NSFAS information guide
NSFAS is the National Student Financial Aid Scheme, a South African government scheme that supports eligible students studying at public universities and public TVET colleges.
Use the official NSFAS website for current information and the myNSFAS application portal for applications and account services.
Always verify the current rules, dates, requirements, and application status on the official NSFAS website before you apply.
What is NSFAS?
NSFAS provides financial aid to eligible students who meet the published criteria. Support is connected to approved study at public universities and public TVET colleges and is subject to the official rules for the relevant application cycle.
Who can apply (in general terms)
NSFAS is intended for students from lower-income households who meet the published eligibility requirements. The full criteria can include your citizenship or residency status, household circumstances, academic or study information, institution, programme, and other requirements set by NSFAS.
Eligibility rules can change, so do not rely on an old post, forwarded message, or third-party summary. Check the current criteria on the official NSFAS website.
What NSFAS can cover
Depending on eligibility, institution, programme, and the current NSFAS rules, support may include tuition and allowances connected to items such as accommodation, learning materials, and transport or living costs. The categories, conditions, and values are not the same for every student or cycle.
For the current funding coverage and allowance conditions, use the official NSFAS information rather than relying on a fixed figure shown elsewhere.
How to apply
- Start at the official NSFAS website and follow its current application guidance.
- Use the official myNSFAS portal to create or access your account and submit an application when applications are open.
- Read the current instructions carefully and submit the documents and information requested for your circumstances.
- Keep your login details safe and use the official portal to check messages or application updates.
Key things to check on the official site
- Whether applications are currently open and the applicable application dates
- The current household-income thresholds and eligibility criteria
- Which institutions and programmes are supported
- Current funding coverage, allowance categories, and conditions
- Required documents, consent steps, and how to track an application
- Official contact and appeals guidance if you need help
These details can change from one application cycle to the next. Pathfinder does not hardcode year-specific thresholds, dates, or allowance amounts here; confirm them directly with NSFAS.
Watch out for scams
NSFAS applications are free. Be cautious of people or third-party sites asking you to pay to apply, promising guaranteed funding, or requesting your login details. Only trust information and application instructions from nsfas.org.za and the official myNSFAS portal.