Universities Funded by NSFAS in 2026 (Full List)

Kholofelo Modise3 September , 2025

19 5 minutes read

Universities Funded by NSFAS in 2026 (Full List)

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).

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.

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.