The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) is a South African government initiative aimed at giving financial aid to students from low-income households. It can help them go after higher education at public universities and Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) colleges. NSFAS delivers funding that addresses tuition fees, accommodation, research supplies, and living costs.

How to Apply for NSFAS

• Create a myNSFAS account:
• Visit the official NSFAS website (www.nsfas.org.za).
• Register by creating a MyNSFAS account with your email, ID number, and password.

Submit your application:

• Fill out the online NSFAS application form with personal and academic details.
• You don't usually need to upload supporting documents - unless requested by Sassa.
• Submit your application online before the closing date.

Wait for feedback:
NSFAS will review your application, and successful applicants will receive confirmation via SMS, email, or their MyNSFAS account.

NSFAS provides funding for an important variety of students on a yearly basis. In recent years, NSFAS has supported over seven hundred,000 students on a yearly basis. Specifically, in 2023, NSFAS funded approximately one million students, which include those enrolled in both equally public universities and TVET colleges.

Who is Eligible for NSFAS?

• South African citizens.
• Students with a household income of less than R350,000 per year.
• Recipients of Social Security Agency of South Africa (SASSA) grants.
• Students with disabilities (household income threshold is R600,000 per year).
• Students who have been accepted or are currently studying at a public university or TVET college.

What Institutions Are Covered by NSFAS?

NSFAS funding applies to students enrolled at:

• Public universities in South Africa, such as:
• University of Cape Town (UCT)
• University of Pretoria (UP)
• Vaal University of Technology (VUT)
• University of Johannesburg (UJ), etc.
• TVET Colleges, which focus on technical and vocational education.

Private institutions are not covered by NSFAS.

The amount of NSFAS students has steadily increased because of expanded eligibility criteria and extra government funding aimed at increasing the usage of larger education for disadvantaged college students in South Africa.

Does NSFAS Cover Student Accommodation?

Yes, NSFAS provides funding for student accommodation.

The accommodation can be:

• University-owned residences or
• Private accommodation, if accredited by the institution and NSFAS.

NSFAS also covers living expenses and a transport allowance for students not staying in university accommodation. The exact coverage depends on the institution and its agreements with NSFAS.

How many students does NSFAS provide funding for each year?

NSFAS provides funding for a significant number of students annually. In recent years, NSFAS has supported over 700,000 students each year. Specifically, in 2023, NSFAS funded approximately 1 million students, including those enrolled in both public universities and TVET colleges.

The number of students funded by NSFAS has steadily increased due to expanded eligibility criteria and additional government funding aimed at improving access to higher education for disadvantaged students in South Africa.

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