The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) is a government entity under the Department of Higher Education and Training, which provides financial support to disadvantaged students who wish to further their studies at public universities or TVET colleges.
The following are eligible for the bursary:
- All South African citizens.
- All SASSA grant recipients.
- Applicants whose combined household income is not more than R350 000 per annum.
- A person with a disability and the combined household income of no more than R600 000 per annum.
- Students who started studying before 2018 whose household income is not more than R122 000 per annum.
The following do not qualify for funding:
- Foreign students (any student who is not a South African citizen).
- Students that 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.
NSFAS covers accommodation, transport, living allowances, book allowances, and personal/incident care allowance.
