The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) provides vital financial support to South African students, enabling them to pursue their higher education dreams. This article outlines the key eligibility criteria for NSFAS funding in 2025, ensuring you have the information you need to access this valuable resource.
Who Qualifies for NSFAS in 2025?
To be eligible for NSFAS funding, students must meet both financial and academic requirements.
Financial Eligibility
- Household Income Limits:
- For most students, the maximum household income is R350,000 per year.
- Students with disabilities may qualify with a household income of up to R600,000 per year.
- Income Assessment: Household income is assessed based on various factors, including:
- Unmarried Applicants: Income of both parents/guardians and the student.
- Married Applicants: Combined income of the applicant and their spouse.
- Legal Guardianship: Income of the legal guardian and the applicant.
- SASSA Grant Recipients: Students receiving Foster Care, Care Dependency, or Child Support grants from the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) automatically meet the financial criteria if they are registered and academically eligible.
- Income Verification: NSFAS will use third-party data sources to verify income information. Accurate and complete consent forms are required for this process.
Academic Eligibility
- Course Registration: Students must be enrolled in an approved course at a recognized university or TVET college.
- Academic Performance:
- University Students: Must pass at least 60% of their modules.
- TVET College Students:
- NC(V) Levels: Pass at least five subjects.
- Report 191 Levels: Pass three subjects.
- Progression Limits:
- N+ Rule: Funding is generally limited to the minimum time required to complete a qualification plus one additional year (N+1). Students with disabilities may qualify for N+2.
- Approved Pathways: Funding is only available for specific, approved academic pathways within universities and TVET colleges.
Funding is typically limited to the first undergraduate qualification at a university level.
Restrictions apply to students who switch programs or repeat completed qualifications.
The N+ Rule may not apply to occupational programmes aligned with employment contracts.
