NSFAS Requirements 2025-2026

NSFAS Requirements 2025-2026: NSFAS Online Application 2025 Qualification

The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) is a government entity under the Department of Higher Education and Training established according to the NSFAS Act (Act 56 of 1999) to provide financial support to disadvantaged students who wish to further their studies at Public Universities or TVET colleges.

2025-2026 NSFAS TVET Walk-In applications Calendar	Opening date	Closing date
Trimester 2 Applications	5th May 2025	22nd May 2025
Semester 2 Applications	17th July 2025	31st July 2025
Trimester 3 Applications	04th September 2025	20th September 2025

NSFAS Application Requirements for 2025

Who qualifies to apply for NSFAS Funding?

All South African citizens
All SASSA grant recipients qualify for funding
Applicants whose combined household income is not more than R350 000 per annum
A person with a disability: 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.

Who should not apply?

Students who have completed a previous qualification.
Students with a combined household income of more than R350 000 per annum.
Students who have already applied, qualified and received funding. They are automatically funded for the duration of their studies provided they pass their modules and meet the academic requirements.

See how to Apply for NSFAS 2025-2026 www.nsfas.org.za online

What does the bursary cover?

Amounts indicated for accommodation, living allowance, transport and learning materials need to be aligned with the approved latest DHET guidelines.

UNIVERSITY

Accommodation: As per the actual costs charged by the university (costs for private accommodation must not exceed costs for university residence)
Transport (up to 40 km from the institution) R7 500 per annum
Living allowance R15, 000 per annum
Book allowances R5200 per annum
Incidental/personal care allowance of R2900 per annum for students in catered residences

TVET

Accommodation in an urban area is R24,000 per annum
Accommodation in a peri-urban area is R18,900 per annum
Accommodation in a rural area is R15,750 per annum
Transport (up to 40 km from the institution) R7,350 per annum
Transport R7000 per annum
Incidental/personal care allowance R2900 per annum

NSFAS Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Do I need to apply for NSFAS funding again if I am currently funded by NSFAS?

Ans: No. Once you are approved for NSFAS funding, the funding covers you until you complete your qualification; provided you continue to meet the academic progression criteria. You just need to focus on studying and passing your modules to secure your continued funding.

I plan to register for two qualifications at the same time. Can I receive funding for both qualifications?

Ans: A student can only be funded for one qualification at one institution at any one time.

I was approved for NSFAS funding before, but never registered for that academic year; do I need to re-apply?

Ans: Yes, to receive NSFAS funding you will be required to apply again. Applications are currently closed, keep checking our website and social media for application dates.

Check Tshwane University of Technology NSFAS Status 2025

I am an orphan (vulnerable child), how and where do I get hold of a social worker to complete an NSFAS application?

Ans: You may speak to a Life Orientation educator or principal to direct you to your nearest Department of Social Development (DSD) within the area.