In order to qualify for NSFAS funding, there are certain criteria that you must meet. The good news is that most students will meet the requirements, and those who don’t will usually be able to provide the necessary documents.
In this blog post, we will outline the qualification criteria for NSFAS funding. Keep in mind that these requirements may change slightly from year to year, so always check the latest information on the NSFAS website.
Related Post: How To Apply for NSFAS
NSFAS Qualifying Criteria
NSFAS qualifying criteria are very important for students to understand before they apply for funding. There are a few different factors that go into whether or not a student will qualify for NSFAS, and it is important to be aware of all of them. Here are the qualification criteria for NSFAS:
- To qualify for NSFAS, you must be a South African citizen.
- You must be enrolled at a public university or TVET college.
- Your family’s annual income must not exceed R350 000 per year.
- You must be studying an approved course of study.
- You must not have previously received NSFAS funding.
- If you are a mature student, you must not be older than 30 years old.
- If you are a disability student, you must provide supporting documentation from a medical professional.
Related Post: NSFAS Requirements
These are the main qualification criteria for NSFAS funding. Be sure to check all of the criteria before you apply, to ensure that you are eligible. Good luck!
Steps to Take If Qualified For NSFAS
You will be required to submit proof of income (your parent/guardian’s or your own) to NSFAS. If you do not submit proof of income, your funding application will be rejected.
If you are a first-time applicant, you will also need to submit a copy of your ID document or birth certificate. If you are a returning student, you will need to submit a copy of your ID document
Related Post: Who Qualifies For NSFAS
To qualify for NSFAS funding, you must meet the following criteria:
- You must be a South African citizen.
- You must be enrolled or accepted for enrollment at a public university or TVET college.
- You must come from a household with a combined annual income of R350 000 or less.
- You must be a first-time student or a returning student who has not previously received NSFAS funding.
- You must not owe any money to NSFAS or any other tertiary institution.
- You must be enrolled in an accredited National Diploma or Bachelor’s degree program at a public university, or in an accredited National Certificate (Vocational) program at a TVET college.
- You must not be older than 30 years of age when you first enroll for a degree or diploma, or 35 years of age for a certificate program. NSFAS will make exceptions for students with disabilities and students who are primary caregivers.
- You must not already have a degree, diploma, or certificate for which NSFAS funding is intended. Exceptions will be made for students who are enrolled in second degrees in scarce and critical skills areas or students with disabilities.
- If you are a returning student, you must have passed at least 60% of the modules for which you received NSFAS funding in the previous academic year. Exceptions will be made for students with disabilities and students who are primary caregivers.
- You must not have previously benefited from NSFAS funding for a period longer than the standard duration of your program, plus one additional year. Exceptions will be made for students with disabilities.
- You must not have previously benefited from any other form of financial aid from NSFAS, or from any other source, for a period longer than the standard duration of your program, plus one additional year. Exceptions will be made for students with disabilities.
- You must not be in receipt of a bursary that covers the full cost of your study program. Exceptions will be made for students with disabilities and students who are primary caregivers.
- You must not be employed on a full-time basis. Exceptions will be made for students with disabilities and students who are primary caregivers.
- If you are enrolled in a part-time program of study, you must not be employed on a full-time basis. Exceptions will be made for students with disabilities and students who are primary caregivers.
- If you are enrolled in an evening or weekend program of study, you must not be employed on a full-time basis. Exceptions will be made for students with disabilities and students who are primary caregivers.
- You must not be a recipient of any other form of financial aid that covers the full cost of your study program. Exceptions will be made for students with disabilities and students who are primary caregivers.
- You must not have already completed the NSFAS-funded portion of your study program. Exceptions will be made for students with disabilities and students who are primary caregivers.
- You must not have reached the age of 30 years by the end of the academic year for which you are applying for NSFAS funding. Exceptions will be made for students with disabilities and students who are primary caregivers.
If Not Qualified for NSFAS
If not qualified for NSFAS funding, there are other options available for students.
The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) has released a statement regarding the qualification criteria for 2022. In order to qualify for NSFAS funding, students must meet the following requirements:
- Have a valid South African ID
- Be a first-time student or returning student
- Be enrolled at a public university or TVET college
- Demonstrate financial need
- Meet the academic requirements of their chosen program
If you do not meet the above criteria, you may still be able to apply for funding through other sources such as the NSFAS Bursary Fund, institutional bursaries, or private bursaries.
For more information on how to apply for funding, visit the NSFAS website or contact your financial aid office.
Also Read: How To Re-register
If you have any questions about the qualification criteria for NSFAS funding, please contact your financial aid office or visit the NSFAS website for more information. Apply now to make sure you don’t miss out on funding for your studies in 2022!
If you think you qualify for NSFAS funding, make sure to apply as soon as applications open in order to increase your chances of being awarded funding. Good luck!