The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) provides comprehensive financial support to eligible South African students pursuing higher education. This guide outlines what NSFAS covers for the 2025 academic year to ensure students have the resources they need to succeed.
Full Coverage – NSFAS pays the entire tuition fees for students enrolled in approved programs at public universities and TVET colleges.
No Out-of-Pocket Costs – Students don’t have to worry about tuition payments.
On-Campus Accommodation – NSFAS covers residence fees for students living in university housing.
Off-Campus Accommodation – Funding is provided for students renting NSFAS-accredited private housing.
Note: Off-campus accommodation must meet NSFAS guidelines and be in approved locations.
Annual Allowance – NSFAS provides financial aid for:
✔ Textbooks & Stationery – Essential learning materials.
✔ Other Academic Supplies – Printing, lab tools, and digital resources.
🍽 Monthly Stipend – Students in NSFAS-funded accommodation receive a monthly meal allowance to cover food costs.
Ensures proper nutrition to support academic performance.
Commuting Support – NSFAS offers monthly transport allowances for students who live off-campus and commute to their institution.
Eligibility: Transport funding applies to students living within 40 km of their institution.
Technology Support – NSFAS provides funding for students to purchase laptops from approved vendors.
Ensures access to digital learning resources.
Additional Funding – NSFAS offers special provisions for students with disabilities, including:
✔ Higher Income Threshold – Students from households earning up to R600,000 per year qualify.
✔ Assistive Devices – Funding for wheelchairs, hearing aids, screen readers, and other specialized equipment.
✔ Human Support – Coverage for personal care assistants, sign language interpreters, and tutors.
While not direct financial aid, NSFAS facilitates access to academic support, including:
Tutoring & Mentorship Programs – Helps improve academic performance.
Career Development Services – Opportunities for internships, job placements, and career guidance.
To qualify for NSFAS funding, students must meet the following requirements:
✔ South African Citizenship – Must have a valid South African ID.
✔ Household Income – Annual household income must be R350,000 or less (or R600,000 for students with disabilities).
✔ Enrollment at an Approved Institution – Must be accepted or currently registered at a public university or TVET college.
✔ Academic Requirements – Students must meet their institution’s minimum academic standards.
NSFAS is a critical financial aid program that removes economic barriers to higher education by covering tuition, accommodation, study materials, meals, and transport. This support empowers thousands of South African students to achieve their academic and career goals without financial stress.
For more information or to apply, visit: 
www.nsfas.org.za
What Does NSFAS Cover?
Tuition Fees
Full Coverage – NSFAS pays the entire tuition fees for students enrolled in approved programs at public universities and TVET colleges. No Out-of-Pocket Costs – Students don’t have to worry about tuition payments.
Accommodation Costs
On-Campus Accommodation – NSFAS covers residence fees for students living in university housing. Off-Campus Accommodation – Funding is provided for students renting NSFAS-accredited private housing. Note: Off-campus accommodation must meet NSFAS guidelines and be in approved locations.
Learning Materials Allowance
Annual Allowance – NSFAS provides financial aid for:✔ Textbooks & Stationery – Essential learning materials.
✔ Other Academic Supplies – Printing, lab tools, and digital resources.
Meal Allowances
🍽 Monthly Stipend – Students in NSFAS-funded accommodation receive a monthly meal allowance to cover food costs. Ensures proper nutrition to support academic performance.
Transport Allowances
Commuting Support – NSFAS offers monthly transport allowances for students who live off-campus and commute to their institution. Eligibility: Transport funding applies to students living within 40 km of their institution.
Laptop Allowance
Technology Support – NSFAS provides funding for students to purchase laptops from approved vendors. Ensures access to digital learning resources.
Support for Students with Disabilities
Additional Funding – NSFAS offers special provisions for students with disabilities, including:✔ Higher Income Threshold – Students from households earning up to R600,000 per year qualify.
✔ Assistive Devices – Funding for wheelchairs, hearing aids, screen readers, and other specialized equipment.
✔ Human Support – Coverage for personal care assistants, sign language interpreters, and tutors.
Academic Support Services
While not direct financial aid, NSFAS facilitates access to academic support, including: Tutoring & Mentorship Programs – Helps improve academic performance. Career Development Services – Opportunities for internships, job placements, and career guidance. Eligibility Criteria for NSFAS Coverage
To qualify for NSFAS funding, students must meet the following requirements:✔ South African Citizenship – Must have a valid South African ID.
✔ Household Income – Annual household income must be R350,000 or less (or R600,000 for students with disabilities).
✔ Enrollment at an Approved Institution – Must be accepted or currently registered at a public university or TVET college.
✔ Academic Requirements – Students must meet their institution’s minimum academic standards.
Conclusion
NSFAS is a critical financial aid program that removes economic barriers to higher education by covering tuition, accommodation, study materials, meals, and transport. This support empowers thousands of South African students to achieve their academic and career goals without financial stress. For more information or to apply, visit: www.nsfas.org.za