allowance R14 400 per annum.
• Book allowances R5000 per annum.
• Incidental/personal care allowance R2750 per annum for students in catered residences.

At a TVET college:

• Accommodation in an urban area R24 000 per annum.
• Accommodation in a peri-urban area R18 000 per annum.
• Accommodation in a rural area R15 000 per annum.
• Transport (up to 40 km from institution) R10 000 per annum.
• Transport R7 000 per annum.
• Incidental/personal care allowance R2 750 per annum.

Who Qualifies for a NSFAS funding?

• All South African citizens
• All SASSA grant recipients
• Applicants whose combined household income that 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.

Please note that financial assistanced is only considered for students who have been accepted at a higher learning institution and that meet all the requirements to study towards higher education.

At which universities or university of technology can I study with NSFAS funding?

You can only apply for NSFAS funding if you're registered to study at a public universities or tecknikon in South Africa. Funding is not available for studying at any private institutions or for part-time studies.

What is the Role of the University and Technikon's Financial Aid Office?

• Offer advice about loans.
• Assist with loan applications.
• Explain how you access the money and how you have to repay the money.
• Evaluate your ability to succeed in your chosen course.
• Conduct a means test that will determine whether you are really among the financially needy.

Where do you Apply for funding?

Students can apply at various application centres in the province, but will need to create a NSFAS profile using their personal details. You need a valid email address and cellphone number and a valid South African ID. You will also need to supply supporting documents. See the NSFAS website for the full list of requirements.

You can also complete an application manually (on paper) at selected centres across the country to be captured online.

Please make contact with the Financial Aid Office at the university or technikon where you are/or plan on studying if you are unsure of the application process or visit the NSFAS website.

Why you must apply

Once approved for NSFAS funding, the bursary will pay for: the Registration fee, tuition fees, food, study material, personal care allowance and travelling and accommodation where necessary.