NSFAS Funding 2026: The Complete Guide to Applications, Allowances, and Appeals
The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) is a government bursary program in South Africa. It helps disadvantaged students from poor and working-class families pay for their education at public universities and Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) colleges. This bursary covers tuition, accommodation, and living expenses, making higher education accessible.
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NSFAS applications for the 2026 academic year are OPEN and are scheduled to close on November 15, 2026.
Key Eligibility and Funding Rules
The NSFAS funding is a bursary, which means you do not have to pay it back if you meet the academic requirements.
- Be a South African Citizen: Only South African citizens or permanent residents may apply.
- Household Income Limit: Your combined gross annual household income must not exceed R350,000.
- Disability Income Limit: If you are a person with a disability, your combined gross annual household income must not exceed R600,000.
- SASSA Grant Recipients: Students who receive a SASSA grant automatically meet the financial eligibility criteria.
- Academic Requirements: You must plan to study at a public university or TVET college for a funded qualification and meet the entry requirements of your chosen course.
Allowances: What NSFAS Pays For
The NSFAS bursary is comprehensive, covering essential study-related costs. The funding covers fees (paid to the institution) and allowances (paid directly to the student).
University Student Allowances (Approximate Annual Values)
| Allowance Type | Coverage Detail | Approximate Annual Amount (2026/2026) |
| Tuition & Registration | Full cost, paid to the university. | Actual Cost |
| Accommodation | Paid to university residence or accredited private provider. | Capped at R50,000 (Metro) or R41,000 (Non-Metro) |
| Living Allowance (Meals/Personal Care) | Paid monthly to the student. | Approximately R16,500 |
| Learning Material (Books) | Paid as a once-off amount for books and devices. | Approximately R5,460 |
| Transport | Paid monthly for students not in campus accommodation (living within 40km). | Capped at R7,875 |
TVET College Allowances (Approximate Annual Values)
| Allowance Type | Coverage Detail | Approximate Annual Amount (2026/2026) |
| Tuition & Registration | Full cost, paid to the TVET college. | Actual Cost |
| Accommodation | Paid to accredited accommodation provider. | Capped at R24,000 (Urban) to R15,750 (Rural) |
| Transport | Paid monthly for non-accommodation students. | Capped at R7,350 to R7,875 |
| Personal Care | Paid monthly to the student. | Approximately R2,900 |
Step-by-Step: How to Apply
All applications must be submitted online through your personal myNSFAS account.
- Create Your Account: If you are a first-time applicant, click “Register” on the NSFAS portal to create your profile. You will need your South African ID number, an active email address, and a valid cellphone number.
- Log In: Use your registered username (email or ID number) and password to access the portal.
- Start the Application: Click the “Apply” button on your dashboard.
- Fill in Details: Complete all required sections accurately, including personal information and details about your parents, guardian, or spouse, specifically their income.
- Upload Documents: Upload all required supporting documents. Documents are verified digitally.
- Submit Your Application: Review all information, sign the consent form electronically, and click “Submit.”
- Record Reference Number: Keep your application reference number safe for tracking your status.
Academic Progression Requirements for Continued Funding
To keep your NSFAS bursary for the following year, you must meet the minimum academic pass criteria. This is checked annually against your academic record at your institution.
University Students
- Pass Rate: Continuing students must achieve a course credit pass rate of at least 60% of the courses they registered for in the current academic year.
- N+ Rule: Funding is limited to the minimum expected time to complete your qualification (“N”) plus one extra year (“N+1”). For example, a three-year degree is funded for a maximum of four years. If you exceed this, funding will stop.
TVET College Students
- NC(V) Programs: You must pass at least five subjects in the previous National Certificate (Vocational) level to progress to the next level.
- Report 191 (NATED) Programs: You must pass a minimum of three subjects in the previous N-Level to progress to the next.
The Appeal Process: What to Do if You are Rejected
If your NSFAS application is rejected, you may lodge an appeal on your myNSFAS profile within 30 days of receiving your application results.
- Log in and View Status: Log in to your myNSFAS account and check your status to find the specific rejection reason.
- Lodge Appeal: Select the “Submit Appeal” option and choose the correct reason for your appeal (e.g., Change of Income, Incorrect SARS Data, Vulnerable Child).
- Upload Supporting Documents: Upload the required evidence to support your appeal. Examples include a retrenchment letter, an official death certificate, or an ITA34 tax assessment form.
- Propensity Letter (Academic Appeals): If rejected due to the N+ Rule or poor performance, you may need a letter from your institution confirming you have the propensity to complete the qualification within one additional academic term, often with medical or social worker support documentation.
- Submit: Submit your appeal and monitor your profile for the outcome.
NSFAS Payment Cycles and Methods
NSFAS allowance payments are typically made monthly during the academic year, excluding holiday periods. Payment dates are usually between the first and sixth day of the month after your institution has confirmed your registration and academic data.
- Payment Method: Allowances are paid directly to the student via a bank account linked to their NSFAS profile.
- University Payments: Payments begin after the institution confirms your registration and the funds are disbursed through the NSFAS system.
- TVET Payments: Payments are often made in tranches or through the NSFAS system, depending on the college’s specific payment method.
| Month | Approximate Payment Cycle |
| February | Cycle 1 (Initial registration/upfront allowance) |
| March – November | Cycles 2 – 10 (Monthly payments) |
NSFAS Contact Details
Use the official channels for all inquiries.
| Contact Method | Detail |
| Application Portal | Visit the official NSFAS website and log in to myNSFAS. |
| Toll-Free Number | 08000 67327 |
| Email Address | info@nsfas.org.za |
| +27 78 519 8006 |
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www.nsfas.org.za apply | my NSFAS
How much does NSFAS pay per month?
Is NSFAS only in South Africa?
How long does it take for NSFAS to approve your application?
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How do I convert my NSFAS voucher to cash?
How do I transfer money from NSFAS to bank account?
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How much can you withdraw from NSFAS?
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