NSFAS Eligibility Criteria 2027: Who Qualifies for Funding?

NSFAS eligibility requires South African citizenship or permanent residency, combined household income at or below R350,000 annually (R600,000 for disability), and confirmed registration at a public university or TVET college.

Applicants living with disabilities receive an assessment under a higher threshold of R600,000 per year. SASSA grant recipients automatically meet financial eligibility requirements regardless of additional household income.

This comprehensive resource provides verified income thresholds, required documentation, continuing student rules, application timelines, and status verification procedures for the 2026-2027 academic cycle.

Who Qualifies for NSFAS Funding in 2026-2027?

NSFAS bursary funding covers South African citizens and permanent residents whose combined gross household income remains at or below R350,000 per year. The National Student Financial Aid Scheme evaluates financial need, citizenship status, and institutional registration to determine eligibility for each applicant.

Primary Qualification Requirements

Combined household income threshold: R350,000 or less annually for standard bursary assessment.

Citizenship requirement: South African citizen or holder of a permanent residency permit with a valid South African ID number. Refugee status documents or international student visas do not satisfy this criterion.

Institutional registration: Confirmed acceptance or current enrollment at any public university or public TVET college appearing on the official NSFAS institutions list.

SASSA grant recipients: Applicants receiving Foster Care, Care Dependency, or Child Support grants automatically qualify for NSFAS funding when validated by NSFAS systems.

Disability Support Threshold

Applicants living with disabilities receive assessment under a combined household income ceiling of R600,000 per year. This elevated threshold recognizes additional costs associated with assistive devices, specialized transport, and human support services required for academic success.

Evidence requirements for disability assessment include:

• Completed Disability Annexure Form signed by HPCSA registered medical practitioner
• Current medical report detailing functional limitations and required accommodations
• Recommendation letter from the institution’s disability unit, where applicable

Who Should Not Apply for NSFAS 2026-2027

Students with completed prior undergraduate qualifications funded by the state cannot receive NSFAS bursary funding for additional qualifications at the same level. The scheme funds first-time access to tertiary education rather than multiple credential accumulation.

Additional exclusion criteria:

Household income exceeding R350,000: Applicants whose combined gross family income surpasses this threshold receive automatic assessment rejection unless disability provisions apply or circumstances qualify for Missing Middle loan consideration.

Previously funded continuing students: Students already receiving NSFAS funding for their current qualification do not submit new applications. Their funding continues automatically, subject to academic progression requirements.

Students with full bursaries from other sources: Recipients of full funding from non-NSFAS sources must notify NSFAS within 10 business days of receiving alternative funding confirmation.

Non-citizens without permanent residency: International students, temporary residents, and asylum seekers lacking permanent resident permits remain ineligible regardless of financial circumstances.

Students registered for non-approved qualifications: NSFAS funds only for SAQA-accredited qualifications offered by public institutions, as approved and communicated by DHET.

NSFAS Eligibility Criteria 2026-2027: Income Brackets and Assessment Categories

NSFAS separates applicants into distinct income categories that determine funding type and repayment obligations. Each bracket carries specific financial outcomes ranging from full bursary awards to loan arrangements.

Combined Household Income	Funding Category	Repayment Obligation	Supporting Documents Required
R0 – R350,000	Full bursary	None	Three months payslips or SASSA letters
R350,001 – R600,000 (disability cases)	Disability bursary	None	Disability Annexure, medical report, income proof
Pre-2018 students (R122,000 threshold)	Continuation of existing funding	Per original loan terms if applicable	Academic progression proof

Full Bursary Category: Household Income R350,000 or Less

Applicants whose combined gross household income totals R350,000 or less receive full bursary funding with no repayment requirements. This covers tuition, prescribed textbooks, accommodation allowances, meal stipends, and transport support for the qualification duration.

Example calculation: Two-parent household with Parent A earning R15,000 monthly (R180,000 annually) and Parent B earning R12,000 monthly (R144,000 annually) produces combined household income of R324,000. This applicant qualifies for full bursary assessment.

Household Income Determination

Household income calculation depends on applicant’s marital and guardianship status:

Unmarried applicants: Combined gross income from biological or adoptive mother, biological or adoptive father, and applicant from all sources.

Applicants under legal guardianship: Combined gross income from legal guardian and applicant from all sources.

Married applicants: Combined gross income from applicant’s spouse and applicant from all sources.

Independent learners: Unmarried applicants who are economically self-sufficient and independent of parents are exempted from providing NSFAS declaration form for parental income.

SASSA Grant Recipients

Applicants validated as SASSA recipients automatically meet financial eligibility criteria. Eligible grants include Foster Care, Care Dependency, and Child Support grants. The Social Relief of Distress grant and special COVID-19 SRD grant do not qualify for automatic eligibility.

Disability Threshold Adjustment

Applicants living with disabilities receive assessment under R600,000 combined household income threshold rather than standard R350,000 limit. This provision acknowledges elevated costs for assistive devices, specialized transport arrangements, and human support services.

Additional funding components for disability bursary recipients:

Assistive devices: Screen readers, hearing aids, mobility equipment, specialized software purchased through institutional disability units with prior NSFAS approval.

Human support: Sign language interpreters, note-takers, readers, personal care assistants attending lectures and study sessions.

Specialized transport: Door-to-door transport services accommodating wheelchairs, visual impairments, or mobility restrictions.

Accommodation modifications: Accessible campus housing with ramps, modified bathrooms, visual alert systems, and accommodation for human support where required.

Required Documents for NSFAS Application 2026-2027

Submit certified identity documentation, proof of institutional acceptance, complete academic records, and household income evidence within specified file formats to complete NSFAS application assessment. Incomplete applications will not be accepted into the NSFAS application portal and therefore will not be assessed for funding.

Core Documentation Checklist

Identity verification:

• South African identity document (green barcoded book or smart ID card)
• Permanent resident permit with valid dates showing South African ID number
• Certified copy stamped within previous three months by police officer, commissioner of oaths, or post office official

Institutional proof:

• University or TVET college acceptance letter specifying programme name, qualification code, and academic year
• Registration confirmation showing student number, faculty, and fee structure
• Provisional acceptance letter for first-time applicants awaiting matric results

Academic records:

• National Senior Certificate (matric certificate) with final results
• June examination statement for current matric students applying before final results release
• Previous tertiary institution academic transcript for transfer students
• TVET college Report 191 certificate for NC(V) programme applicants

Household income evidence:

Three consecutive months of current documentation for each income earner:

• Salary payslips showing gross income, deductions, and employer details
• SASSA grant confirmation letters with grant type and monthly amount
• Pension fund statements with monthly disbursement amounts
• Unemployment Insurance Fund payment records

Specialized Documentation Requirements

Unemployed parent or guardian:

• Sworn affidavit stating unemployment status signed before commissioner of oaths
• Three months of bank statements showing account activity
• Confirmation letter from local ward councilor or tribal authority verifying unemployment claim

Deceased parent documentation:

• Certified death certificate issued by Department of Home Affairs
• Updated household composition affidavit listing remaining guardians and dependents
• Income evidence for surviving parent or guardian supporting household

Divorced or separated parents:

• Divorce decree specifying maintenance obligations
• Maintenance payment records or affidavit explaining non-payment circumstances
• Income evidence from custodial parent or primary guardian

Informal income earners:

• Sworn affidavit detailing income source, average monthly earnings, and work performed
• Confirmation letter from local authority or community leader verifying business operation
• Three months of bank deposits demonstrating income pattern

NSFAS Consent Form Requirement

All applicants must submit complete, accurate, and duly signed NSFAS consent forms to enable NSFAS to assess financial eligibility. Non-submission of a complete, accurate, and duly signed NSFAS consent form disqualifies a student for NSFAS funding due to NSFAS inability to evaluate and determine financial eligibility. Such applications will be closed and regarded as rejected.

The consent form authorizes NSFAS to verify declared information with:

• South African Revenue Service for tax records
• Department of Home Affairs for identity verification
• Department of Basic Education for matric results
• Banking institutions for account verification
• Employers for salary confirmation
• SASSA for grant recipient status

File Upload Specifications

Accepted file formats: PDF, JPG, PNG. Submit multi-page documents as single merged PDF files rather than separate image files.

File size limits: Individual documents should not exceed 5MB. Compress high-resolution scans to reduce file size while maintaining text readability.

Naming convention: Use format IDnumber_DocumentType.pdf for clear identification. Example: 0001015009087_Matric.pdf or 9912240088081_Payslips.pdf.

Document quality standards: Text must remain legible at 100 percent zoom. Avoid photographs of documents that introduce glare, shadows, or distortion. Use scanner applications producing clear contrast between text and background.

Application Process and Timeline for NSFAS 2026-2027

NSFAS opens annual application windows and maintains submissions through the myNSFAS online portal until published closing dates. First-time applicants and returning students follow different submission procedures determined by previous funding history.

Key Application Dates for 2026-2027

Milestone	Expected Timeframe	Required Action
Application window opens	November 2025	Create myNSFAS account, complete online application
Application submissions close	January 31, 2026	Submit all supporting documents before deadline
Institution submits academic results	December 2025 – January 2026	No action required; institution uploads automatically
Funding decisions published	January – February 2026	Check myNSFAS status, contact institution finance office
Registration period	February – March 2026	Confirm funding with institution, complete registration

Step-by-Step Application Procedure

Step 1: Create myNSFAS account

Navigate to the official myNSFAS portal. Select “Register” and provide South African identity number, valid cellphone number, and active email address. Verify account through one-time PIN sent to cellphone.

Step 2: Complete online application form

Log into myNSFAS account using credentials. Select “Apply for Funding” and choose academic year 2026-2027. Complete all mandatory fields including:

• Personal details matching identity document exactly
• Contact information with alternative emergency contacts
• Household composition listing all family members
• Income declaration for each employed household member
• Institutional details including university or TVET college name, programme code, qualification

Step 3: Upload supporting documents

Access “Document Upload” section within myNSFAS application. Upload each required document in correct category:

• Identity verification uploads into “ID Document” field
• Academic records upload into “Matric Certificate” or “Academic Transcript” fields
• Income evidence uploads into designated “Payslips,” “SASSA Letters,” or “Affidavits” fields
• Disability documentation uploads into “Disability Annexure” field when applicable

Step 4: Sign and submit NSFAS Declaration and Consent Forms

Complete NSFAS Declaration Form attesting to accuracy and completeness of all information provided. Submit duly signed NSFAS Consent Form authorizing third-party verification of declared household income and parental relationships.

Step 5: Submit application and receive reference number

Review completed application for accuracy before final submission. System generates unique application reference number upon successful submission. Record this reference number for all future correspondence with NSFAS.

Step 6: Monitor application status

Log into myNSFAS account regularly to check application status updates. System displays current assessment stage and outstanding requirements. Respond immediately to requests for additional documentation.

Application Requirements for Different Student Categories

First-time applicants: Complete full application with all supporting documents during application window.

Continuing students: Do not re-apply annually. NSFAS automatically assesses continuing students based on academic results submitted by institutions. Financial need assessed at point of first application remains valid unless household circumstances change significantly.

Returning students: Senior students not funded by NSFAS in immediate prior academic term must re-apply during normal application period.

Students changing institution types: Students shifting from TVET College to University or vice versa must re-apply for funding.

Gap year students: Students who de-registered or dropped out during previous academic term and wish to resume studies must re-apply during normal NSFAS application period.

Understanding NSFAS Application Status Messages

myNSFAS portal displays specific status codes indicating current assessment stage and required actions from applicant or institution. Each status message corresponds to distinct verification processes requiring different timeframes for resolution.

Assessing Financial Eligibility Status

“Assessing Financial Eligibility” indicates NSFAS is verifying declared household income against submitted documents and third-party data sources. This verification stage cross-references payslips, SASSA records, tax submissions, and banking information to confirm accuracy of income declaration.

Expected timeframe: Four to eight weeks from complete document submission.

Actions required from applicant:

• Ensure all three months of payslips uploaded for each income earner
• Verify SASSA grant letters include recipient name and monthly grant amount
• Confirm affidavits contain commissioner of oaths stamp and signature
• Respond within seven days to requests for additional income evidence

Common delays causing extended assessment periods:

• Incomplete payslips missing employer details or gross income amounts
• Outdated SASSA letters more than 90 days old at submission
• Unsigned affidavits or missing commissioner certification
• Mismatched names between identity document and income documentation
• Bank statements showing deposits not explained in income declaration

Awaiting Academic Eligibility Status

“Awaiting Academic Eligibility” indicates NSFAS requires institutional submission of academic records before completing assessment. Institutions upload year-end results, progression status, and registration confirmations directly to NSFAS systems.

Expected timeframe: Two to six weeks after institution publishes official results.

Actions required from applicant:

• Confirm institution has uploaded final results to NSFAS
• Contact institutional finance office if status remains unchanged beyond normal processing period
• Ensure all outstanding coursework, examinations, or appeals completed before results submission deadline

This status applies primarily to:

• Continuing students requiring previous year results verification
• First-time applicants whose matric results publish after application submission
• Students who changed institutions and require transfer of academic history

Funding Eligibility Status

“Funding Eligibility” confirms NSFAS completed financial and academic assessment and applicant meets all qualification requirements. This status precedes formal funding approval notification and allowance disbursement schedule.

Expected timeframe: Notification within two to three weeks of status update.

Actions required from applicant:

• Await formal funding decision communication via email and SMS
• Monitor myNSFAS portal for allowance schedule and disbursement dates
• Complete institution registration using NSFAS funding confirmation

Funding Eligibility status does not guarantee automatic approval. NSFAS may still reject applications due to:

• Duplicate qualifications at same NQF level previously completed
• Exceeding N+1 study duration limits for programme type
• Failure to meet minimum progression requirements from previous year
• Discovery of fraudulent information during verification stage

Provisionally Funded Status

“Provisionally Funded” indicates student is funding eligible subject to verification of registration information and availability of funds. Once the NSFAS Bursary Agreement is issued and benefit is derived in terms of the bursary awarded, students are deemed to have accepted the agreement unless explicitly rejected.

Academic Progression Requirements and N+ Rule Explained

NSFAS funds each qualification for programme duration N plus one additional year (N+1) subject to satisfactory academic progression and credit accumulation. Institutions report results annually and NSFAS determines continued funding eligibility based on passed modules and credit thresholds.

Defining N and N+1 Duration

N represents minimum programme completion time in years as specified by institution curriculum. NSFAS calculates N+1 by adding one year to standard duration, allowing students reasonable time to recover from failed modules while maintaining financial support.

Programme duration examples:

Qualification Type	Standard Duration (N)	Maximum NSFAS Funding (N+1)	Students with Disabilities (N+2)
National Certificate Vocational	3 years	4 years	5 years
National Diploma	3 years	4 years	5 years
Bachelor’s Degree (360 credits)	3 years	4 years	5 years
Extended Degree Programme	4 years	5 years	6 years
Professional Bachelor’s Degree	4 years	5 years	6 years
Bachelor’s Honours	1 year	2 years	3 years
Distance university students	Double minimum time	Double minimum time plus 1 year	Double minimum time plus 2 years

Minimum Progression Requirements for Universities

University students must pass minimum 60 percent of registered modules by credit value each academic year to maintain NSFAS funding eligibility. Institutions calculate progression by dividing passed credits by total registered credits.

Progression calculation example:

• Student registers for 120 credits in Year 1
• Student passes 72 credits and fails 48 credits
• Progression rate: 72 ÷ 120 = 60 percent
• Result: Meets minimum 60 percent threshold, funding continues

First-time entering university students (FTEN) automatically receive funding for their next academic term regardless of first-year results provided institution evaluates student has propensity to complete qualification within additional academic term.

Students falling below 60 percent progression receive one opportunity to appeal based on:

• Documented medical circumstances affecting academic performance for uninterrupted period of two or more months
• Death of immediate family member during academic term
• Student became victim of violent crime during academic term
• Student was pregnant and gave birth during academic term
• Institutional administrative errors affecting registration or results

TVET College Progression Rules

TVET students must pass 70 percent of total modules or courses enrolled in particular year to be funded in following academic year. NSFAS funds students repeating failed levels once within N+1 duration limits.

NC(V) progression requirements:

• Level 2 to Level 3: Pass minimum 5 out of 7 subjects at Level 2
• Level 3 to Level 4: Pass minimum 5 out of 7 subjects at Level 3

Report 191 progression requirements:

• N1 to N2: Pass minimum 3 out of 4 subjects at N1
• N2 to N3: Pass minimum 3 out of 4 subjects at N2
• N3 to N4: Pass minimum 3 out of 4 subjects at N3

First-time funded TVET students (FTF) automatically receive funding for next academic term regardless of first-term results provided institution evaluates student has propensity to complete qualification within additional academic term.

N+ Rule Application Principles

University N+ Rule bases on number of years student is registered in higher education sector. TVET College N+ Rule bases on NSFAS funded academic terms at TVET Colleges.

Additional funding (denoted by 1 or 2) applies once over student’s academic career within education sector. Students switching qualifications must ensure remaining N accommodates time required to complete different qualification.

Distance university students studying at non-contact universities receive N period equating to double minimum time required to complete qualification. Example: Three-year distance degree has N period of six years, N+1 funding of seven years.

Students with disabilities qualify for N+2 recognizing additional time requirements related to disability-related barriers.

Pre-2018 Student Funding Continuation

Students who commenced tertiary study before 2018 and received initial NSFAS funding under previous household income threshold of R122,000 annually continue receiving funding until programme completion. These students do not face income reassessment against current R350,000 threshold.

Conditions for pre-2018 funding continuation:

• Uninterrupted enrollment without breaks exceeding one academic year
• Maintenance of minimum progression requirements each year (60 percent for universities, 70 percent for TVET colleges)
• No change to qualification level requiring new application
• Remaining within N+1 duration for original qualification
• Any funding received prior to 2018 subject to conditions of Loan Agreement already signed

NSFAS Funded Qualifications: Universities and TVET Colleges

NSFAS funds SAQA accredited qualifications offered by public institutions as approved and communicated by DHET implemented in conjunction with eligibility criteria. Students must verify qualification appears on NQF and has not expired before registering.

University Approved Funded Qualifications

University funded qualifications are qualifications accredited by Council on Higher Education, registered on NQF with institution listed as originator.

Certificate qualifications:

• NQF Level 5 qualifications with qualification type of Higher Certificate or National Higher Certificate

Undergraduate qualifications:

• NQF Level 6: Advanced Certificate, Diploma (minimum 240 credits), Diploma (minimum 360 credits), National Diploma
• NQF Level 7: National First Degree (minimum 360 credits)
• NQF Level 8: National First Degree, National First Degree (minimum 480 credits)

NSFAS does not provide funding for qualifications above NQF Level 8.

University Specific Conditions

Students must be studying towards their first certificate qualification or undergraduate qualification. Students who already obtained prior University qualification do not qualify even if entering first academic term of new qualification.

Students starting university qualification for first time but who already achieved TVET qualification qualify as University FTEN student.

TVET College Approved Funded Qualifications

TVET College funded qualifications fall into four broad categories:

Pre-Vocational Learning Programme (PLP): Not registered on NQF. NSFAS funds student for one academic term only on this qualification.

NATED/Report 191 qualifications: Registered on NQF as National N certificates at NQF Level 6 with total of 360 credits. NSFAS funds student for one academic term for Report 191 introductory courses.

NC(V) qualifications: Registered on NQF belonging to General and Further Education and Training Sub-Framework with originator defined as Generic Provider – NCV and qualification type National Certificate.

Occupational programmes: Approved for NSFAS funding by DHET. Students studying occupational programmes can only be funded for cost of tuition. Allowances for TVET college students studying occupational programmes considered only if in simulated training.

NSFAS will not provide funding for qualifications above Report 191 N6.

Academic Progression Pathways

Only NSFAS approved University and TVET College academic progression pathways are funded:

University progression pathway: From certificate qualification to undergraduate qualification. NSFAS only funds students studying towards their first certificate or undergraduate qualification.

TVET progression pathways:

• PLP to Report 191 Level 1 or NC(V) Level 2
• Within NC(V) or Report 191: Students who switch from one programme to another or change programmes within NC(V) or Report 191 during studies are not eligible unless student was FTF and completed only one academic term
• Students who complete NC(V) Level 4 are not eligible for another NC(V) programme or Report 191 programme N1–N3
• Students who complete Report 191 N4–N6 are not eligible for another Report 191 programme or NC(V) programme

Cost of Study Covered by NSFAS 2026-2027

NSFAS covers tuition costs and specified allowances for eligible students. All costs are published annually in NSFAS handbook with caps determined for different allowance categories.

Tuition Costs

Tuition cost is institutional tuition cost for actual programme of study based on approved institutional fee handbook. NSFAS pays tuition costs in line with agreed sector increase for applicable academic years.

Students qualifying for NSFAS funding registered for NSFAS funded programme are not required to pay initial registration fee. Registration fee must be included in tuition cost reflected as one cost rather than separate items.

Universities and TVET Colleges must allow NSFAS recipients to register without paying registration fee if confirmed as financially eligible.

University Allowances

NSFAS offers learning materials, living allowances, and accommodation or transport for university students.

Allowance Type	Eligibility	Notes
Learning material allowance	All university students	One allowance per academic year for academic books, materials, learning devices
Accommodation allowance	Students not residing with immediate family or relatives	One accommodation type per academic term; institution-owned, leased, accredited, or private
Transport allowance	Students residing with immediate family or relatives	Alternative to accommodation allowance; capped amount determined by NSFAS
Living allowance	Students not in catered residences	Covers food and incidental expenses; included in catered accommodation package
Personal care allowance	Distance students with full-time credit load	Minimum 120 course credits in one academic year required

Distance university students studying less than 60 percent module credits in one academic year qualify for learning material allowance only. Where student registered for semester only, learning material allowance reduced by 50 percent.

Students may qualify for travel allowance or accommodation allowance, not both. Students only qualify for one accommodation allowance type per academic term.

TVET College Allowances

NSFAS offers personal care, accommodation or transport allowances for TVET college students.

Allowance Type	Eligibility	Notes
Personal care and living allowance	All TVET students not in catered residences	Covers food and incidental expenses
Accommodation allowance	Students not residing with relatives or immediate family	Metro and other area caps apply; lease agreement required for private accommodation
Transport allowance	Students residing with relatives or immediate family	Alternative to accommodation allowance

TVET College students registered on occupational qualification may qualify for allowances ONLY if in simulated training. Students with employment contract receiving stipend do not qualify for NSFAS allowances.

Distance TVET College students qualify for personal care allowance only.

TVET students must confirm proof of home address when applying for accommodation. Students who do not provide proof of home address automatically qualify for travel allowance instead of accommodation allowance.

Allowances for Students with Disabilities

Students with disabilities qualify for living allowance, learning materials, assistive devices, repairs and maintenance of assistive devices, human support, and assessment costs. All allowances paid by NSFAS provided they are not funded by another provider.

Assistive devices funding conditions:

• Students do not automatically qualify; application must be approved
• Nature of goods and services must be relevant to disability indicated on application
• Institutions must ensure accredited suppliers used for procurement
• Required supporting quotations and invoices submitted to NSFAS
• Purchase of duplicate devices not permitted
• Annual threshold limit for duration of study period applies even if transferring institutions

Human support funding conditions:

• Students do not automatically qualify; application must be approved
• Nature of human support recommended by HPCSA registered medical practitioner
• Institution confirms and supports need for human support
• Carers may be anyone selected by student and approved by institution
• Where institutions provide carers supporting multiple students, students must opt into arrangement for minimum one academic year
• Accommodation cost for human support covered by NSFAS for student living at university residence if charged to fee account

Students currently funded by NSFAS eligible for Disability bursary funding if during studies they become permanently disabled.

Appeals Process and Verification Challenges

Applicants may appeal NSFAS funding decisions within specified timelines by submitting formal appeal through myNSFAS portal with supporting evidence addressing rejection reasons. Independent Appeals Tribunal considers all appeals submitted to provide effective management of appeals for funding.

Grounds for Financial Eligibility Appeals

Appeals from students who exceed income thresholds will only be considered if:

• Financial circumstances of household have changed since submission of application and evidence provided to NSFAS
• Students can provide evidence household income is indeed below threshold
• Key contributor to household income has become incapacitated or is deceased since submission of application
• Applicant has been declared independent of biological parents by court and court determined parents not responsible for applicant’s maintenance including cost of education

Grounds for Academic Eligibility Appeals

Appeals from students who failed to meet academic eligibility criteria will only be considered upon proof that:

Student is continuing student who was not FTEN or FTF student in previous academic term AND:

• Student’s failure to complete academic term successfully due to severe ill health for uninterrupted period of two or more months of academic term or during examinations
• Death in immediate family during academic term
• Student was victim of violent crime
• Student was pregnant and gave birth during academic term
• Institution has evaluated student and completed NSFAS standard propensity letter confirming student will complete qualification within additional academic term

OR

• Student with disability submits detailed medical report indicating failure to complete academic term due to nature of disability and institution has evaluated student has propensity to complete qualification within additional academic term

OR

• Student can provide evidence academic results received by NSFAS are incorrect

Continuing student who was FTEN or FTF student in previous academic term does not need to appeal as student will automatically be funded for next academic term provided all other eligibility criteria are met and institution has evaluated student has propensity to complete qualification within additional academic term.

Grounds for N+ Rule Appeals

Appeals from students who no longer meet N+ Rule will only be considered upon proof that:

Student’s failure to complete academic term successfully due to:

• Severe ill health for uninterrupted period of two or more months of academic term or during examinations
• Death in immediate family during academic term
• Student was victim of violent crime
• Student was pregnant and gave birth during academic term

OR

• Student with disability with medical report indicating failure to complete academic term due to nature of disability and institution has evaluated student has propensity to complete qualification within additional academic term

OR

• University student can prove has 50 percent or less final year course credits to complete and will acquire qualification and institution has evaluated student has propensity to complete qualification within additional academic term (funded similar to distance university students if appeal successful)

OR

• TVET student can prove has two or less subjects left to complete Report 191 qualification or three or less subjects to complete NC(V) qualification and institution has evaluated student has propensity to complete qualification within additional academic term (funded similar to distance TVET students if appeal successful)

Appeal Restrictions

Students are not permitted to appeal if:

• Registered for qualification NSFAS does not fund
• Completed N+2 (N+3 in case of student with disability)
• Detail of appeal indicates student disclosing different parental or legal guardian information than disclosed in application or now indicating independence different to application
• Institution has not submitted registration record or submitted incorrect registration record to NSFAS (such queries must be directed to institution)

Appeal Timeline and Evidence Requirements

Appeals must be received within specified timelines as communicated by NSFAS. Appeals will only be considered for students who applied for NSFAS financial aid.

Failure to provide sufficient and substantive evidence in support of appeal as required within time frames outlined will lead to appeal being rejected.

NSFAS reserves right to validate all appeal documentation to confirm validity including third-party data sources and will reject appeal where supporting evidence cannot be validated or confirmed.

NSFAS reserves right to reject affidavits as means of evidentiary support.

Dual Funding and Multiple Sources of Financial Aid

Students cannot receive funding for same qualification from more than one source without notifying institution and NSFAS in writing. Institutions must identify students receiving funding from multiple sources and inform NSFAS monthly so allocations are adjusted accordingly.

Check Out: Other Bursaries Besides NSFAS

Full Bursary from Other Sources

If student receives full bursary from any other funder, student must advise NSFAS in writing by no later than 10 business days on receipt of confirmation of funding by alternate funder. NSFAS bursary shall be withdrawn and no further payments made to student. All excess funds must be refunded to NSFAS during reconciliation process.

Partial Bursary from Other Sources

If student receives partial bursary from any other funder, student must advise NSFAS in writing of funding conditions of new funder no later than 10 business days of receiving partial bursary. NSFAS bursary will be reduced and any excess refunded to NSFAS during reconciliation process.

Student consents to NSFAS accessing financial records from institutions to establish whether student has received any financial assistance in connection with course of study other than NSFAS bursary.

Students with Disabilities and Non-NSFAS Funding

In event student is funded by donor other than NSFAS and funding does not cover full cost of study, student may apply to NSFAS for unpaid part of funding on condition student meets criteria specified in policy standard.

In event student is funded by donor other than NSFAS and funding does not provide for NSFAS allowances for students with disabilities where these are required, student may apply for these allowances to NSFAS on condition student meets criteria specified in policy standard.

Combatting Fraud and Corruption

NSFAS has zero tolerance to fraud and corruption and will do what is required to combat any such acts discovered within its environment. NSF

AS makes funding decisions based on information submitted by students and institutions and verifies this information against third-party data sources.

Consequences of Misrepresentation

Where NSFAS finds students have misrepresented, omitted, or falsified information in any way, or where information submitted does not align to third-party data sources, NSFAS reserves right to:

• Terminate or deny financial aid to student
• Deny any further financial aid to that student
• Recover all costs to date from student
• Institute civil and criminal proceedings

Where incorrect information is provided by institution (whether in error or deliberately) which results in NSFAS making erroneous funding decision or paying student incorrectly, institution is liable for those costs.

Fraud Investigation and Disciplinary Process

Students, institution officials, departmental officials, or NSFAS staff found to have defrauded NSFAS or NSFAS funded students, or misrepresented any information to NSFAS, will be subjected to investigation process.

Upon completion of investigation process any students, institution officials, or NSFAS employees may be subjected to relevant disciplinary process and may have criminal charges laid against them.

Civil process will also be followed by NSFAS to recover any loss suffered as result of any fraudulent act. In event suspects are found guilty, relevant sanctions will apply which may include:

• Withdrawal of bursary
• Cancellation of allowances
• Disqualification from ever being eligible for NSFAS funding in future
• Re-payment of all funding received to date
• Expulsion or dismissal

Specific Fraud Scenarios

Students residing with immediate family members or relatives do not qualify for accommodation allowances. Where this is found to be the case, it is considered fraud.

Inflation of allowances or tuition costs by institutions is regarded as abuse of NSFAS funding and criminal offence.

NSFAS reserves right to institute civil and criminal proceedings where students and institutions do not declare instances of double dipping to NSFAS such that excess funds can be returned to NSFAS within relevant academic year.

Student, Institution, and NSFAS Responsibilities

All parties involved in NSFAS funding process have defined responsibilities to ensure effective administration of financial aid.

Student Responsibilities

Students must:

• Apply for NSFAS financial aid on time submitting all valid required documents
• Submit accurate, complete, and correct information to NSFAS when applying for financial aid and when submitting appeals
• Inform NSFAS and institutions if they have other sources of funding within 10 business days of receipt of such funding
• Notify NSFAS in event of change of qualification or when they exit qualification
• Confirm with institution that qualification they register for is approved qualification and is indeed funded
• Meet all academic progression criteria and attendance requirements of courses and institutions
• Meet individual financial commitments including managing allowances
• Cancel registration at all institutions where not eventually formally registered to avoid dual registrations
• De-register and confirm with NSFAS within 10 days of start of academic term the institution chosen to study at when registered at multiple institutions
• Not engage in activities that aim to defraud scheme and fellow students
• Submit documents to NSFAS for funding decisions within 10 days of receipt of notification
• Always ensure contact details are updated to maintain constant communication with NSFAS
• Aim to complete studies within N+ Rule and maintain academic progression rules of NSFAS
• Use learning material allowance for intended use (acquisition of study material or digital learning device)
• Abide by terms and conditions as set out in NSFAS Bursary Agreement
• Not bring NSFAS into disrepute

Institution Responsibilities

Universities and TVET Colleges must:

• Notify NSFAS in writing of students who exit system for whatever reason during academic year
• Identify students receiving funding from more than one source and inform NSFAS monthly so allocations are adjusted accordingly
• Make known to students they cannot receive funding for same qualification from more than one source without notifying institution and NSFAS
• Allow NSFAS bursary recipients to register without paying registration fee if confirmed as financially eligible
• Enable integration of systems and direct exchange of data with NSFAS
• Provide registration details of all NSFAS eligible students studying approved funded qualifications
• Submit student academic and results data clearly indicating when student has graduated
• Submit accurate and complete data to NSFAS within time frames set
• Only submit registration records for students registered on funded qualifications that are not expired
• Return all unutilized student funds owed to NSFAS within stipulated timelines
• Ensure copy of disability annexure when submitting disability allowance claims
• Abide by funding rules when disbursing funding to students
• Maintain detailed system of records of payments made with supporting audit trails retained for minimum five years
• Facilitate cancellation of duplicate registration and share details with NSFAS

NSFAS Responsibilities

NSFAS will:

• Publish NSFAS Eligibility Criteria and Conditions for Financial Aid once in three years commencing from 2025
• Publicize application process available to students and relevant deadlines in NSFAS handbook and on NSFAS website
• Evaluate applications in terms of NSFAS Eligibility Criteria and Conditions for Financial Aid
• Make decisions on financial eligibility of applicants and financial and academic eligibility for continuing students
• Provide integration and portal platform for institutions to enable exchange of data
• Annually publish costs for all allowances applicable to each student in NSFAS handbook
• Ensure NSFAS Bursary Agreements are timeously generated for eligible students
• Ensure timeous disbursements to institutions and students according to predetermined schedule
• Manage appeals process for unsuccessful applicants and continuing students
• Verify N+ rule in consultation with student and institutions when students are changing institutions
• Comply with National Treasury and PFMA requirements

Contact Information and Official Resources

Access myNSFAS portal, download official policy documents, and contact NSFAS support channels for application assistance and funding queries. Institutional finance offices provide in-person support for document submission and status verification.

Essential NSFAS Resources

myNSFAS Application Portal — mynsfas.nsfas.org.za

Complete online applications, upload supporting documents, monitor assessment status, and access funding notifications through secure student portal.

NSFAS Bursary Guidelines 2025 — Official eligibility criteria, income thresholds, progression requirements, and funding conditions published in PDF format at nsfas.org.za.

NSFAS Institutions List — Current roster of eligible public universities, TVET colleges, and approved private providers accepting NSFAS funding.

NSFAS Handbook — Annual publication of allowance costs, payment schedules, and procedural requirements.

NSFAS Support Channels

National call center: 08000 67327

Email support: Verify current contact email on official NSFAS website

Walk-in centers: Regional NSFAS offices in major cities by appointment only

Social media: Official updates via verified NSFAS social media accounts

Institutional Finance Offices

Contact university or TVET college finance office for:

• Document certification and submission assistance
• Status verification and application progress updates
• Registration coordination using NSFAS funding confirmation
• Academic progression requirements specific to programme
• Disability unit referrals for accommodation planning

Locate institutional contact details on university or college website under “Financial Aid” or “Student Finance” sections.

Policy source: NSFAS Eligibility Criteria and Conditions for Financial Aid Policy Standard 2025 Academic Year effective when endorsed by Minister of Higher Education and Training.

Frequently Asked Questions: NSFAS Eligibility 2027