According to the NSFAS policy agreement, students must pass at least 50% of their modules and meet the academic requirements of their institution to continue receiving financial aid during their study period.

There is a limit of time on funding. The n+1 formula prescribes that NSFAS will pay for only the standard length of time required for a course plus one additional year.

NSFAS will not pay for repeated modules for higher certificates.

Does NSFAS fund Postgraduate students?

Mostly no. The exceptions are for courses that are a professional requirement for employment. Examples include:

• PGCE – Postgraduate Certificate in Education
• PGDA – Postgraduate Diploma in Accounting
• Various B Tech courses

Does NSFAS fund studies at private colleges and universities?

No. NSFAS funds only approved courses at 26 public universities and 50 TVET colleges in South Africa. They do not fund private institutions such as Damelin or Varsity.

Does NSFAS fund short courses at universities?

No. NSFAS funds only full undergraduate degree or diploma courses.

Can I be funded for both TVET and University studies?

A student can only be funded for one qualification at one institution at any one time. If the student completed an N6 qualification at a TVET college, he/she may be funded at a university. Once the N6 is complete, the student will need to apply for funding for the university.

Can I be funded for a second qualification?

Students who have already obtained a prior university qualification do not qualify and should not apply for funding. Students who have completed TVET N6 qualifications cannot be funded at a TVET college again but can be funded at university.

How does NSFAS work if I take a gap year?

Funding continues automatically from year to year, provided the student meets progression requirements. If funding is not utilised for a year, the bursary will be cancelled, and the student will have to reapply. 

Which disabilities are covered?

A disability is defined as a long-term impairment that has lasted or is likely to persist for at least 12 months, which is recurring and substantially limiting. NSFAS includes chronic diseases as disabilities; these include HIV/AIDS, diabetes, asthma, cancer, and tuberculosis (TB).

My parent/guardian is unemployed or is employed in the informal sector. What proof must I submit?

An affidavit will be accepted; however, NSFAS will verify the employment status through government entities and 3rd party agencies.

Do I need to apply for 2025/2026 funding or each semester if I am currently approved?

No, students currently funded by NSFAS are not required to reapply. NSFAS will automatically renew their bursaries once it receives confirmation of successful academic results from the educational institutions.

The National Student Financial Aid Scheme is a South African government student financial aid scheme which provides financial aid to poor undergraduate students to help pay for the cost of their tertiary education after finishing high school. It is funded by the Department of Higher Education and Training.