NSFAS Requirements
The National Student Financial Aid Scheme, better known as NSFAS, has become synonymous with making higher education accessible in South Africa. The scheme has been established to help fund university and TVET college students from poor and working-class families. If you would like to attend university or TVET college, read on to learn more about the NSFAS requirements before applying to universities and colleges.
How Does NSFAS Work?
NSFAS subsidizes higher education and training at public universities and TVET colleges for students who meet the NSFAS requirements. The scheme uses funds recouped from previous students to pay the university and college fees of current students. To qualify for the NSFAS bursary, you need to meet the NSFAS requirements (read more about it below).
Additionally, if you are accepted to a TVET college or university, to ensure your NSFAS bursary remains active, you will need to meet other NSFAS requirements. These requirements include passing modules, handing in assignments, and maintaining attendance, etc.
Who Qualifies For NSFAS?
While the NSFAS application for 2022 is closed, you can learn more about eligibility to ensure that you are prepared when the application process opens again.
The National Student Financial Aid Scheme’s mission is to help those from poor and working-class families who would otherwise not be able to attend university. Therefore, the scheme primarily focuses on income as qualifying criteria. However, there are other requirements which you can see listed below.
You could be eligible for NSFAS if:
- You come from a household where the combined income is less than R350,000 per year.
- You are a South African citizen.
- You have passed Grade 12.
- You are a SASSA grant recipient, or your parents are SASSA grant recipients, and you are studying – or plan to study – at a public university or TVET college.
- You are a student with a disability, and your household income does not exceed R600,000 per year.
Note: There is no age limit to applying for NSFAS. You can still qualify at any age if you meet the above criteria.
What Do You Need To Apply for NSFAS
To kick off the application process, NSFAS will request that you provide supporting documentation. This documentation you can upload while making your NSFAS online application. These documents include:
- Copy of your ID or birth certificate.
- Proof of income – in the form of an IRP5 – if applicable.
- Your spouse or parent’s proof of income (if applicable).
- A signed annexure A if you have a disability.
- If you are a SASSA recipient – or your parents or guardians are SASSA recipients – you do not need to attach proof of income.
- If you are a vulnerable child, you will also need to fill in and sign a Vulnerable Child Declaration Form.
Also Read: NSFAS Application: Everything you need to know
How To Contact NSFAS
If you have any more questions concerning the application process or whether you would qualify for NSFAS, you can contact NSFAS on 08000 67327 or email info@nsfas.org.za.
