The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) plays a crucial role in supporting higher education access for South African students. While NSFAS aims to provide comprehensive funding to thousands of deserving students in 2025, it's important to understand the eligibility criteria.
What Does NSFAS Funding Cover?
NSFAS bursaries offer significant financial assistance, covering:
- Tuition and Registration Fees: Ensuring access to quality education.
- Allowances: Providing essential support for:
- Food: Addressing nutritional needs.
- Accommodation: Facilitating secure and comfortable living arrangements.
- Learning Materials: Supporting academic success with necessary resources (textbooks, stationery).
Who is Not Eligible for NSFAS Funding in 2025?
Several factors can impact your eligibility for NSFAS funding:
- Citizenship and Residency:
- You must be a South African citizen or permanent resident.
- Household Income:
- Your household income must fall below the specified threshold.
- Academic Requirements:
- You must meet the academic requirements set by NSFAS and your chosen institution.
- Institution Type:
- Funding is generally not available for students enrolled in private institutions.
- Programme Accreditation:
- You must be enrolled in an accredited programme.
- Prior Qualifications:
- Students who have already completed an undergraduate degree are not eligible for another undergraduate degree through NSFAS funding.
- Students who have already earned a certificate qualification are not eligible for another certificate qualification through NSFAS funding.
- Other Financial Aid:
- If you receive sufficient financial aid from other sources (loans, bursaries, scholarships) to cover your full costs, you may not be eligible for NSFAS funding.
Your chosen qualification must be approved by the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET).
Meeting all general NSFAS eligibility criteria is essential for consideration.
