NSFAS Eligibility Checker
Answer a few quick questions to see whether you likely qualify for NSFAS funding at a public university or TVET college – and exactly which requirement you meet or miss.
Reviewed: July 2026
Guide only. This tool estimates eligibility from the main NSFAS financial and citizenship rules. It does not access
your records or academic history. The final decision is made by NSFAS. Apply and confirm at
nsfas.org.za.
Result
Answer the questions above
Your eligibility estimate will appear here as you answer.
Key NSFAS rules
- You must be a South African citizen with a valid SA ID.
- NSFAS funds study at public universities and TVET colleges – not private institutions.
- Combined household income must be R350,000 or less a year, or R600,000 or less if you have a disability.
- SASSA grant recipients automatically pass the income test – but must still apply and meet the other criteria.
- NSFAS generally funds your first tertiary qualification, and you must meet academic progression rules to keep it.
Source: NSFAS bursary eligibility criteria (National Student Financial Aid Scheme). This tool is a guide,
not an official eligibility decision or an application. Confirm and apply at nsfas.org.za. Reviewed July 2026.
