The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) is a government entity that was established under the Department of Higher Education and Training in terms of the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (Act 56 of 1999). NSFAS provides financial aid to disadvantaged students who qualify to study at TVET colleges and public universities. 

WHO QUALIFIES FOR A NSFAS BURSARY?

• All South African citizens
• All SASSA grant recipients 
• Applicants whose combined household income is not more than R350 000 per annum
• A person with a disability where the combined household income must not be more than R600 000 per annum
• Students who started studying before 2018 and whose household income is not more than R122 000 per annum.

Students who do not qualify for a NSFAS bursary include those who:

• Have completed a previous qualification
• Have a combined household income of more than R350 000 per year
• Have already received funding for their studies

WHAT DOES THE NSFAS BURSARY COVER?

Costs for accommodation, living allowance and learning materials must be checked with the latest Department of Higher Education guidelines. These are the current figures for 2023.

UNIVERSITY

• Accommodation – Actual costs charged by the university (costs for private accommodation must not be more than costs for university residence)
• Transport (up to 40 km from the institution) R7 500  per annum
• Living allowance R15 000  per annum
• Book allowances R5 200 per annum
• Incidental/personal care allowance R2 900 per annum for students in catered residences

TVET

• Accommodation in an urban area: R24 000 per annum
• Accommodation in a peri-urban area: R18 900 per annum
• Accommodation in a rural area: R15 750 per annum
• Transport (up to 40 km from institution): R7 350  per annum
• Transport: R7 000 per annum
• Incidental/personal care allowance: R2 900 per annum

APPLYING FOR A NSFAS BURSARY

Before applying, check on the NSFAS website for the opening and closing dates for applications for a NSFAS bursary for Universities and TVET Colleges: https://www.nsfas.org.za/content/how-to-apply.html

What documents are required to apply for a NSFAS bursary?

• Copy of student ID / Birth certificate
• Copy of parent/s or guardian/ spouse ID
• Smart card: both sides of the card required
• Proof of income (where applicable)
• Persons living with disability (Disability Annexure A form)
• An applicant who is recognised as a vulnerable child by the Department of Social Development must provide a Vulnerable Child Declaration form completed by a social worker
• An applicant who has indicated that they have no family member details and or abridged birth certificate must complete the Declaration: Non-SASSA

How to apply for a NSFAS bursary:

1. Go to www.nsfas.org.za and click on the ‘myNSFAS’ tab.
2. Create a ‘myNSFAS’ account.
3. Click on the ‘Apply’ tab and complete the sections on the screen.
4. Upload supporting documents where this is requested.
5. Click on submit.

DISABILITY SUPPORT FROM NSFAS

The NSFAS Disability Bursary Programme provides financial support to students with disabilities who need financial support and have the ability to pass their academic subjects. It is intended to provide support for students to manage learning barriers resulting from disabilities. 

If a person has qualified for financial aid from NSFAS and has received final approval from NSFAS, they can apply for an assistive device. They can do this through the student disability unit at their university or TVET college.

For more information go to the NSFAS website: https://www.nsfas.org.za/content/disability-support.html

APPEALS TO REVIEW A DECISION FOR A NSFAS BURSARY

An appeal is a request to review a decision not to fund a student who applied for NSFAS funding. Any student whose application for financial aid is rejected, or the financial aid for a continuing student if withdrawn, can lodge an appeal with NSFAS.

They must submit their appeal within 30 days of receiving their application results. They must do this by logging in to their myNSFAS profile and providing the necessary information. 

STUDENT SUPPORT FROM NSFAS 

Students who receive a NSFAS bursary will get their cash funds in their NSFAS Wallet. This allows them to withdraw cash or spend it at a merchant registered by NSFAS. 

LAPTOP

A student who qualifies for a NSFAS bursary and is registered at a university or TVET college can apply for a laptop. To do this follow these steps:

• Complete and submit a DLD (Digital Learning Device) form to the Financial Aid Office on campus. The form is available from this office. Order the laptop on the DLD online order portal via the NSFAS website: www.nsfas.org.za.
• Collect the laptop after the verification process is complete and you have been informed that your laptop is ready for collection. The student who applied must provide an ID and sign for the laptop in person.