Does NSFAS Fund 30 Year Old In 2026

Does NSFAS Fund 30 Year Old In 2026

Is a 30-Year-Old Eligible for NSFAS in 2026?:

If you are 30 years old and planning to study at a public university or TVET college in South Africa in 2026, you might be wondering: “Does NSFAS fund 30-year-olds?” The good news is that NSFAS does not have a strict age limit, which means you can still qualify for financial aid even at 30 if you meet the eligibility criteria.

The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) is designed to help South African citizens from low-income households access higher education without the burden of paying for tuition, accommodation, transport, and other study-related costs. The primary requirement is that your combined household income must not exceed R350,000 per year, or R600,000 if you are a student living with a disability. So, your age is not a barrier; what matters most is your financial need and your academic registration status at a public institution.

Many older students return to school or start their academic journey later in life, and NSFAS recognises that education should be accessible to all, regardless of age. Whether you are pursuing your first qualification or continuing your studies within the NSFAS funding rules (like the N+1 rule), you can apply for support.

In 2026, more adults are expected to take advantage of NSFAS to upskill, reskill, or finally pursue their dreams of higher education. So if you are 30, financially eligible, and ready to study, NSFAS can help fund your future. Just make sure to submit a complete online application through the myNSFAS portal when applications open, and keep track of all deadlines and required documents

Does NSFAS Fund 30-Year-Olds in 2026?

Yes, NSFAS does fund 30-year-olds and older students in 2026, because there is no strict upper age limit as long as you meet other eligibility criteria.
NSFAS is inclusive and supports lifelong learning, meaning whether you are returning to study or starting a degree later in life, your age alone won’t disqualify you

What You Will Need Beyond Age

Eligibility also depends on other requirements:

South African Citizenship, or permanent residency
Financial Need: Household income must be R350,000 or less per year, or up to R600,000 if you have a disability
Study Enrollment: You must be enrolled (or accepted) for a full-time course at a public university or TVET college
First-Time Undergraduate Status: NSFAS usually funds first undergraduate qualifications, though exceptions exist (second degrees in scarce skill areas

NSFAS Eligibility Requirement 2026

The basic eligibility standard for NSFAS funding includes the following

Be a South African citizen or permanent resident.
Applicants must enroll or be accepted at a public university or TVET college.
The applicant’s Household income must be within the NSFAS funding threshold.
Compliance with academic progression requirements.
The applicant must send an application before the deadline.

NSFAS Special Considerations For Mature Students

Adult students over the age of 30 may have special circumstances that affect their eligibility for NSFAS funding. Factors to consider are:

Income and Dependencies: NSFAS considers the applicant’s household income and dependency on family support. If an older student has dependents or income above NSFAS standards, funding eligibility may be affected.

What Does The NSFAS Fund Cover For Students In 2026-2027

NSFAS disburses the following amounts to cater for the educational expenses in these categories;

University students:

NSFAS University Allowance
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 College Students:

Accommodation in an urban area is R24,000 per annum
Accommodation in a peri-urban area 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

READ ALSO: NSFAS Appeal For 2025-2026

NSFAS Contact Information

Website: www.nsfas.org.za
Email: info@nsfas.org.za
South African students: 0860 067 327
International students: +27 21 763 3232
Physical Address: 10 Brodie Road, Wynberg, Cape Town, South Africa, 7700
Postal Address: Private Bag X1, Plumstead, Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa, 7801

NSFAS promotes lifelong learning and assists individuals in achieving their academic and professional goals by removing the age barrier and focusing on financial needs and academic potential. Check the official website for more information. Hope the provided information is helpful. For details, click HERE