NSFAS Bursary (National Student Financial Aid Scheme)
Programme Overview
The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) provides fully funded bursaries to South African students from poor and working-class households. The bursary supports studies at public universities and public TVET colleges, covering tuition, registration, accommodation, living, and learning materials. No repayment is required, provided the student meets academic progression requirements.
Bursary Covers
- Tuition and registration fees
- Accommodation or transport allowance
- Living allowance
- Learning materials allowance
Who Can Apply
- South African citizens
- SASSA grant recipients automatically qualify
- Students from households earning R350,000 or less per year
- Students accepted or registered at a public university or TVET college
Required Documents
- Certified copy of student’s South African ID
- Certified copies of parent/guardian IDs (or spouse if married)
- Proof of household income – latest payslips, affidavit if unemployed, or SASSA letter
- Signed consent form (downloaded from NSFAS website)
- Death certificate if one or both parents are deceased
- Proof of guardianship, if applicable
How to Apply
- Visit the official NSFAS website and register for an online application account.
- Complete the online application form with accurate personal, academic, and household details.
- Upload all required certified documents during the application process.
- Ensure the consent form is signed and included with your submission.
- Submit your application before the bursary closing date to be considered.
Important Notes
All documents must be clear, certified, and submitted online. Meeting academic progression requirements is essential to maintain funding. Students are encouraged to check the NSFAS website for updates on application windows and deadlines.