The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) is a government initiative that provides financial assistance to eligible students from poor and working-class families in South Africa. It plays a crucial role in ensuring access to higher education, bridging the financial gap for students who would otherwise not afford tertiary studies.
NSFAS funding is pivotal in South Africa’s higher education landscape. It transforms the lives of financially disadvantaged students by removing financial barriers to tertiary education, enabling them to pursue and complete degrees that can uplift families and communities.
This article delivers a comprehensive list of all 26 public universities in South Africa funded by NSFAS as of 2026, along with a breakdown of NSFAS’s objectives, eligibility and application processes, and a helpful FAQ.
What is NSFAS?
History and Establishment
NSFAS was established in 1999 as a statutory body under the National Student Financial Aid Scheme Act, replacing the Tertiary Education Fund of South Africa (TEFSA). Over the years, it has evolved from a loan-based model to primarily offering bursaries that do not need to be repaid if academic requirements are met.
Mission and Objectives
The mission of NSFAS is to expand access to higher education and training by providing financial aid to students from poor and working-class families. Its objectives include:
- Promoting equity in higher education.
- Reducing dropout rates caused by financial barriers.
- Supporting government goals of increasing graduate output.
Funding Mechanism
NSFAS works by disbursing funds directly to universities and students. Once a student is approved, the scheme pays tuition fees to the institution and allocates allowances (such as food, accommodation, and study materials) directly to the student through designated systems. This ensures that funding is secure, reliable, and targeted.
Criteria for NSFAS Funding
Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for NSFAS funding in 2026, students must meet the following:
- Be South African citizens with a valid ID.
- Be accepted or registered at a public university or TVET college.
- Come from a household with a combined annual income of R350,000 or less (up to R600,000 for students with disabilities).
- Be first-time undergraduate students (postgraduate qualifications are generally not covered, with limited exceptions).
Application Process
- Register on the NSFAS portal at www.nsfas.org.za.
- Complete the online application form during the application window.
- Upload certified supporting documents, including proof of household income and identification.
- Submit the application before the official closing date.
- Await communication from NSFAS regarding application status.
Funding Coverage
NSFAS funding typically covers:
- Tuition fees (paid directly to the institution).
- Accommodation (university residence or accredited housing).
- Living allowance (approx. R15,000 annually).
- Book allowance (approx. R5,460 annually).
- Personal care allowance (approx. R3,045 annually).
- Transport allowance (up to R7,500 for students living further than 40 km from campus).
Read more: NSFAS Allowances 2025: Breakdown of Payment Amounts
Universities Funded by NSFAS in 2026
According to the official NSFAS website and the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET), NSFAS provides funding at all 26 public universities in South Africa. Below is the full list:
1. University of Cape Town (UCT)
- Location: Cape Town, Western Cape
- Programs Covered: Undergraduate and postgraduate degrees
- Notes: One of Africa’s top research universities.
2. University of the Western Cape (UWC)
- Location: Bellville, Western Cape
- Programs Covered: Comprehensive undergraduate and postgraduate programs
- Notes: Known for its strong commitment to social justice.
3. Stellenbosch University
- Location: Stellenbosch, Western Cape
- Programs Covered: Wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate offerings
- Notes: Offers a rich academic and cultural experience.
4. University of Pretoria (UP)
- Location: Pretoria, Gauteng
- Programs Covered: Diverse programs across faculties
- Notes: One of the largest and most research-intensive universities in SA.
5. University of Johannesburg (UJ)
- Location: Johannesburg, Gauteng
- Programs Covered: Wide variety of programs
- Notes: Known for innovation and community engagement.
6. University of the Witwatersrand (Wits)
- Location: Johannesburg, Gauteng
- Programs Covered: Undergraduate and postgraduate degrees
- Notes: Globally recognised for academic excellence.
7. University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN)
- Location: Durban, KwaZulu-Natal
- Programs Covered: Extensive range of degrees
- Notes: Focuses on African-led scholarship and community service.
8. University of Limpopo (UL)
- Location: Polokwane, Limpopo
- Programs Covered: Comprehensive undergraduate programs
- Notes: Known for health sciences and rural development focus.
9. University of Venda (Univen)
- Location: Thohoyandou, Limpopo
- Programs Covered: Wide selection of programs
- Notes: Supports rural development and serves the Vhembe district.
10. University of Zululand (Unizulu)
- Location: KwaDlangezwa, KwaZulu-Natal
- Programs Covered: Undergraduate and postgraduate programs
- Notes: Combines academic offerings with cultural heritage.
11. University of Fort Hare (UFH)
- Location: Alice, Eastern Cape
- Programs Covered: Full spectrum of undergraduate and postgraduate programs
- Notes: Historically significant in African education.
12. Nelson Mandela University (NMU)
- Location: Gqeberha, Eastern Cape
- Programs Covered: Undergraduate and postgraduate programs
- Notes: Named after Nelson Mandela, with a social justice ethos.
13. Rhodes University
- Location: Makhanda, Eastern Cape
- Programs Covered: Mainly undergraduate and research programs
- Notes: Strong academic and research focus.
14. University of the Free State (UFS)
- Location: Bloemfontein, Free State
- Programs Covered: Wide range of programs
- Notes: Promotes diversity and inclusion.
15. North-West University (NWU)
- Location: Potchefstroom, Mafikeng, Vanderbijlpark
- Programs Covered: Undergraduate and postgraduate degrees
- Notes: Known for community engagement.
16. University of Mpumalanga (UMP)
- Location: Mbombela, Mpumalanga
- Programs Covered: Undergraduate programs
- Notes: One of South Africa’s newest universities.
17. Sol Plaatje University (SPU)
- Location: Kimberley, Northern Cape
- Programs Covered: Undergraduate degrees
- Notes: Named after activist Sol Plaatje; focuses on social justice.
18. Tshwane University of Technology (TUT)
- Location: Pretoria, Gauteng
- Programs Covered: Wide range of programs
- Notes: Produces graduates with strong industry relevance.
19. Vaal University of Technology (VUT)
- Location: Vanderbijlpark, Gauteng
- Programs Covered: Undergraduate programs with technology focus
- Notes: Known for practical and technical learning.
20. Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT)
- Location: Cape Town, Western Cape
- Programs Covered: Undergraduate and postgraduate degrees
- Notes: Combines academic training with vocational skills.
21. Durban University of Technology (DUT)
- Location: Durban, KwaZulu-Natal
- Programs Covered: Wide variety of programs
- Notes: Produces practically skilled graduates.
22. Mangosuthu University of Technology (MUT)
- Location: Durban, KwaZulu-Natal
- Programs Covered: Technology-focused undergraduate degrees
- Notes: Strong focus on technological innovation.
23. Walter Sisulu University (WSU)
- Location: Eastern Cape (multiple campuses)
- Programs Covered: Undergraduate and postgraduate programs
- Notes: Serves largely rural communities.
24. University of South Africa (UNISA)
- Location: Pretoria (distance learning)
- Programs Covered: Undergraduate and postgraduate through open distance learning
- Notes: Africa’s largest university, serving global students.
25. Central University of Technology (CUT)
- Location: Bloemfontein, Free State
- Programs Covered: Wide range of undergraduate programs
- Notes: Known for technology and applied sciences.
26. Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU)
- Location: Ga-Rankuwa, Pretoria
- Programs Covered: Health sciences and medicine
- Notes: Specialised health-focused university.
How to Apply for NSFAS Funding
Eligibility Criteria
Students must be South African, accepted at a public institution, and from households earning below the income threshold.
Application Process
- Visit NSFAS Apply.
- Create a myNSFAS profile.
- Complete the online application.
- Upload documents and submit.
Required Documents
- South African ID or birth certificate.
- IDs of parents/guardians.
- Proof of income or SASSA slips.
- Signed consent forms.
Application Deadlines
Applications usually open in September and close in late January for the following academic year.
Also check: NSFAS Trimester 3 Applications 2025
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: What is NSFAS?
A government-funded scheme that provides bursaries to eligible students at public universities and TVET colleges.
Q2: Who is eligible for NSFAS funding?
Students from households earning below R350,000 per year (R600,000 for students with disabilities).
Q3: How do I apply for NSFAS funding?
Through the NSFAS online portal, with all required documents uploaded before the deadline.
Q4: What programs are covered?
Most undergraduate programs at public institutions.
Q5: How do I check if my university is funded?
All 26 public universities in South Africa are funded by NSFAS.
Q6: What if my institution isn’t listed?
NSFAS does not cover private institutions. You may need to explore bursaries, scholarships, or student loans.
Related: NSFAS Portal Login for New Applicants: A Complete Walkthrough
NSFAS plays a critical role in making higher education accessible and equitable in South Africa. By supporting all 26 public universities, it ensures that students from underprivileged backgrounds can pursue studies across a wide spectrum of disciplines.
Important Links
- NSFAS Official Website: https://www.nsfas.org.za
- Application Portal: https://www.nsfas.org.za/content/apply.html
- Contact Information: https://www.nsfas.org.za/content/contact.html
