​NSFAS requirements 2026

The following basic requirements must be met in order to apply for any of the NSFAS bursaries; applicants must:

  • Be South African citizens
  • Comply with the entry requirements set by the universities of their choice / have proof of registration or acceptance to said university

Once successfully awarded the bursary, students must pass all courses and complete the qualification within the minimum time frame prescribed by the particular university to avoid the risk of having to repay the bursary amount.

In some cases, bursars may be required to report their particular NSFAS bursary exam results in order to continue to receive funding.

All applications will require certified copies of the following:

  • ID document
  • Grade 12 results
  • Parent/guardian’s ID and employment documents (salary slips/pensions slips if applicable/affidavit if unemployed)
  • Proof of university acceptance/registration

​NSFAS may need more information from you to process your application, check what supporting documents are required and ensure that you have all the relevant information.

You will need the following to complete your NSFAS application:  

  • Your own cellphone number and email address
  • Copy of your ID or birth certificate
  • ID copies of parents, guardian or spouse
  • Your proof of income or 1 year’s IRP5 (if applicable)
  • Your parents, guardian or spouse’s proof of income 
  • If you are a SASSA grant recipient, no proof of income will be required
  • Applicants with a disability must submit a completed and signed Disability Annexure A Form, click here to download
  • An applicant who is recognised as a Vulnerable Child by the Department of Social Development must provide a completed and signed Vulnerable Child Declaration and Consent Form, click here to download.

HOW AND WHERE TO APPLYYou can apply online using a cellphone, tablet or computer. Follow these simple steps to apply:

Step 1: Go to www.nsfas.org.za and click on the ‘myNSFAS’ tabStep 2: Create a myNSFAS accountStep 3: Click on the ‘APPLY’ tab and answer the questions on the screenStep 4: Upload the required supporting documents then click on ‘submit’

After you click on ‘submit’, your application reference number will appear on the screen. The reference number will also be sent to the cellphone number and email address you provided.

​HOW TO APPLY USER GUIDE

WHAT DOES THE NSFAS BURSARY COVER?Applicants who are approved for NSFAS funding are covered for the following: 

  • Registration
  • Tuition​

Allowances for:

  • Food
  • Accommodation or transport
  • Learning material
  • Personal care

WHO QUALIFIES FOR THE BURSARY?

You qualify for a NSFAS bursary if you are a South African citizen who plans to study in 2026 or you are already studying at a public university or TVET college and you meet the following requirements:

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  • SASSA grant recipients or
  • Your combined household income is not more than R350 000 per year or
  • Person with a disability with a combined household income of not more than R600 000 per year or
  • Student who begun their university studies before 2018 and their household income is not more than R122 000 per year

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