The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) has introduced a new student loan scheme to provide financial support to eligible students from middle-income families in South Africa. This initiative aims to increase access to higher education and training opportunities for a wider range of learners.
NSFAS offers comprehensive bursaries and loans to deserving students enrolled in approved courses at universities and Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET) colleges. These bursaries cover tuition, registration fees, and various allowances for food, accommodation, and learning materials.
Who is Eligible for the NSFAS Loan?
Students with a household income between R350,000 and R600,000 per year can apply for the NSFAS loan, which covers both undergraduate and postgraduate studies at public TVET colleges and universities.
The NSFAS Loan is open to all South African citizens and permanent residents with a combined household income between R350 001 and R600 000 per annum.
What Does the NSFAS Loan Cover?
The NSFAS loan covers the cost of:
- Tuition and registration fees
- Learning materials
- Accommodation
What is Not Covered by the NSFAS Loan?
Please note that the NSFAS loan does not cover:
- Transport allowances
- Living allowances
Living/Personal and Transport allowances are not part of the loan scheme funding.
How to Apply for the NSFAS Loan
The application process for the NSFAS loan is similar to the existing bursary scheme. Students who have already applied for a bursary do not need to submit a separate application for the loan.
To qualify for the loan, applicants must meet specific criteria, including providing a completed Consent Form to authorize the verification of information from third parties.
