NSFAS for International Students: Can You Apply and What Are the Requirements? (2026 Guide)
Are you an international student interested in studying in South Africa and wondering if NSFAS can help fund your education? You’re not alone. Many students from across the continent and beyond want to benefit from the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS). But here’s the truth: NSFAS is primarily for South African citizens and permanent residents.
This guide will explain exactly who qualifies, what documents are needed, how to apply if you’re eligible, and what to do if you’re not — including alternative financial aid options.
What Is NSFAS and Who Does It Support?
The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) is a government-funded program in South Africa that offers financial aid to qualifying students who wish to study at public universities and TVET colleges. It covers:
- Tuition and registration fees
- Accommodation and living expenses
- Transport and study materials
NSFAS is primarily aimed at South African citizens and permanent residents from households earning R350,000 or less per year, or R600,000 for students with disabilities.
Can International Students Apply for NSFAS?
No, if you are not a permanent resident.
NSFAS strictly funds:
- South African citizens
- Individuals with permanent residency and a valid green barcoded ID or smart ID card
Yes, if you are a permanent resident.
- Permanent residents with a green barcoded ID or smart ID card are eligible to apply.
Who Is Not Eligible
- Students on study visas
- Students with temporary residence permits
- Refugees or asylum seekers without permanent status
Can Permanent Residents Apply for NSFAS?
Yes — permanent residents qualify just like citizens. However, they must meet the same academic, financial, and documentation requirements.
NSFAS Eligibility for Permanent Residents
- Green barcoded ID or smart ID card (proof of permanent residency)
- Enrolled in a funded program at a public university or TVET college:
- NC(V) programs
- Report 191
- Undergraduate programs
- Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE), etc.
- Total household income less than R350,000 per year (R600,000 if disabled)
- Academic performance:
- University: At least 50% pass rate
- TVET NC(V): 5 of 7 subjects passed
- TVET Report 191: 3 of 4 subjects passed
- Students receiving SASSA grants automatically qualify (if other criteria are met)
Required Documents for NSFAS Application (Permanent Residents)
Document | Purpose |
|---|---|
South African ID | Identity verification |
Parents’ or guardian IDs | Household verification |
Proof of income | Payslips, SASSA letters, UIF slips |
Academic transcript or registration proof | Admission verification |
Legal authorization to check household data | |
Disability Annexure A | For applicants with disabilities |
Vulnerable Child Form | If applicable (under 18 without parents) |
How to Apply for NSFAS (Permanent Residents Only)
Step-by-Step Guide
- Visit www.nsfas.org.za
- Create or log into your myNSFAS account
- Complete the application form
- Upload required documents (certified and recent):
- Green ID or smart ID (your own and parents’/guardians’)
- Proof of income (payslips, SASSA letter, affidavit)
- NSFAS Consent Form
- Disability Annexure A (if applicable)
- Click Submit before the deadline
NSFAS Application Deadlines (2026)
Application Window | Deadline |
|---|---|
General (Universities & TVET) | 21 November 2024 – 31 January 2026 |
TVET Trimester 2 | 12 May – 23 May 2026 |
TVET Semester 2 | 14 July – 31 July 2026 |
TVET Trimester 3 | 8 September – 19 September 2026 |
Late applications are not accepted. Apply early and track your progress.
What NSFAS Covers for Eligible Permanent Residents
Category | Coverage Amount (Estimate) |
|---|---|
Tuition & Registration | Full coverage, paid to institution |
Accommodation (University) | Up to R45,000/year |
Accommodation (TVET) | Up to R33,000/year |
Living Allowance | R1,650/month |
Transport | Up to R7,500/year (if ≤ 40 km from campus) |
Learning Materials | R5,200/year |
NSFAS pays institutions directly for fees and disburses monthly allowances via NSFAS Wallet or direct deposit.
What If You Are NOT a Permanent Resident?
NSFAS does not support international students on:
- Student visas
- Refugee permits (unless they gain permanent residence)
- Temporary residence status
Still, you’re not out of options.
Alternative Funding Options for International Students
University Bursaries
Many public institutions offer bursaries to international students. Examples include:
- UCT International Academic Awards
- Wits Hardship Fund
- Stellenbosch Postgraduate Bursaries
Embassy or Home Government Scholarships
Check with your embassy or country’s education ministry for outbound scholarships, such as:
- Botswana Government Scholarships
- Namibian Students Assistance Fund
- Zimbabwe Presidential Scholarship Program
Private and NGO Bursaries
- Canon Collins Trust – For postgraduates from Southern Africa
- Mandela Rhodes Foundation – Honours/Postgraduate students with leadership potential
- Mastercard Foundation Scholarship – For African students pursuing leadership roles
- Allan Gray Orbis Foundation – For entrepreneurship-minded youth
Student Loans for International Students
- Fundi Loans – Requires SA guarantor and academic performance
- ABSA, Nedbank, or Standard Bank – Case-by-case basis; not guaranteed
How to Check NSFAS Application Status (for Permanent Residents)
Once you apply, track your NSFAS status using these methods:
- Log in to your myNSFAS portal
- Click on Track Funding Progress
- Use USSD: Dial *120*67327#
- Use WhatsApp: Send “Hi” to +27 78 519 8006 with your ID number
What Happens After You Apply?
NSFAS Status Messages You May See
- Application Submitted – Under review
- Verification – Checking your documents
- Approved – You qualify for funding
- Awaiting Registration – Waiting for school to confirm
- Rejected – You did not meet eligibility (you can appeal if permanent resident)
NSFAS Appeals (Permanent Residents Only)
If your application was rejected, permanent residents may appeal within 30 days of rejection.
How to Appeal
- Log in to myNSFAS
- Click “Submit Appeal”
- Choose your appeal reason
- Upload supporting documents (updated income proof, medical notes, etc.)
- Write a short motivation letter (≤ 1,000 characters)
- Submit and track your appeal status online
What You’ll Need
- Updated documents (e.g., income slips, transcripts)
- Motivation letter (max 1,000 characters)
- Proof of changed circumstances
Non-permanent residents cannot appeal.
International students without permanent residency cannot appeal.
Other Funding Options for Non-Citizen Students
Funding Source | What It Covers |
|---|---|
University bursaries | Tuition, partial or full funding |
Embassy/government scholarships | Full support (from home country) |
NGO/private bursaries | Tuition, books, accommodation |
Student loans | Upfront tuition and fees (may require security) |
Also explore
- Research grants from South African institutions
- Merit scholarships for high academic achievers
- NGO grants for African students (e.g., African Union, UNESCO)
Tips for International Students in South Africa
- Understand your visa – Check work and funding rules
- Start early – Apply for funding well before deadlines
- Explore multiple options – Combine bursaries, grants, and loans
- Contact financial aid offices – Every institution has a team to assist
- Stay organised – Keep certified documents and apply to multiple opportunities
Conclusion: Know Where You Stand and Plan Ahead
If you’re an international student with permanent residency, you have full access to NSFAS funding — just like any South African citizen. But if you’re on a student visa or temporary permit, NSFAS is not available to you.
That doesn’t mean your dream ends here. Many universities, organizations, and countries offer aid for foreign students in South Africa. Start early, collect the right documents, and reach out to multiple sources.
Success is possible — whether through NSFAS or another funding path.