NSFAS 2025

What Is The NSFAS Age Limit 2026

What Is The NSFAS Age Limit 2026

NSFAS 2026: Is There a Maximum Age to Apply?:

If you are planning to further your studies in South Africa and wondering whether there is an age restriction for NSFAS in 2026, the answer is reassuring. The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) does not have an age limit for applicants. This means that whether you are fresh out of high school or a mature learner returning to education later in life, you can still qualify for funding as long as you meet the core eligibility requirements.

NSFAS is designed to support financially disadvantaged South African students who want to pursue higher education at public universities or TVET colleges. The main focus of the scheme is not your age, but rather your financial need, academic performance, and the course you are applying for. In 2026, applicants must still be South African citizens or permanent residents, must come from households that fall within the income threshold (generally R350,000 per year or less), and must have secured admission into an approved institution.

Also, NSFAS uses what is known as the N+ rule to determine the number of years a student can be funded. This rule allows NSFAS to fund students for the duration of their qualification plus an extra two years. This policy applies regardless of your age, so long as you are within the academic and financial guidelines set by NSFAS.

In short, your age won’t prevent you from getting NSFAS funding in 2026. If you meet the requirements, you are eligible to apply and receive the support needed to pursue your education and build a brighter future.

READ ALSO: How Is NSFAS Application 2025-2026

What Is the NSFAS Age Limit 2026-2027

NSFAS does not have an age limit.

Who Qualifies for NSFAS 2026

You qualify for NSFAS if:

All South African citizens
All SASSA grant recipients qualify for funding
Applicants whose combined household income is not more than R350,000 per annum
Person with disability: Combined household income must not be more than R600,000 per annum
Students who started studying before 2018, whose household income is not more than R122,000 per annum.

Is NSFAS Busary Or Loan

NSFAS offers different types of financial aid options to eligible students, including:

Bursaries: NSFAS provides bursaries, which are non-repayable grants, to students who meet the eligibility criteria. These bursaries cover tuition fees, accommodation, and study materials.
Loans: Besides bursaries, NSFAS also offers loans to students who qualify for financial aid.
Allowances: NSFAS allows eligible students to cover living expenses, meals, and transport costs while pursuing their studies.

What Does NSFAS Cover For Students In 2026

Students on the NSFAS Scheme enjoy the following allowance;

UNIVERSITY STUDENTS:

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 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

How To Apply For NSFAS 2025-2026

Follow the step-by-step guide below to apply online for NSFAS 2025-2026.

Step 1: Log onto www.nsfas.org.za
Step 2: Click on ‘register’
Step 3: Complete the required fields (ID number, cellphone number, and email address)
Step 4: Upload the required supporting document, then click on ‘submit’.

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

Understanding the NSFAS age limit for the academic year 2025-2026 is essential for students looking for financial assistance for their higher studies. NSFAS Official website here. Hope the provided information is helpful, kindly share your thoughts below in the comment section.