For many South African students, the cost of higher education can be a major barrier to achieving their academic goals.
The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) helps eligible students from financially disadvantaged households access education and training at public universities and Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) colleges.
Also see: How students can use side hustles to manage the rising cost of living
If you are planning to study or are already studying at a public institution, understanding who qualifies for NSFAS and how the application process works can help you avoid unnecessary delays.
Who qualifies for NSFAS?
So, who actually qualifies for this government fund?
This is always the question many people ask. According to NSFAS, the main financial eligibility requirements include the following:
- You need to be a South African citizen or permanent resident.
- Your combined gross household income must generally be R350,000 or less per year.
- For applicants living with a disability, the household income threshold is R600,000 or less per year.
- SASSA grant recipients qualify for the financial eligibility requirement.
- You need an active email address and cellphone number to apply.
People need to understand that meeting these household income requirements does not automatically guarantee funding. Applicants must also satisfy NSFAS’s other eligibility requirements, including requirements relating to the institution, qualification, and academic progression.
Like any other application, documents are required, but they may vary according to your circumstances. NSFAS states that these are some of the required supporting documents based on the application type:
- A copy of your South African ID or birth certificate.
- Copies of your parent(s), guardian or spouse’s ID documents, where applicable.
- Proof of household income, where applicable.
- A completed Disability Annexure for applicants living with a disability.
- An Orphan or Vulnerable Child Declaration where applicable.
- Additional documents, such as death certificates, divorce documents, proof of legal guardianship or retrenchment letters, may be required in certain circumstances.
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How to apply for NSFAS
The NSFAS application is online with a few steps to follow:
- Step 1: Create or access your myNSFAS account
- Step 2: Complete your personal information
- Step 3: Provide household information
- Step 4: Upload supporting documents
- Step 5: Submit your application
- Step 6: Monitor your application status
After submitting your application, you will need to log into your account to check your status.
NSFAS application dates vary according to the academic year. For this year, the NSFAS application cycle will open around September. No official date has been revealed yet.
Also see: How students can use side hustles to manage the rising cost of living
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