NSFAS is a government entity under the Department of Higher Education, Science and Technology established according to the NSFAS Act (Act 56 of 1999) to provide financial support to disadvantaged students who wish to further their studies at public universities or TVET colleges.
WHAT DOES NFSAS COVER?
If you are in University, the bursary will cover the following:
- 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) R10 000 per annum
- Living allowance R14 400 per annum
- Book allowances R5000 per annum
- Incidental/personal care allowance R2750 per annum
If you are in a TVET College, the bursary will cover the following:
- Accommodation in an urban area R24,000 per annum
- Accommodation in an peri-urban area R18,000 per annum
- Accommodation in an rural area R15000 per annum
- Transport (up to 40 km from institution) R10 000 per annum
- Transport R7000 per annum
- Incidental/personal care allowance R2750 per annum
WHO QUALIFIES?
- All South African citizens
- All SASSA grant recipients qualifies 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 SHOULDN’T APPLY
- 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.
- Foreign students (any student who is not a South African citizen).
NOTE: Note that financial assistance is only considered for students who have been accepted at a higher learning institution and meet all the requirements to study towards higher education.
