Who Qualifies For NSFAS 2026-2027

Who Qualifies For NSFAS 2026-2027

Who Gets NSFAS Funding in 2026-2027? Find Out If You Are Eligible:

Prospective students and already studying students planning to study at a public university or TVET college in South Africa and need financial help, you might be wondering, who qualifies for NSFAS in 2026-2027? The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) is a government-funded program that provides financial support to students from low-income households. To receive this funding, you must meet certain eligibility criteria based on your citizenship, income level, academic status, and more.

To qualify for NSFAS in 2026-2027, you must be a South African citizen or permanent resident with a valid ID number. If you are already receiving SASSA grants like the Child Support, Foster Care, or Care Dependency grant, you automatically meet the financial requirement. NSFAS is designed to help students from households earning R350,000 or less per year, while those with disabilities may qualify with a combined household income of up to R600,000 per year.

Academic qualifications also play an important role. You need to be accepted or currently studying at a public university or TVET college. University applicants must meet the minimum admission requirements, and TVET applicants should be enrolled in NATED or NC(V) programmes. NSFAS mainly funds undergraduate qualifications, with limited support for some postgraduate courses.

Understanding who qualifies for NSFAS 2026-2027 is essential before applying. Meeting both financial and academic requirements and maintaining good academic progress can help secure the funding you need to pursue your studies without the burden of student debt.

READ HERE: Will NSFAS Fund Me For 5 years?

Who Qualifies For NSFAS 2026-2027

The following are them who qualify for the NSFAS bursary:

• 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.

Who Does Not Qualify For NSFAS for 2026-2027

Below are those who do not qualify for NSFAS:

• 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.

Documents Needed To Apply For NSFAS 2026-2027

During the online application process for NSFAS 2026, applicants are to upload the following documents:

• Applicants must have a copy of their student ID/birth certificate
• A copy of the parent/s or guardian/spouse’s ID
• Proof of income
• Individuals living with a disability must have a Disability Annexure A form
• Applicants who are recognized as vulnerable children by the Department of Social Development must have a completed declaration form

What Does NSFAS Cover For Students For 2026-2027

The NSFAS bursary covers the following for students:

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 institution) R7,500 per annum
• Living allowance R15, 000 per annum
• Book allowances R5200 per annum
• Incidental/personal care allowance R2900 per annum for students in catered residences

TVET COLLEGE STUDENTS:

• 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 R7000 per annum
• Incidental/personal care allowance R2900 per annum

NSFAS Online Application Steps For 2026-2027

Follow the steps below to apply:

• Visit the NSFAS website at www.nsfas.org.za.
• Click on the “myNSFAS” tab.
• Register for a myNSFAS account using your email address and phone number.
• Create a secure password and verify your account with the OTP sent to your email and phone.
• Click on “Apply” and follow the prompts to fill in your details.
• Upload all required supporting documents.
• Submit your application and wait for confirmation.

READ HERE: How Much Is NSFAS Allowance Per Year?

Contact Details Of NSFAS

NSFAS Virtual Contact Centre

Nsfas is available to assist through the following channels:

• Email: info@nsfas.org.za
• Facebook: National Student Financial Aid Scheme
• Twitter: @myNSFAS
• Instagram: @myNSFAS
• WhatsApp: +27 63 093 5671
• USSD:*120*67327#

For general and student enquiries:

• For all other queries regarding students:
• Tel No.: 08000 67327
• Email: info@nsfas.org.za
• Physical Address (Head Office):
• The Halyard, 4 Christiaan Barnard St, Cape Town City Centre, Cape Town, 8001

Qualifying for NSFAS funding in 2026-2027 depends on a combination of factors, including your South African citizenship or permanent residency, household income, and academic enrollment at a public university or TVET college. Students receiving SASSA grants often meet the financial criteria automatically, while others must ensure their household income is within the required limits. Visit the official website here.