VerifiedNSFAS helps students in more ways than paying fees. Beyond the bursary, it offers extra time for students with disabilities, an appeals process, a student loan for the missing middle, and allowance support that differs for TVET and university students.
Check Your Personalized Bursary Options
Step 1: Choose Study Level
Step 2: Choose Field of Study
Step 3: Describe Your Interest
Tell us if you want bursaries, scholarships, admissions, or student loans?
Support beyond tuition
| Support | Who it helps |
|---|---|
| Allowances | TVET students get personal care plus accommodation or transport; university students also get a learning material allowance |
| Disability support | Higher income threshold (R600,000), extra funded time (N+2) and assistive devices |
| Appeals | Students with changed circumstances, illness or other valid grounds, within 30 working days |
| Student loan | Households earning R350,001 to R600,000 |
| No upfront registration fee | NSFAS-qualifying students |
Support for specific groups
- SASSA grant recipients qualify on the financial test.
- Vulnerable children can apply with a social worker’s declaration.
- Applicants without family details can use the Declaration: Non-SASSA.
NSFAS does not fund private institutions, postgraduate study or second qualifications at the same level.
See NSFAS bursary and loan explained and NSFAS appeals.
Frequently asked questions
Does NSFAS help students with disabilities?
Yes. It uses a higher income threshold, allows extra funded time and can fund assistive devices.
Can NSFAS help if my household earns more than R350,000?
If it earns up to R600,000, the NSFAS student loan may apply.