The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) is a vital government initiative that provides financial support to South African students from low-income households, helping them access higher education. To receive NSFAS funding, applicants must meet specific eligibility requirements.
This guide breaks down the key NSFAS eligibility criteria for 2025 to help you understand if you qualify for this essential aid.
1. South African Citizenship
- Only South African citizens with a valid ID number are eligible for NSFAS funding.
- Permanent residents and international students do not qualify for NSFAS.
2. Financial Need
- NSFAS supports students from low-income households.
- Household income must not exceed R350,000 per year.
- For students with disabilities, the threshold is higher at R600,000 per year.
Income verification is required and can be done using payslips, bank statements, or affidavits.
3. Academic Requirements
- You must be accepted or currently enrolled at a public university or TVET college in South Africa.
University students:
- Must meet minimum admission requirements.
- Funding is mainly for undergraduate qualifications (limited postgraduate funding for certain professional courses).
TVET students:
- Must be enrolled/planning to enroll in National Certificate (Vocational) or NATED programs (N1-N6).
Note: NSFAS does not fund private institutions, part-time, or correspondence studies (except UNISA).
4. Registration at a Public Institution
Applicants must be registered at a public university or TVET college, such as:
- University of Cape Town (UCT)
- University of the Witwatersrand (Wits)
- University of Pretoria (UP)
- University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN)
- TVET colleges nationwide
NSFAS does not fund private higher education institutions.
5. First-Time Undergraduate Students
- NSFAS primarily funds students entering university or TVET college for the first time.
- Returning students may continue to receive funding if they meet academic progress criteria.
6. Academic Performance
- Funded students must maintain satisfactory academic progress.
- Minimum of 50% pass rate per academic year is required.
- Repeated academic failure can lead to funding termination.
7. Students with Disabilities
- Higher household income threshold (up to R600,000).
- Additional funding for disability-related costs, including assistive devices.
- Must submit a medical report and proof of need for disability support.
8. Postgraduate Studies
- NSFAS generally does not fund postgraduate degrees.
- Exceptions include select professional qualifications, such as:
- Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE)
- Postgraduate Diploma in Accounting (CTA)
- Other NSFAS-approved postgraduate programs
9. SASSA Grant Recipients
- Students receiving any SASSA grants (e.g., child support or foster care grants) automatically qualify for NSFAS, regardless of household income.
10. Previous NSFAS Beneficiaries
- Students who previously received NSFAS funding and want to continue or pursue further studies may apply, provided they meet academic and course eligibility requirements.
How to Apply for NSFAS Funding
Once you confirm your eligibility, you can apply online by preparing:
- Certified copy of your South African ID
- Proof of household income (payslips, affidavits)
- Recent academic records (if applicable)
- Completed disability form (if applicable)
Application period: Usually opens in September and closes by November for the following academic year.
Conclusion
NSFAS funding is a crucial support system for South African students facing financial barriers to higher education. By meeting the eligibility requirements — especially regarding citizenship, financial need, academic qualifications, and registration at a public institution — you can unlock funding opportunities that pave the way for academic success.
If you are a first-time undergraduate student from a low-income household and enrolled at a public university or TVET college, start your NSFAS application early and take the first step toward your academic future.