Who Gets NSFAS Allowance

Who Gets NSFAS Allowance: How do I receive my NSFAS allowance?

An essential factor in assisting South African students in realising their aspirations of pursuing higher education is the National Student Financial Aid Scheme or NSFAS. To help eligible students with their living expenses, NSFAS offers a monthly allowance as well as financial support. This post will discuss who is eligible for the NSFAS allowance and the requirements that must be fulfilled in order to receive this crucial assistance.

What does the bursary cover? How do I receive my NSFAS allowance?

Amounts indicated for accommodation, living allowance, transport and learning materials need to be aligned with the approved latest DHET guidelines.

UNIVERSITY

• Accommodation: As per the actual costs charged by the university (costs for private accommodation must not exceed costs for university residence)
• Transport (up to 40 km from the institution) R7 500  per annum
• Living allowance R15, 000  per annum
• Book allowances R5200 per annum
• Incidental/personal care allowance of R2900 per annum for students in catered residences

TVET

• Accommodation in an urban area is R24,000 per annum
• Accommodation in a peri-urban area is R18,900 per annum
• Accommodation in a rural area is R15,750 per annum
• Transport (up to 40 km from the institution) R7,350  per annum
• Transport R7000 per annum
• Incidental/personal care allowance R2900 per annum

Who Gets NSFAS Allowance

• South African Citizenship

NSFAS is designed to assist South African citizens who wish to pursue tertiary education. To qualify for the NSFAS allowance, you must be a South African citizen or have permanent residency in the country. This requirement ensures that the program benefits those who are legally connected to South Africa.

• Means Test

One of the primary determinants of NSFAS eligibility is the means test. This test assesses the financial situation of the student’s family to determine whether they have the financial means to pay for their education. To be eligible for the NSFAS allowance, you must come from a family with a combined income below a certain threshold. The exact income threshold may vary from year to year, so it’s essential to check the most up-to-date information on the NSFAS website or from your educational institution.

• Academic Performance

NSFAS aims to support students who are dedicated to their studies. To qualify for the NSFAS allowance, you generally need to maintain satisfactory academic progress. This means that you should not fail or repeat multiple courses or modules. Specific academic criteria may vary depending on the institution and program, so it’s crucial to be aware of the academic requirements established by your educational institution and NSFAS.

• Enrollment in Approved Programs

Not all tertiary education programs are eligible for NSFAS support. To qualify for the NSFAS allowance, you must be enrolled in a program that is accredited by the South African government and recognized by NSFAS. This typically includes programs at universities, colleges, and TVET (Technical and Vocational Education and Training) institutions.

• Age Limit

There is no strict age limit to apply for NSFAS, as the primary focus is on financial need and academic progress. However, most applicants are recent high school graduates or young adults entering higher education. Keep in mind that NSFAS support typically covers only your first undergraduate qualification.

• Application Process to NSFAS

To apply for NSFAS and determine your eligibility for the allowance, you must complete the NSFAS application process. This process involves providing detailed information about your financial situation and academic history. Be sure to meet all application deadlines and provide accurate information to increase your chances of receiving NSFAS funding. To Apply Online for NSFAS 2024, please follow the step-by-step below:

• Open Chrome browser on your computer or smartphone
• Enter NSFAS website: www.nsfas.org.za apply for 2024
• Click on the “myNSFAS” tab at the top right menu of the page
• Login with your ID number and password to start your application
• If you don’t have an ID number, create a “myNSFAS account”
• You will be generated a Student ID Number that will help you to apply
• Click on the ‘APPLY’ tab and complete the sections on the screen
• Upload the required supporting documents where applicable
• Then, click on the “Submit” button to submit your application for evaluation

Reapplication

If you’ve received NSFAS funding in the past, you may be required to reapply each academic year. Your eligibility for the NSFAS allowance will be reassessed based on your academic performance and any changes in your financial situation.

Who qualifies for NSFAS funding?

• All South African citizens
• All SASSA grant recipients qualify for funding
• Applicants whose combined household income is not more than R350 000 per annum
• A person with disability: Combined household income must not be more than R600 000 per annum
• Students who started studying before 2018 and whose household income is not more than R122 000 per annum.

Who should not apply?

• Students who have completed a previous qualification.
• Students with a combined household income of more than R350 000 per annum.
• Students who have already applied, qualified and received funding. They are automatically funded for the duration of their studies provided they pass their modules and meet the academic requirements.

South African students who meet the eligibility requirements can receive vital financial support through the NSFAS allowance. To be eligible for this aid, you must be a citizen or permanent resident of South Africa, meet the means test requirements, continue to make satisfactory academic progress, enrol in an approved programme, and follow the application guidelines. For students who otherwise might not have the resources to follow their aspirations of learning and development in South Africa, NSFAS is crucial in enabling them to access higher education. APPLY NOW 

RELATED LINKS:

• NSFAS Allowance Dates 2024 For TVET Colleges
• www.nsfas.org.za Apply 2024 Online Application
• When Do NSFAS Applications Open For 2024-2025

Contact NSFAS

For general, student and NSFAS Wallet enquiries

For all other queries regarding students:

Tel No.: 08000 67327

Email: info@nsfas.org.za

Physical Address

The Halyard, 4 Christiaan Barnard St,

Cape Town City Centre, Cape Town, 8001