Hey future game-changer! Ready to kickstart your academic journey without stressing about fees? Let’s dive into the amazing NSFAS Bursary – South Africa’s biggest student funding scheme that helps thousands of young South Africans achieve their dreams!
The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) is a government bursary fund designed to provide financial aid to eligible South African students who wish to study at public universities or TVET colleges. Basically, if you’re academically capable but financially disadvantaged, NSFAS is here to cover your study costs so you can focus on excelling!
Who Can Apply?
To be eligible for the NSFAS Bursary, you generally need to:
- Be a South African citizen.
- Be accepted or provisionally accepted to study at a public South African university or TVET college for an undergraduate qualification.
- Meet the NSFAS financial eligibility criteria (your household income should not exceed R350,000 per annum, or R600,000 for students with disabilities).
- Be a first-time university applicant, or already registered at a university or TVET college without prior NSFAS funding for that qualification.
- For TVET college students, the household income threshold is R350,000 per annum.
What Does It Cover?
The NSFAS Bursary is pretty comprehensive! If you qualify, it can cover:
- Tuition Fees: Your actual course fees will be paid directly to your institution.
- Accommodation: Either university/TVET residence fees or an allowance for private accommodation.
- Learning Material Allowance: Funds for textbooks, stationery, and other study materials.
- Living Allowance: A stipend for personal care, transport (if living off-campus and not receiving accommodation allowance), and general living expenses.
How to Apply?
Applying for NSFAS is usually done online, making it super convenient. Here’s a general guide:
- Create an account: Visit the official NSFAS website (my.nsfas.org.za) and register if you haven’t already.
- Gather your documents: You’ll need certified copies of your ID, parents’/guardians’ IDs, proof of income, academic records, and a consent form.
- Complete the application form: Fill out all the required information accurately and honestly.
- Submit: Upload all your supporting documents and submit your application before the closing date.
Make sure to keep an eye on the official NSFAS website for the exact opening and closing dates for the 2026 application cycle. Early application is always a good idea!
If the NSFAS Bursary sounds like your ticket to a brighter future, don’t hesitate! Head over to the official NSFAS website to apply now and keep exploring Bursaries Room for even more fantastic funding opportunities!

