NSFAS Eligibility Checker South Africa 2026
Check if you qualify for NSFAS (National Student Financial Aid Scheme) funding for your university studies.
Check Your NSFAS Eligibility
Answer the questions below to see if you may qualify for NSFAS funding.
What Is NSFAS?
NSFAS (National Student Financial Aid Scheme) is a South African government bursary scheme that provides funding to eligible students who want to study at public universities and TVET colleges. NSFAS was established to ensure that financially disadvantaged students have access to higher education. For a complete overview, read our complete NSFAS application guide.
NSFAS Eligibility Requirements
- South African citizen or permanent resident with a valid SA ID
- Combined household income of R350,000 or less per year (standard threshold)
- Students with disabilities: higher income threshold of R600,000 applies
- SASSA grant recipients automatically qualify
- Not currently funded beyond the N+2 rule (maximum funded years)
- Applying for an undergraduate qualification at a public university or TVET college
What Does NSFAS Cover?
NSFAS provides comprehensive funding that covers:
| Allowance | What It Covers | Approx. Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition | Full tuition fees | Paid directly to university |
| Accommodation | University res or private | Up to R45,000/year |
| Meals | Food/meal allowance | ~R15,000/year |
| Books | Learning materials | ~R5,200/year |
| Transport | Travel to campus | ~R7,500/year |
| Personal care | Living expenses | ~R2,900/year |
For a full breakdown, see NSFAS allowances for 2026 and what NSFAS covers in detail.
NSFAS and Your CAO Application
If you are applying for NSFAS, you may qualify for a CAO application fee waiver. This means you do not have to pay the application fee at all. Indicate on your CAO application that you are applying for NSFAS funding. Use our fees calculator to see how much you could save.
What If You Don't Qualify for NSFAS?
If your household income is above the threshold or you do not meet other requirements, there are still options. Explore 15 alternative bursaries for South African students, or learn about the differences between student loans and bursaries. If you were rejected, you may be able to appeal the decision.