What is NSFAS Bursary?
The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) is the biggest government bursary in South Africa. It pays for poor and working-class students to study at public universities and TVET colleges. Not a loan – you don’t pay back if you pass.
If your household earns R350 000 or less per year, or you get SASSA grant, you qualify. For students with disabilities, limit is R600 000.
What NSFAS Covers for 2027
- Registration + Tuition Fees – 100% paid directly to institution
- Accommodation – University res OR private accredited – up to R50k/year
- Transport – R7 500 per year if you stay at home
- Learning Materials – R5 200 per year for books/laptop
- Living Allowance – R15 000 per year paid monthly (R1 650/month)
- Personal Care – R3 045 per year
- Disability Allowance – Extra R50k for assistive devices, human support
TVET students: Same + R10k incidental allowance.
Who Can Apply? – Official Criteria
- Must be South African citizen
- Combined gross household income NOT more than R350 000 per annum
- Person with disability: Combined income NOT more than R600 000 per annum
- SASSA grant recipients – automatically qualify financially
- Must be accepted or studying at public university or TVET college (DHET/SAQA approved)
- Must have email and cellphone number
- Pass your modules to keep funding
Who CANNOT Apply?
- Students with 100% funding from other bursaries
- Second undergraduate qualification (already have degree)
- Private institution students
- Qualifications not approved by DHET/SAQA
How to Apply – STEP-BY-STEP for 2027
STEP 1: Create myNSFAS account
Go to my.nsfas.org.za or download NSFAS App. Username = your ID number.
STEP 2: Click APPLY and complete sections
Personal info, academic info, household income, parents/guardian details. Enter correctly – ID verification fails = auto reject.
STEP 3: Upload certified documents
All docs certified, not older than 3 months. Consent Form signed by parent/guardian/spouse (Not needed if SASSA).
STEP 4: Submit and keep reference
Click Submit. Save reference number. Track on myNSFAS dashboard.
STEP 5: Wait for funding decision
NSFAS checks SARS, Home Affairs, SASSA. If missing docs, upload within 14 days or you lose spot.
Documents Required
- Certified SA ID copy
- NSFAS Consent Form signed by parent/guardian/spouse (download on portal)
- Proof of household income (payslips, affidavit if unemployed)
- If SASSA recipient – no proof needed, system verifies
- If orphan/vulnerable – Orphan and Vulnerable Child Declaration Form signed by social worker
- If non-court appointed guardian – NSFAS Declaration Form signed by principal or social worker
- Proof of legal guardianship if applicable
- Matric certificate / latest academic results
- Proof of registration/acceptance at public institution (if available)
Contact NSFAS
Email: info@nsfas.org.za | Facebook: National Student Financial Aid Scheme | X: @myNSFAS | WhatsApp: 078 519 8006 | USSD: *120*67327# | Website: www.nsfas.org.za
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Does NSFAS cover private colleges like Boston, Rosebank?
No. Only public universities and public TVET colleges. Private = auto reject.
2. I have another bursary, can I apply?
No if it covers 100% of your costs. If partial, NSFAS may cover difference but you must declare it. Hidden funding = blacklisted.
3. What is R350k threshold? Gross or net?
Combined GROSS household income per year before deductions. For disability, R600k gross. SARS verification done automatically.
4. Do I need to pay back NSFAS?
No. Bursary changed from loan to bursary in 2018. You only repay if you got funding before 2018 and signed loan agreement.
5. How much is NSFAS allowance per month in 2027?
University: R1 650 living + accommodation paid to landlord. TVET: R6 000+ transport + allowances paid via NSFAS Wallet.
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