What Is NSFAS?
The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) provides bursaries to financially needy students at public universities and TVET colleges in South Africa. It covers tuition fees, accommodation, meals, books, and a personal allowance.
• Covers: tuition, accommodation, meals, books, transport, personal allowance
• For: South African citizens at public universities and TVET colleges
• Household income: under R350,000/year for universities, under R350,000 for TVET
• Application: free online at nsfas.org.za
• SASSA grant recipients qualify automatically
Who Qualifies For NSFAS?
- South African citizen
- Combined household income under R350,000 per year
- Accepted at or registered at a public university or TVET college
- Not funded by another bursary that covers full costs
- SASSA grant recipients automatically qualify
- Applicants with disabilities qualify with household income up to R600,000
What NSFAS Covers
| Allowance | What It Covers |
|---|---|
| Tuition fees | Paid directly to institution |
| Accommodation | Residence or private accredited accommodation |
| Meals/food | Monthly food allowance |
| Book allowance | Once per year for study materials |
| Transport allowance | For students not in residence |
| Personal care allowance | Monthly for personal items |
How To Apply (Step By Step)
Go to nsfas.org.za
Visit the official NSFAS website. Click on "Apply Now" or "myNSFAS".
Create a myNSFAS account
If you're a first-time applicant create an account with your ID number, cellphone number, and email address. Set a password.
Log in to myNSFAS
Use your ID number and password to log in.
Complete the application form
Fill in all personal details, parent/guardian information, household income, and institution you plan to attend.
Upload supporting documents
Upload certified copies of your ID, parent's ID, proof of income, and any other required documents.
Sign the declaration
Agree to the terms and conditions and confirm all information is true.
Submit
Click submit. You'll receive a reference number. Save this — you'll need it to check your status.
Documents You Need
- Certified copy of your ID
- Certified copy of parent/guardian ID
- Proof of household income (payslips or affidavit if unemployed)
- Death certificate (if parent is deceased)
- Proof of disability (if applicable)
- Divorce decree or protection order (if applicable)
How To Check Your NSFAS Status
- Go to nsfas.org.za
- Log in to myNSFAS
- Click on "Track Application"
- Your status will be displayed
Application Deadlines
Common Mistakes To Avoid
- Incorrect ID number
- Not uploading all documents
- Providing wrong household income information
- Missing the deadline
- Not checking your myNSFAS portal for updates
- Using an old phone number or email
NSFAS Contact Details
| Contact | Details |
|---|---|
| Toll-free | 0800 067 327 |
| info@nsfas.org.za | |
| Website | nsfas.org.za |
| Social media | @myNSFAS on Twitter/X |