Nsfas Minimum Requirements

Introduction

Funding your studies is one of the biggest barriers for many South African students. Tuition fees, accommodation, transport and learning materials add up quickly, and most families simply cannot afford to pay cash. That’s where NSFAS – the National Student Financial Aid Scheme – becomes a lifeline.

NSFAS provides bursaries and loans to qualifying students at public universities and TVET colleges. But the scheme has strict rules, and if you don’t meet the NSFAS minimum requirements, your application will be rejected – even if you desperately need the money.

This guide explains the NSFAS minimum requirements in South Africa in clear, simple language. We’ll cover who qualifies, how the means test works, how to apply step-by-step, which documents you must upload, and the most common reasons applications are declined. Use this as your checklist before the next NSFAS application window opens.

What Are the NSFAS Minimum Requirements in South Africa?

To qualify for NSFAS funding, you must meet all of the core eligibility criteria. NSFAS funding is governed by the National Student Financial Aid Scheme Act and related regulations, and is targeted at poor and working-class students.

1. Citizenship and residency requirements

You must be:

A South African citizen with a valid South African ID number
OR
A permanent resident with a valid SA permanent residence permit and ID

NSFAS does not fund asylum seekers, refugees (unless specifically indicated in current policy), temporary residents or foreign nationals.

2. Type of institution you attend

NSFAS only funds studies at public institutions:

Public universities recognised by the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET)
Public TVET colleges (Technical and Vocational Education and Training)

You cannot use NSFAS to study at:

Private colleges or private universities
Bootcamps or short courses at private training providers
SAQA-evaluated foreign institutions

3. Type of qualification

NSFAS minimum requirements include strict rules on programme type:

NSFAS can fund:

First undergraduate degrees (e.g. BA, BSc, BCom, BEd, LLB)
Approved diplomas and higher certificates
Certain TVET college programmes (for example, NC(V) and Report 191/NATED programmes as per DHET list)

NSFAS generally does not fund:

Second undergraduate degrees if you already have a completed qualification at the same or higher NQF level
Most postgraduate programmes (only a limited list like PGCE, certain honours in teaching, etc., when funding is available)
Short courses, skills programmes or non-credit-bearing courses

Always check the latest NSFAS and DHET guidelines or your institution’s financial aid office to confirm if your specific course is funded.

4. Household income (means test)

The means test is central to NSFAS minimum requirements. Your combined gross household income must be:

R350 000 or less per year for most applicants
R600 000 or less per year if you are a person with a disability

“Household income” usually includes:

Income of your parents, legal guardian or spouse
Salaries, wages, bonuses, overtime
Business income (formal or informal)
Pensions, grants, rental income, etc.

NSFAS uses data from SARS and sometimes requests additional documents to verify the income you declare.

5. Academic requirements

NSFAS is for students who are academically deserving but financially needy.

For first-time entering students (FTEN):

You must meet the admission requirements of the university or TVET college
You do not need “top marks”, but you do need to be accepted or provisionally accepted into an approved programme

For continuing students:

You must meet your institution’s N+Rule and academic progression requirements
Generally, you must pass a certain percentage of your modules each year (often at least 50%, but this can vary by institution and NSFAS rules for that year)

6. Previous funding and N+Rule

The N+Rule sets the maximum time NSFAS will fund you:

“N” = the minimum number of years of your qualification
NSFAS funds for N + 1 years at university (e.g. a 3-year degree can be funded for up to 4 years)
TVET funding limits follow DHET guidelines for those programmes

If you have already studied for many years without completing, you might have exhausted your NSFAS eligibility.

7. Age considerations

NSFAS does not have a strict upper age limit, but you must:

Be accepted into an institution and programme that meets NSFAS rules
Meet all other criteria (income, citizenship, academic progression)

Mature students can still qualify if they meet the minimum requirements.

Step-by-Step: How to Apply for NSFAS

Follow these steps carefully to meet the NSFAS minimum requirements and submit a complete application.

1. Check you meet the minimum requirements

Before you start:

Confirm you are a South African citizen or permanent resident.
Confirm your combined household income is within the NSFAS threshold.
Confirm you are applying to a public university or TVET college.
Make sure you meet your institution’s academic admission requirements.

If you don’t meet these basics, your application will be rejected automatically.

2. Create your myNSFAS account

Go to the official NSFAS website: www.nsfas.org.za
Click on myNSFAS and select Register.
Enter your ID number, full names, surname, cellphone number and email address.
Create a strong password and keep it safe.
Verify your cellphone number and email via the One Time Pin (OTP) sent to you.

Never share your myNSFAS login details with anyone.

3. Start a new NSFAS application

Log in to your myNSFAS account.
Click Apply.
Complete all required fields:
- Personal details
- Household and family details
- Income and employment information
- Institution and course details (if already accepted or applied)

Be honest – NSFAS validates your information with SARS and other databases.

4. Upload supporting documents

You must upload clear, legible copies of all required documents in the correct format (usually PDF or JPEG).

If documents are missing or unreadable, NSFAS may reject or delay your application.

5. Submit your application and keep your reference number

Review your application carefully.
Click Submit.
You will receive an application reference number – save or screenshot it.
You can log in to myNSFAS regularly to track your application status.

6. Wait for evaluation and respond to requests

NSFAS will:

Run an income means test
Verify your details with DHA (Department of Home Affairs) and SARS
Possibly request additional documents or clarifications

You must:

Check your myNSFAS messages and SMSs regularly
Upload any additional documents requested before the deadline

7. Track your status and register at your institution

Common NSFAS statuses include:

Application Submitted
Awaiting Evaluation
Awaiting Academic Results/Institution
Provisionally Funded
Approved
Unsuccessful

If approved:

NSFAS notifies you and your institution.
You must register at the university or TVET college within their registration dates.
Funding is usually paid directly to the institution for tuition and some allowances, and some allowances may be paid to you through an NSFAS-partnered payment system.

If unsuccessful, you may have the option to appeal (see below under common rejection reasons).

Documents You Will Need

NSFAS requirements change slightly from year to year, but these are the common documents you should prepare:

Certified copy of your South African ID
For people under 16 who don’t have an ID yet, a birth certificate may be allowed.
Certified ID copies of parents, legal guardian, or spouse
Used to verify household relationships and identity.
Proof of household income for all earners
- Recent payslips (not older than 3 months)
- Letter of employment (if payslip not available)
- SARS tax documents or IRP5s
- Bank statements for self-employed individuals
  This evidence supports the means test.
SASSA confirmation letter or card (if applicable)
If anyone in your household receives a SASSA grant, NSFAS will typically consider you automatically financially eligible, but you still need to apply.
Affidavit(s) for unemployed parents/guardians
If your parents/guardians are unemployed or working informally, a sworn affidavit explaining their situation is required.
Death certificate(s) of deceased parent(s) or guardian
Required if you have a deceased parent or guardian.
Divorce decree or maintenance order (if applicable)
For separated or divorced parents, to clarify financial responsibility.
Proof of legal guardianship (if applicable)
Court order or social worker letter if you live with someone who is not your biological parent.
Academic results
- Latest school results (for matriculants, Grade 11 or mid-year results if final results are not yet available)
- Latest academic transcript or statement of results if you are already at a TVET college or university
Proof of acceptance or provisional acceptance
Letter or email from a public university or TVET college, where available (NSFAS can also get information directly from many institutions).

Always make sure:

Documents are clear and readable
Certification (by SAPS or Commissioner of Oaths) is within 3 months
Names and ID numbers match across all documents

Common Reasons for Rejection or Disqualification

Many NSFAS applications fail because applicants misunderstand or ignore the minimum requirements. Here are the most common reasons:

1. Household income above the threshold

Combined household income exceeds R350 000 per year (or R600 000 for students with disabilities).
Income differences between what you declared and what SARS records show.

Tip: Declare income accurately. Do not understate income – NSFAS cross-checks with national databases.

2. Not a South African citizen or permanent resident

Using a foreign passport or temporary permit.
Not having a valid SA ID or permanent residence at the time of application.

3. Studying at a private or non-funded institution

Applying for NSFAS while enrolled at a private college/university.
Applying for a non-approved course not on the DHET funded list.

4. Already holding a similar or higher qualification

You already have an undergraduate degree or diploma at the same or higher NQF level.
You are applying for a second degree not covered by NSFAS rules.

5. Not meeting academic progression requirements

Failing too many modules and not meeting your institution’s minimum pass rate.
Exceeding the N+Rule funding period for your programme.

6. Incomplete or invalid documentation

Missing ID documents or income proof.
Uploading blurry, cut-off or unreadable documents.
Old certifications (stamps older than 3 months).
Contradictory information (for example, different surnames with no legal proof of name change).

7. Late applications or missed deadlines

Submitting after the NSFAS closing date published by DHET/NSFAS.
Not responding to requests for additional documents by the deadline.

8. Misrepresentation or fraud

Intentionally providing false information.
Forged payslips, affidavits or academic records.

This can lead to permanent disqualification and potential criminal charges under South African law.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Who qualifies for NSFAS in South Africa?

You qualify for NSFAS if you are a South African citizen or permanent resident, accepted or enrolled at a public university or TVET college, your household income is R350 000 or less per year (R600 000 for students with disabilities), and you meet the academic requirements and N+Rule for your course.

What is the NSFAS income limit?

The NSFAS income limit is:

R350 000 per year combined gross household income for most students
R600 000 per year combined gross household income for students with disabilities

If your household income is above these amounts, your application is likely to be rejected based on the means test.

Does NSFAS fund second degrees or postgraduate studies?

NSFAS mainly funds first undergraduate qualifications (degrees, diplomas, higher certificates) and certain TVET programmes. It does not usually fund second degrees or most postgraduate qualifications. There are limited exceptions (such as certain teaching-related postgraduate programmes) which can change from year to year. Check with NSFAS or your university’s financial aid office for the latest list.

Can I apply for NSFAS if I am already at university or TVET college?

Yes. Continuing students who were not previously funded by NSFAS can apply, as long as:

You meet the income and citizenship requirements
You are studying an approved qualification at a public institution
You meet the academic progression rules

You must apply during the official NSFAS application period.

What can I do if my NSFAS application is unsuccessful?

If your application is rejected, you may be able to appeal if:

You believe there was an error in your assessment,
or
Your family circumstances have changed (for example, a parent lost a job or passed away)

You can lodge an appeal through your myNSFAS account within the timeframe specified by NSFAS. You’ll need to upload supporting documents (such as new payslips, affidavits, or death certificates) to prove your changed circumstances.

Taking the time to understand the NSFAS minimum requirements can save you a lot of stress and disappointment. Use this guide as a checklist before you apply: confirm your eligibility, collect the right documents, and submit your application on time through your myNSFAS account.

If you’re planning your studies and want to know what else you need for applications, registrations or other financial aid options, explore more of our step-by-step guides on requirements.co.za – we’re here to help you navigate the red tape so you can focus on your future.