NSFAS ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA AND

CONDITIONS FOR FINANCIAL AID

Policy Standard

2025 Academic Year

EFFECTIVE DATE: The Eligibility Criteria as documented herein is effective when endorsed by the Minister
for the following three academic year; in this instance the 2025 academic year. Where there is
incongruency between this document and any other guideline or policy, the Eligibility Criteria as
documented herein will take precedence.

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 Table of Contents

Table of Contents ............................................................................................................................................ 2

1. LIST OF ACRONYMS ................................................................................................................................. 5
2. GLOSSARY OF TERMS .............................................................................................................................. 6
3. INTRODUCTION ..................................................................................................................................... 13
3.1. BACKGROUND ............................................................................................................................... 13
3.2. LEGISLATIVE FRAMEWORK ........................................................................................................... 13
3.3. PURPOSE ....................................................................................................................................... 13
3.4. PRINCIPLES .................................................................................................................................... 14
3.5. AUTHORITIES ................................................................................................................................. 14
3.6. APPLICABILITY ............................................................................................................................... 15
3.7. RESTRICTIONS AND LIMITATIONS ................................................................................................. 15
4. CONDITIONS AND CRITERIA FOR OBTAINING THE BURSARY ................................................................ 17
4.1. CITIZENSHIP AND PLACE OF STUDY............................................................................................... 17
4.2. GENERAL CONDITIONS .................................................................................................................. 17
4.2.1. General conditions of funding ................................................................................................ 17
4.2.2. TVET funding conditions ......................................................................................................... 18
4.2.3. Discontinuation of funding ..................................................................................................... 18
4.2.4. University Specific Conditions................................................................................................. 19
4.2.5. Students with disabilities ........................................................................................................ 19
4.3. APPROVED FUNDED QUALIFICATIONS ......................................................................................... 19
4.4. FINANCIAL ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA ................................................................................................... 20
4.4.1. Household income .................................................................................................................. 20
4.4.2. Social grants recipients (SASSA) .............................................................................................. 20
4.4.3. Non-social grants recipients (Non-SASSA) .............................................................................. 20
4.4.4. Third party data sources ......................................................................................................... 21
4.5. ACADEMIC ELIGIBILITY .................................................................................................................. 21
4.5.1. Academic eligibility criteria ..................................................................................................... 21
4.5.2. University academic eligibility criteria .................................................................................... 21
4.5.3. TVET academic eligibility criteria ............................................................................................ 21
4.5.4. N+ rule .................................................................................................................................... 21

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 4.5.5. Academic progression pathways ............................................................................................ 22
4.5.6. Duration of study .................................................................................................................... 22
4.6. APPEALS ........................................................................................................................................ 23
5. COST OF STUDY COVERED BY NSFAS .................................................................................................... 26
5.1. TUITION COSTS.............................................................................................................................. 26
5.2. ALLOWANCES ................................................................................................................................ 26
5.3. UNIVERSITY ALLOWANCES ............................................................................................................ 27
5.3.1. Allowance caps ....................................................................................................................... 27
5.3.5. Living allowance ...................................................................................................................... 27
5.3.6. Accommodation and Travel allowances ................................................................................. 27
5.3.7. Learning materials allowance ................................................................................................. 28
5.4. TVET COLLEGE ALLOWANCES ....................................................................................................... 29
5.4.1. Allowance caps ....................................................................................................................... 29
5.5. ALLOWANCES FOR STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES........................................................................ 30
5.5.1. Allowance caps ....................................................................................................................... 30
5.5.2. Assistive devices ..................................................................................................................... 31
5.5.3. Human support ....................................................................................................................... 32
5.5.4. Funding from non-NSFAS sources........................................................................................... 33
6. ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES .............................................................................................................. 35
6.1. UNIVERSITY RESPONSIBILITIES ...................................................................................................... 35
6.2. TVET COLLEGE RESPONSIBILITIES ................................................................................................. 36
6.3. STUDENT RESPONSIBILITIES .......................................................................................................... 37
6.4. NSFAS RESPONSIBILITIES............................................................................................................... 38
7. PAYMENT OF PRIVATE ACCOMMODATION ALLOWANCE EXCEPTIONS ............................................... 40
7.1. PAYMENT OF PRIVATE ACCOMMODATION ALLOWANCES .......................................................... 40
8. COMBATTING FRAUD AND CORRUPTION ............................................................................................. 41
9. POPIA COMPLIANCE .............................................................................................................................. 43
10. EXCEPTIONS AND DEVIATIONS ............................................................................................................. 44
11. REVIEW AND REVISION ......................................................................................................................... 45
12. ANNEXURE ON FUNDING PRINCIPLES................................................................................................... 46
12.1. REGISTERING FOR QUALIFICATIONS THAT ARE FUNDED BY NSFAS ............................................. 46
12.2. THE N+ RULE EXPLAINED FOR UNIVERSITY STUDENTS ................................................................. 46

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12.3. THE N+ RULE EXPLAINED FOR TVET COLLEGE STUDENTS ............................................................. 46

12.4. MEETING NSFAS ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE REQUIREMENTS .................................................... 46

12.5. SWITCHING QUALIFICATIONS ....................................................................................................... 46
12.6. STUDENTS RECEIVING ALLOWANCES FROM THEIR INSTITUTIONS .............................................. 47
12.7. DEALING WITH FINANCIAL AID BEING WITHDRAWN ................................................................... 47

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 1. LIST OF ACRONYMS

ACRONYMS DETAIL

DHET Department of Higher Education and Training

FTEN First Time Entering

FTF First Time Funded

MNSFSH Policy on the Minimum Norms and Standards for Student Housing at public
universities (2015)

NBA National Student Financial Aid Scheme Bursary Agreement

NCV National Certificate Vocational

NSFAS National Student Financial Aid Scheme

QCTO Quality Council for Trades and Occupations

SARS South African Revenue Services

SASSA South African Social Security Agency

TVET Technical and Vocational Education and Training

WIL Work Integrated Learning

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 2. GLOSSARY OF TERMS

Terminology Definitions

Academically eligible Students that are registered on a NSFAS approved qualification at an

student institution who have satisfied relevant NSFAS academic progression
criteria and N+ rules.

Academic progression The progression of a student from one type of qualification that is
pathways approved for funding to another qualification that is also approved for
funding in terms of a NSFAS approved academic pathway.

Academic Term For University related studies, an academic term equates to an

academic year or semester, dependent on the type of academic terms
the qualification is composed of.
For TVET College related studies, an academic term equates to a year,
semester, or trimester, dependent on the type of academic terms the
qualification is composed of.

Accreditation standard Refers to the Policy on the Minimum Norms and Standards for Student
Housing at public universities or the NSFAS accreditation tool.

Accredited private Accommodation that is accredited by the institution and meets the
accommodation accommodation criteria of the institution.
(Institution)

Accredited private Accommodation that is accredited by NSFAS and meets the

accommodation accreditation criteria of the NSFAS grading tool.
(NSFAS)

Appeal An appeal is when a student whose application for funding was rejected
submits an application requesting NSFAS to review or reconsider his or
her eligibility.

Applicant Anyone who has successfully completed an application for NSFAS

financial aid.

Approved funded A qualification offered by a public institution for which bursaries are
qualification available as approved and communicated by DHET.

Assistive devices Assistive devices are mechanisms that aid students with disabilities to
access learning and teaching resources.

Bursary A form of financial support awarded to a student that does not need to
be repaid, but which may carry other contractual obligations.

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Terminology Definitions

Certificate qualification A qualification that has been registered on the NQF, on NQF Level 5
and have a qualification type of Higher Certificate or National Higher
Certificate.

Citizen, including As per the South African Citizenship Amendment Act (1 of 2010), a
permanent residents citizen by birth is one “who immediately prior to the date of
commencement of the South African Citizenship Amendment Act,
2010, was a South African citizen by birth; or who is born in or outside
the Republic, one of his or her parents, at the time of his or her birth,
being a South African citizen, shall be a South African citizen by birth”,
“Any person born in the Republic of parents who have been admitted
into the Republic for permanent residence and who is not a South
African citizen, qualifies to be a South African citizen by birth, if-
(a) he or she has lived in the Republic from the date of his or her birth
to the date of becoming a major; and
(b) his or her birth is registered in the Republic in accordance with the
Births and Deaths Registration Act, 1992 (Act No. 51 of 1992)”

Continuing Student An eligible student who was funded by the NSFAS in the immediate
prior academic term, and who is currently registered at an institution
for an approved qualification, and, who continues to be financially and
academically eligible, but excludes those students who are moving
through an academic progression pathway, or who have achieved their
first undergraduate qualification, or who has changed institution types
(i.e., shifted from a TVET College to a University or vice versa).
This has been differentiated from a returning student, who is a senior
student and was not funded by the NSFAS in the immediate prior
academic term and needs to re-apply for funding.

Course (University only) A course is a component within a qualification that carries credits
towards the qualification. It has these characteristics:
(a) It is an identifiable teaching/ learning component that may be
undertaken in more than a year, in a year or semester or shorter
period,
(b) Student performance in the component is assessed and recorded in
the central record system,
(c) The component has a unique identifying "course code" which is
assigned to it in the institution's central record system,
(d) A course may be a component undertaken as coursework, or as a
project, or as a thesis, or as a dissertation, or as a practicum, or as
a mixture of such types.

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Terminology Definitions

Course pass rate Refers to the percentage of modules that a student must pass to
(University only) remain academically eligible for future NSFAS financial aid and the
course pass rate applies to University students only.

Course Credits Refers to the level of study. Each level of study equals 120 credits per
(University only) academic year suchthat a typical 3-year degree will be 360-credits and
a 4-year degree willbe 480 credits. Course credits apply to university
students only.

Discontinued funding A process of discontinuing funding of a student who is no longereligible

for NSFAS financial aid or no longer requires it. This can either be due
to either de-registration, cancellations, other funding etc.

DHET Bursary Scheme A financial aid programme that provides fully subsidized funding for
poor and working-class students registered at an institution by DHET.

Disability A physical, mental, intellectual or sensory impairment which

interaction with various barriers may hinder a student’s full and
effective participation in society on an equal basis with others.

Distance education Is a mode of provision based primarily on a set of teaching and learning
strategies (or educational methods) that can be used to overcome
spatial and/or transactional distance between educators and students.
It avoids the need for students to discover the curriculum by attending
classes frequently and for long periods. Instead, it may use a
combination of different media, tutorial support, peer group
discussion, and practical sessions.

Distance TVET college A TVET College student categorized as a distance learning student by
student the TVET College and who is enrolled for the minimum number of
subjects required, namely 5 out of 7 subjects for NC(v) or 3 out of 4
subjects for Report 191.

Distance university A university student studying at a non-contact university.

student

Double-dipping This is when students receive financial aid from NSFAS and from other
funders such that they do not require the financial aid from NSFAS,
either in full or in part.

Drop out student A student who received financial aid from NSFAS, started a
qualification, has yet to attain the qualification and does not hold a
current registration to achieve the qualification.

Eligibility assessment The process by which NSFAS determines whether or not an applicant
is eligible to receive financial aid, or whether a student is eligible to
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Terminology Definitions
continue receiving financial aid.

Eligible student A student that is both financially and academically eligible to be funded
by NSFAS.

Financially eligible Those applicants who qualify for funding in terms of the financial
applicant eligibility criteria.

First time applicant An applicant who is applying for NSFAS funding for the first time.

First time entering This is a student who is applying for academic admission to any
(FTEN) student University for the first time, either directly from school or other.

First Time Funded This is a student studying at a TVET College and is funded by NSFAS for
the very first time.

First qualification Refers to the initial or first-degree qualifications in a specific field or

discipline. This qualification enables graduates to demonstrate
knowledge and skills required for entry into the labour market, further
professional training, postgraduate studies, or professional practice in
a wide range of careers.

Full cost of study Means the total cost of study for a student which include registration
fees, tuition costs, accommodation, and other permitted allowances
related to formal teaching and learning activities, as determined by the
criteria contained in this document and subject to limitations.

Funded student A funded eligible student who has been issued a NSFAS Bursary
Agreement following registration at a public University or public TVET
College.
Funder Government departments (national, provincial, or local), government
agencies, Sector Education and Training Authorities, private companies
and philanthropic organisations, etc., that have signed an agreement
with NSFAS to distribute funding to students for the funding of their
Higher Education or Technical Vocational and Training education.

Household Income The combined annual gross income of the applicant or the applicants’
parents, adoptive parents, spouses or legal guardians, whichever is
applicable). It includes every form of income, both from the formal and
informal sector (e.g., salaries, wages, retirement income, near cash
government transfers like food stamps, grants, business incomes and
investment gains).

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Hybrid student Is a continuing student that has to reapply for funding according to
NSFAS Rules and Guidelines due to changing Sectors, Qualification
and/or Gap Year students. (Hybrid students must be assessed for
Academic Eligibility Criteria, N+ Rule and Financial Eligibility.)

Institution Any University established, deemed to be established or declared as a

public University, under the Higher Education Act 101 of 1997, and/or
subsequent amendments.

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Terminology Definitions
Any public Technical and Vocational Education and Training College as
established by the Further Education and Training Act 16 of 2006
(replaced the Further Education and Training Act 98 of 1998).

Institution owned Refers to the property that is owned by the University or TVET College.
accommodation

Immediate family For the purpose of this policy standard, immediate family member
members means mother, father, grandmother, grandfather, son, daughter,
adoptive child, brother, sister; legal guardian, adoptive mother, or
adoptive father, of the student.

Impairment Impairment is used to refer to the actual attributes (or lack of

attributes), the abnormality of a person, whether in terms of limbs,
organs or mechanisms, including psychological disabilities /
shortcoming.

Legal Guardian A legal guardian is one which is appointed:

(a) By a decision of the High Court as the supreme guardian of a minor
child,
(b) In terms of a legitimate will that was written by a sole parent or
sole caregiver who passed away.

Metro Area Metro Area – It is a large densely populated urbanized region that
encompass multiple centres with close economic linkages. Its’
surrounding areas share industries, commercial areas, transport
network, infrastructure and housing. A metro area can also be referred
to a city with a population of at least one million people. A metro area
contains at least one city (the core) but can contain many cities within
a sprawl.
Non-metro Area It is an area not located in or near a large city/town. Non-metro areas
are not densely populated and are sparsely economically and socially
integrated.
NSFAS Declaration Form Is a document that attests to the accuracy, and completeness of all the
information provided by the applicant in accordance with NSFAS
criteria.

NSFAS Consent Form Is a document that gives NSFAS the consent to use 3rd party sources
such as SARS, Credit Bureau etc, to verify annual household income of
parents, guardians or verified parental relationships in determining
financial eligibility of a student to obtain a bursary.

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National Certificate A qualification with 120 to 140 minimum credits at levels 2, 3 or 4 of
Vocational the NQF that will be awarded to students who comply with the national
policy requirements of the NC(V).

NSFAS Bursary The written agreement between the student and NSFAS detailing the
Agreement (NBA) terms and conditions of the bursary or grant.

NATED (Report 191) A three-year post-school qualification at NQF level 6 with a total of 360
Programme credits, and consisting of a combination of N4, N5 and N6 certificates
and a workplace-based learning component of 18 months (Business

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Terminology Definitions
and Services Studies) or 24 months (Engineering Studies).

National ID number South African Identity Document number

Pre- Vocational This is a programme designed to prepare a grade 9 learner who wants
Learning Programme to study at TVET College, having not met the minimum requirements.
The programme gives learners the opportunity to improve their
knowledge and skills.

Occupational A qualification that consists of a minimum of 25 credits, and are related

programme to a specific trade, occupation, or profession. They are based on work-
based learning work-based learning, and include three components:
knowledge, practical skills and work experience. They also have an
external summative assessment.

Permanent Resident An individual who is in possession of a valid Permanent Residency

Permit issued by the Department of Home Affairs in South Africa.

Registered student A student registered on an approved qualification at an institution.

Relatives For the purposes of this document, a relative refers to a people related
by blood, marriage or adoption, in this instance brother, sister, uncle
and aunt.
Returning student A senior student who was not funded by the NSFAS in the immediate
prior academic term and needs to re-apply for funding.

SASSA recipient An applicant or student who is a recipient of a SASSA grant, or who has
been a SASSA grant recipient of the Care Dependency, Child Support
and Foster Care grants within the previous three years of applying for
financial aid from NSFAS, but excludes those in receipt of the Social
Relief of Distress grant, including the R350 special grant as a result of
COVID-19

Senior student A student that has been registered at an institution in a previous

academic term, whether they have received NSFAS funding previously
or not.

Third party data source Refers to any data obtained from third parties to validate datareceived
from applicants, students or institutions.

Tuition costs It is the agreed associated charges or fees for teaching and learning at
a public college or university for the actual programme of study for
each student based on approved institutional fee handbook excluding
fees for activities such as gym or extra-curricular activities.

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TVET College Any Public Technical and Vocational Education and Training
College asestablished by the Further Education and Training
Act 16 of 2006 (replaced the Further Education and Training
Act 98 of 1998).
Unfunded student A student can be unfunded by the NSFAS when the annual
fund allocation has been depleted/ and or where student have
been funded. The term “unfunding” is subject to the fact that
no funds have been paid to the student.
Unutilized funds All student funds paid to institutions which were not used. All
unutilized funds must be returned back to NSFAS by the institution.

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Terminology Definitions

University This means any public University established, deemed to be

established or declared as a university, under the Higher Education Act
101 of 1997, and/or subsequent amendments.

Undergraduate Refers to the first tertiary degree.

qualification

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 3. INTRODUCTION

3.1. BACKGROUND

Section 29 (1) (a) of the Bill of Rights of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa Act (108 of 1996, as
amended) states that: “Everyone has the right…to a basic education, including adult basic education; and to
further education, which the state, through reasonable measures, must make progressively available and
accessible.” NSFAS contributes to the attainment of the rights described in section 29 by providing financial
aid to students from poor and working-class families.
Amongst its many legislated responsibilities, in terms of the NSFAS Act 56 of 1999 as amended, NSFAS is
established to provide bursaries to eligible students, and to develop criteria and conditions for the granting
of bursaries to eligible students in consultation with the Minister of Higher Education.
This document defines the NSFAS eligibility criteria and conditions for granting and administering funding to
eligible students studying at an institution in South Africa.

3.2. LEGISLATIVE FRAMEWORK

3.2.1. This policy standard is subject to the following legislation:

3.2.1.1. Constitution of the Republic of South Africa (1996).
3.2.1.2. Higher Education Act, 1997 (Act 101 of 1997 as amended).
3.2.1.3. National Student Financial Aid Scheme Act, 1999 (as amended).
3.2.1.4. The Public Management Finance Act 1 of 1999.
3.2.1.5. Continuing Education and Training Act.
3.2.1.6. Protection of Personal Information Act 4 of 2013.
3.2.1.7. Norms and Standards for Funding TVET Colleges.
3.2.1.8. Policy on the minimum norms and standards for student housing at public universities
(2015).
3.2.2. This policy standard is linked to the implementation of the following policy documents:
3.2.2.1. The National Development Plan (2030).
3.2.2.2. The White Paper for Post-School Education and Training (2013).
3.2.2.3. Strategic Policy Framework on Disability for the Post School Education & Training System
(2018).

3.3. PURPOSE

The primary purpose of this policy standard is to:

3.3.1. Provide a consistent and fair approach to assess and determine financial and academic eligibility to
new applicants and continuing students.
3.3.2. Comply with the provisions of the National Student Financial Aid Scheme Act 56 of 1999, and all
amendments of the Act.
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3.3.3. Provide the criteria and conditions for granting of bursaries to eligible students.
3.3.4. Provide the criteria and conditions for assessing appeals in respect of NSFAS funding decisions.

3.4. PRINCIPLES

The following principles apply:

3.4.1. Section 19(6) of the NSFAS Act specifically provides that "A right to obtain a loan or bursary from
the NSFAS cannot be construed from any provision of this Act."
3.4.2. NSFAS financial aid is aimed at students from the poor and working class, who meet the NSFAS
eligibility criteria as set out in this document.
3.4.3. NSFAS seeks to provide ongoing financial aid to students only if the criteria for continued support
are met. As such, continued funding is NOT guaranteed and students who are funded by NSFAS are
expected to meet ongoing eligibility criteria to continue receiving financial aid support from NSFAS.
3.4.4. In the event a student who was financially eligible at the time that they first received funding
becomes financially ineligible as a result of cost-of living related increases, NSFAS reserves the right
to cancel funding, and reconsider the funding based on the representation made by the student.
3.4.5. In the event that a student switches to a different qualification, continued financial support from
NSFAS will only be provided if the institution determines that the student is able to complete his/
her revised qualification within the N+ Rule.
3.4.6. NSFAS assesses the household income as guided by the South African legal framework and
considers the legal responsibility that biological parents and legal guardians have with respect to
child maintenance, including children 18 years and older.
3.4.7. The student funding policy is aimed at being affordable and implementable, such that students are
provided with the financial aid to enable them to succeed at attaining their qualification, subject to
the parameters of the funding provided by government and the sustainability of the scheme into
the future.
3.4.8. A distinction is made between continued NSFAS funding criteria and the decision by an institution
on whether or not a student progresses academically. This means that a student may not be eligible
for NSFAS funding but may be eligible to study further at an institution.
3.4.9. NSFAS has, and will continue to expand, access to third party data sources to verify information and
data submitted to NSFAS. Students are thus required to submit a duly signed consent form of their
declared parents, guardian or verified parental relationship to NSFAS to enable NSFAS to determine
the prospective student’s financial eligibility.
3.4.10. Non-submission of a complete, accurate and duly signed NSFAS consent form would disqualify a
student for NSFAS funding due to NSFAS inability to evaluate and determine financial eligibility.
Such applications will be closed and regarded as “rejected”.

3.5. AUTHORITIES

These guidelines for the NSFAS eligibility criteria and conditions for funding have been approved by the
NSFAS Accounting Authority in concurrence with the Minister of Higher Education and Training in line with
the National Student Financial Aid Scheme Act 56 of 1999.

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3.6. APPLICABILITY

3.6.1. The policy standard applies to:

3.6.1.1. Qualifying students, including students with disabilities studying a NSFAS approved
qualification at institution, and who meet the qualifying criteria as specified in this
document.
3.6.1.2. All institutions are subjected to requirements and conditions as set out in this document
and must abide by the rules herein.

3.6.2. NSFAS does not provide financial aid in the following instances:
3.6.2.1. Students who have received loans, bursaries or scholarships from non-NSFAS sources to
the extent that these defray their cost of study or allowances. (To the extent that these
do not cover the full cost of study, NSFAS funding will be considered provided that all
eligibility criteria are met).
3.6.2.2. A student that has achieved an undergraduate qualification who wants to study on a
second undergraduate qualification.
3.6.2.3. A student that has achieved a certificate qualification who wants to study on a second
certificate qualification.
3.6.2.4. Students studying at an institution other than a public University or a public TVET
College.
3.6.2.5. Students enrolled for qualifications that are not approved by DHET.
3.6.2.6. Any student who does not meet the eligibility criteria defined herein.

3.7. RESTRICTIONS AND LIMITATIONS

3.7.1. NSFAS is highly dependent on the submission of accurate data from institutions in a timely manner,
as well as accurate and complete information from students. Should these not be received, or not
received on time, NSFAS processes will be delayed and may result in applications being rejected or
continued funding being withdrawn or paused.
3.7.2. Notwithstanding anything contained in this policy, NSFAS' responsibility shall be limited only to the
provisions of financial aid in respect of the full cost of study, subject to the availability of funds.
3.7.3. NSFAS shall not be responsible to fund any item or need which is not specifically provided for in
this policy and the terms of the NSFAS Bursary Agreement.
3.7.4. Financial aid is awarded for the first term of study only. Funding for subsequent years is at the
discretion of NSFAS, subject to availability of funds and provided the student continues to meet the
academic and financial criteria stipulated in this policy.
3.7.5. NSFAS shall, under no circumstances, be liable for any general damages, special damages and/ or
consequential losses, whether such are caused by negligence or any fault or deliberate actions of

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 NSFAS and its employees.
3.7.6. It is a duty of all persons applying, and/or receiving funding to disclose accurate and complete
information to institutions and NSFAS, in relation to their NSFAS funding and which may have an
impact on their eligibility assessment.
3.7.7. It is further a duty of all persons in 3.7.6 above to ensure that NSFAS is, at all times, in possession
of current, accurate and complete information and that any changes in their circumstances is
notified to NSFAS. NSFAS will in turn, ensure that institutions receive funding decisions that are
accurate in a timely manner.
3.7.8. In the event that financial aid is extended to any person based on inaccurate, incomplete and/ or
outdated information, NSFAS reserves the right to cancel such funding with immediate effect and
claim back all funds already disbursed based on such inaccurate and/ or incomplete and/ or
outdated information.
3.7.9. In the event NSFAS awards a bursary to a student based on falsified information, the Accounting
Authority can cancel the funding and instruct legal proceedings against the student, their biological
parents or legal guardians.
3.7.10. Further: Any funding granted to any person who is later found not to have been eligible for funding
shall be cancelled with immediate effect and NSFAS reserves the right to claim back all funds
already disbursed and report the matter to law enforcement.

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 4. CONDITIONS AND CRITERIA FOR OBTAINING THE BURSARY

The conditions for obtaining the NSFAS Bursary are explained below.

4.1. CITIZENSHIP AND PLACE OF STUDY

Only South African citizens and permanent residents with a valid South African ID number registered at an
institution are eligible for NSFAS DHET funding.

4.2. GENERAL CONDITIONS

4.2.1. General conditions of funding

The following general conditions are applicable for funding.

4.2.1.1. Students must be formally registered to study for an approved NSFAS funded
qualification at an institution, subject to institutional DHET approved enrolment plans,
and meet the financial eligibility criteria, and academic criteria before a bursary award
is confirmed.
4.2.1.2. The financial need of the student is assessed at the point of first application, and
continuing students do not need to re-apply annually, subject to paragraph 4.2.1.5.
4.2.1.3. NSFAS may for each subsequent academic term re-assess the eligibility of any funded
student and reserves the right to withdraw funding if the student no longer meets the
eligibility criteria.
4.2.1.4. Returning students and University students that move through the NSFAS funding
academic pathway must re-apply and meet the continuing student academic eligibility
requirements.
4.2.1.5. Students who change institution types (i.e. shift from TVET College to University or vice
versa) must re-apply for funding.
4.2.1.6. Students who de-register or drop out during an academic term and wish to resume their
studies in future academic terms, must re-apply during the normal NSFAS application
period.
4.2.1.7. A student can only be funded for one qualification at one institution at any one time.
4.2.1.8. Applicants for financial aid accept the terms and conditions of the NSFAS Bursary
Agreement (NBA) at the point of application, which indicates that they accept the
obligations and responsibilities of the Bursary Programme should they be funded.
4.2.1.9. New applicants, returning and continuing students are deemed to have accepted the
NBA once the NBA is issued and benefit is derived in terms of the bursary awarded,
unless explicitly rejected by the student.
4.2.1.10. If a student receives a full bursary from another source, the student and the institution
must advise NSFAS within 10 days of receipt of the alternative bursary, the NSFAS
bursary must be withdrawn, and no further payments made to the student, and all
excess funds must be refunded to NSFAS during the reconciliation process.
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 4.2.1.11. If a student receives a partial bursary from another source, the student and the
institution must advise NSFAS of the funding conditions of the new funder within 10
days of receiving the partial bursary, the NSFAS bursary must be reduced, and any excess
refunded to NSFAS during the reconciliation process.
4.2.1.12. A student that no longer complies with the University N+Rule or TVET College N+Rule
may not be funded.
4.2.1.13. Financial aid received cannot be used to settle historic debt unless it is specified as such.
4.2.1.14. A student must submit all applicable NSFAS forms and supporting documents in a
manner that is complete, accurate and free from omission for their application to be
considered for funding eligibility evaluation.
4.2.1.15. Incomplete applications will not be accepted into the NSFAS application portal and
therefore will not be considered.
4.2.1.16. Each institution must verify residential addresses and pictures of accredited
accommodation, to combat fraud and corruption NSFAS reserves the right to conduct
physical address verification using randomized samples. Institutions must maintain
reports on verification of residential addresses of beneficiaries of accommodation
allowances for audit purposes and confirm that those in receipt of the accommodation
allowance qualify in terms of thispolicy standard and for the amounts that are being
paid.
4.2.1.17. In cases where the institution, i.e. a TVET college has its own student accommodation
especially those developed through Student Housing Infrastructure Programme, NSFAS
will pay the student accommodation allowances directly to the respective TVET college.
TVET colleges must also verify residential addresses of unaccredited accommodation.

4.2.2. TVET funding conditions

4.2.2.1. TVET College students studying occupational programmes can only be funded for the
cost of tuition for the duration of the qualification. Allowances for TVET college students
studying occupational programmes can only be considered subject to clause 5.4.3 of this
Eligibility Criteria.

4.2.3. Discontinuation of funding

NSFAS reserves the right to withdraw or cease financial aid to a student under the following circumstances:
4.2.3.1. The student no longer meets the financial or academic eligibility as set out in this policy
standard; or
4.2.3.2. The student has been found to have defrauded NSFAS or another NSFAS beneficiary; or
4.2.3.3. The student was funded in error; or
4.2.3.4. Incorrect information was submitted by the institution, leading to the student being
funded erroneously; or
4.2.3.5. Incorrect or false information was submitted by the student when requested to do so;
or

21
 4.2.3.6. Dual registration records have been received from different institutions for the same
student and the dual registration remains unresolved.

4.2.4. University Specific Conditions

The following conditions are applicable to students in respect of University funding:

4.2.4.1. Students must be studying towards their first certificate qualification or undergraduate
qualification.
4.2.4.2. Students who have already studied at a university or obtained a prior University
qualification do not qualify as FTEN students even if they are entering the first academic
term of a new qualification. However, students starting a university qualification for the
first time, but who have already achieved a TVET qualification, qualify as a University
FTEN student.
4.2.4.3. Any funding received by a senior University student prior to 2018 is subject to the
conditions of the Loan Agreement already signed.
4.2.4.4. University students referred to in 4.2.1.5 must re-apply for funding and may not register
for an NCV at a TVET College.

4.2.5. Students with disabilities

4.2.5.1. A detailed medical report from a medical professional registered with the Health
Professions Council of South Africa is required to support an application for a student
with disability.
4.2.5.2. Any other chronic diseases or medical conditions can only be considered based on a full
medical evaluation, and a detailed report outlining how the condition is manifested in
the students’ difficulties in accessing teaching and learning, with or without support.

4.3. APPROVED FUNDED QUALIFICATIONS

4.3.1. The University and TVET Colleges funded qualifications are approved by the NSFAS and
implemented in conjunction with this eligibility criteria.
4.3.2. University approved funded qualifications are qualifications that have been accredited by the
Council on Higher Education, are registered on the NQF with the institution listed as the originator.
These qualifications fall into two broad categories each of which have the following attributes on
the NQF:
4.3.2.1. Certificate qualifications are qualifications that have been registered on the NQF, on
NQF Level 5 and have a qualification type of Higher Certificate or National Higher
Certificate.
4.3.2.2. Undergraduate qualifications are qualifications that have been registered on the NQF
on:
4.3.2.2.1. NQF Level 6 and have a qualification type of Advanced Certificate, Diploma
(minimum course credits of 240), Diploma (minimum course credits of 360)
or National Diploma, or
4.3.2.2.2. NQF Level 7 and have a qualification type of National First Degree (minimum
course credits of 360) or

22
 4.3.2.2.3. NQF Level 8 and have a qualification type of National First Degree, or
National First Degree (minimum course credits of 480).
4.3.3. TVET College approved funded qualifications fall into four broad categories, each of which have the
following attributes.
4.3.3.1. Pre-Vocational Learning Programme (PLP), this qualification is not registered on the NQF
and NSFAS will only fund a student for one academic term on this qualification.
4.3.3.2. NATED/Report 191 qualifications which are registered on the NQF as National N
certificates. NSFAS will only fund a student for one academic term on this qualification
for Report 191 introductory courses.
4.3.3.3. NC(V) qualifications which are registered on the NQF as belonging to the General and
Further Education and Training Sub- Framework, with the originator defined as Generic
Provider – NCV and with the qualification type National Certificate.
4.3.3.4. Occupational programmes which are approved for NSFAS funding by DHET.

4.4. FINANCIAL ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

Financial eligibility criteria are used to assess prospective students applying for funding for the first time
continuing and returning students.

4.4.1. Household income

Household income is applicable to non-SASSA recipients only and is determined as follows:

4.4.1.1. Where the student/ applicant is unmarried, household income is the sum of the gross
income (from all sources) of the biological (or adoptive) mother, the biological (or
adoptive) father and the student/ applicant.
4.4.1.2. Where the student/ applicant is under legal guardianship, the household income is the
sum of the gross income (from all sources) of the legal guardian and that of the student/
applicant.
4.4.1.3. Where the student/ applicant is married, the household income (from all sources) is the
sum of the gross income of the student’s spouse and that of the student/ applicant.
4.4.1.4. Students/ applicants who are unmarried and independent of their parents and satisfy
the definition of “adult learner” as defined in the Requirements and Conditions for
Matriculation Endorsement and issuing of Certificates of Exemption for admission to
tertiary studies will be exempted from providing the NSFAS declaration form.

4.4.2. Social grants recipients (SASSA)

4.4.2.1. Any student who is a South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) recipient, as validated
by NSFAS, automatically meets the financial eligibility criteria and will be eligible for a
bursary award if they are registered at an institution and are academically eligible.

4.4.2.2. SASSA grant recipients that are eligible for funding includes the Foster Care, Care
Dependency and Child Support Grants.

4.4.3. Non-social grants recipients (Non-SASSA)

4.4.3.1. All students (except those with disabilities), irrespective of when they first registered at
an institution will be assessed as financially eligible if the applicant’s combined annual
23
 household income is R350,000 or less.

4.4.3.2. Applicants with disability will be assessed as financially eligible if the applicant’s
combined annual household income is R600,000 or less.

4.4.4. Third party data sources

4.4.4.1. NSFAS will use any third-party data source, over and above the declared household
income to determine an applicant’s financial eligibility.
4.4.4.2. All students are required to submit complete, accurate and duly signed NSFAS consent
forms to enable NSFAS to assess the student’s financial eligibility.

4.5. ACADEMIC ELIGIBILITY

4.5.1. Academic eligibility criteria

Academic progression criteria will be measured by the percentage of course modules that a student passes
in the academic year.
Institutions and NSFAS will progressively align academic progression criteria requirements.

4.5.2. University academic eligibility criteria

The criteria are applied as follows to students in universities. Students who receive financial aid from NSFAS
must meet set academic achievement criteria, to continue being eligible for financial aid.

4.5.2.1. University students must achieve a course pass rate of 60 percent. University students must
achieve a course credit pass rate of 60 percent for the end of the 2024 academic year in order to
succeed academic assessment for funding in 2025.

4.5.3. TVET academic eligibility criteria

The criteria are applied as follows to students in TVET Colleges:

4.5.3.1. A bursary may only be awarded to students progressing to the next NC (V) level if they
passed at least 5 subjects in the previous NC (V) level.
4.5.3.2. A bursary may only be awarded to students progressing to the next Report 191 level if
they passed a minimum of 3 subjects in the previous N-Level.
4.5.3.3. Academic progression criteria requirements for continuing students studying
occupational programmes will be determined by TVET Colleges, and results shared with
NSFAS.

4.5.4. N+ rule

4.5.4.1. The N+ Rule sets the outer limits for the duration that a student may receive financial
aid from NSFAS, the N+ rule is outlined in 4.5.6 below.
4.5.4.2. A student that is no longer compliant with the University academic progression
pathways or exceeds the University N+ rule may not be funded to study at a university

24
 or TVET College. Similarly, a student that is no longer compliant with the TVET College
academic progression pathways and exceeds the TVET College N+ rule may not be funded
to studyat a university.

4.5.5. Academic progression pathways

Only NSFAS approved University and TVET College academic progression pathways are funded and
implemented in conjunction with this eligibility criteria and can be described as follows:
4.5.5.1. The only approved University progression pathway is from a qualification that has been
defined as a certificate qualification to a qualification that has been defined as an
undergraduate qualification (refer to section 4.3.2), noting that NSFAS only funds
students studying towards their first certificate or undergraduate qualification.
4.5.5.2. The approved TVET progression pathways for PLP, NC(V) and Report 191 qualifications
are as follows:
4.5.5.2.1. The approved progression pathway from a PLP is to a Report 191 Level 1
qualification or a NC(V) Level 2 qualification.
4.5.5.2.2. Bursary recipients who switch from one programme to another (i.e., from
NC(V) to Report 191 programme N1 – N3 or vice-versa) or change
programmes within an NC(V) or Report 191 programme during the course
of their studies are not eligible for financial assistance, unless the student
was an FTF and has completed only one academic term of study.
4.5.5.2.3. Furthermore, bursary recipients who complete NC(V) Level 4 are not eligible
for financial assistance should they want to enrol for another NC(V)
programme or Report 191 programme N1 – N3.
4.5.5.2.4. Similarly, bursary recipients who complete Report 191 N4 - N6 are not
eligible for financial assistance should they want to enrol for another Report
191 programme or an NC(V) programme.

4.5.6. Duration of study

4.5.6.1. The University N+ Rule is based on number of years a student is registered in the higher
education sector. The TVET College N+ Rule is based on NSFAS funded academic terms
at TVET Colleges. The additional NSFAS funded academic term may be for repeating at
any level from the entry academic term to exit the academic term. The N+ Rule does not
apply to occupational programmes as these programmes are aligned to employment
contracts which do not make provision for the N+1 period of study.
4.5.6.2. The N period of study equates to the minimum time required to complete a
qualification.
4.5.6.3. In the instance of distance university students studying at a non-contact university, the
N period of study equates to double the minimum time required to complete the
qualification.
4.5.6.4. The N+1 Rule applies to all students who receive financial aid from NSFAS.

25
 4.5.6.5. All students with disability qualify for N+2.
4.5.6.6. The additional funding (denoted by 1 or 2) is applied once over a student’s academic
career within the sector (University or TVET College).
4.5.6.7. The N+ rule is applied to the qualification that the student is registered for in the
relevant academic term. The N thus changes for students who change qualifications
from one academic term to the next.
4.5.6.8. Where a student has changed their qualification and the remaining N does not
accommodate the time required to complete the different qualification, the student will
no longer receive NSFAS funding.

4.6. APPEALS

4.6.1. A student whose application for financial aid is rejected, or continuing student who did not meet
academic progression criteria, may lodge an appeal with the NSFAS.
4.6.2. Appeals must be received within the specified timelines to be considered.
4.6.3. Appeals will only be considered for students who applied to NSFAS financial aid.
4.6.4. The Independent Appeals Tribunal considers all appeals submitted to provide effective management
of appeals for funding.
4.6.5. The Tribunal consists of nine (9) external members and the chairperson is an independent person,
preferably, with a legal background.
4.6.6. Appeals from students who exceed the income thresholds will only be considered if:
4.6.6.1. The financial circumstances of their household have changed since the submission of
their application and evidence of this is provided to NSFAS.
4.6.6.2. Students can provide evidence that their household income is indeed below the
threshold.
4.6.6.3. A key contributor to their household income has become incapacitated or is deceased
since the submission of their application.
4.6.6.4. The student/ applicant has been declared independent of their biological parents by a
court and the court has determined that the parents are not responsible for the
student’s/ applicant’s maintenance, including the cost of his/ her education.

4.6.7. Appeals from students who failed to meet the academic eligibility criteria will only be considered
if:
4.6.7.1. The student is a continuing student who was not a FTEN or FTF student in their previous
academic term of study; AND
4.6.7.2. The student’s failure to complete their academic term successfully is due to severe ill
health for an uninterrupted period of two or more months of the academic term or
during examinations, or there has been death in his/ her immediate family during the
academic term, or the student was the victim of a violent crime, or the student was
pregnant and gave birth during the academic term, and the institution has evaluated the
student and completed the NSFAS standard propensity letter confirming the studentwill
26
 complete their qualification within an additional academic term; OR
4.6.7.3. The student with disability must submit a medical report indicates that the student
failed to complete their academic term due to the nature of their disability and the
institution, OR
4.6.7.4. The student can provide evidence that the academic results received by NSFAS are
incorrect.
4.6.7.5. A continuing student who was a FTEN or FTF student in their previous academic term of
study does not need to appeal as the student will automatically be funded for their next
academic term, provided that all other eligibility criteria are met.
4.6.8. Appeals from students who no longer meets the N+ Rule will only be considered if:
4.6.8.1. The student’s failure to complete their academic term successfully is due to severe ill
health for an uninterrupted period of two or more months of the academic term or
during examinations, or there has been death in his/ her immediate family during the
academic term, or the student was the victim of a violent crime, or the student was
pregnant and gave birth during the academic term, OR
4.6.8.2. A student with a disability and a medical report which indicates that the student failed
to complete their academic term due to the nature of their disability and the institution
has evaluated that the student has the propensity to complete their qualification within
the additional academic term.
4.6.8.3. The student is a university student who can prove that he/ she has 50% or less final year
course credits to complete and achieve his/ her qualification and the institution has
evaluated that the student has the propensity to complete their qualification within an
additional academic term. University students who fall into this category will be funded
similar to distance university students, provided that their appeal is successful; OR
4.6.8.4. The TVET student who can prove that he/ she has two or less subjects left to complete
their Report 191 qualification or three or less subjects to complete their NC(v)
Qualification and the institution has evaluated that the student has the propensity to
complete their qualification within an additional academic term. TVET students who fall
into this category will be funded similar to distance TVET students, provided that their
appeal is successful; AND
4.6.9. In situations where a student has not been allowed to progress academically by an institution,
appeals in relation to this must be directed at the institution.
4.6.10. Appeals from students who were rejected for financial aid by NSFAS due to data or information
errors submitted by them will only be considered if:
4.6.10.1. The error does not relate to an error in the ID number, first name or surname of the
student entered on the application – students must submit their correct identity details
as it appears on their ID documentation. Failure to do so will result in applications being
rejected. Should the application window still be open, students may reapply for funding.
4.6.10.2. Students provide sufficient evidence that the data or information submitted was indeed
incorrect.
4.6.11. Students are not permitted to appeal if:
4.6.11.1. They are registered for a qualification that NSFAS does not fund.
4.6.11.2. They have reached N+2 (N+3 in the case of a student with disability).
4.6.11.3. The detail of the appeal indicates that the student is disclosing different parental or legal
27
 guardian information than disclosed in the application, or if the student is now indicating
that he/ she is independent which is different to the application.
4.6.11.4. The institution has not submitted their registration record or submitted an incorrect
registration record to NSFAS – such queries must be directed to the institution.
4.6.12. Failure to provide sufficient and substantive evidence in support of an appeal as required within
the time frames required will lead to an appeal being rejected.
4.6.13. NSFAS reserves the right to validate all appeal documentation to confirm the validity of the appeal,
including third party data sources, and will reject an appeal where the supporting evidence cannot
be validated or confirmed.
4.6.14. NSFAS reserves the right to reject supporting evidence based on affidavits.

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 5. COST OF STUDY COVERED BY NSFAS

5.1. TUITION COSTS

5.1.1. The tuition cost is the agreed institutional tuition cost for the actual programme of study for each
student based on approved institutional fee handbook. NSFAS will only pay tuition costs in line with
the agreed sector increase on the tuition cost for applicable academic years.
5.1.2. The registration fee must be included in the tuition cost. This should reflect as one cost rather than
as separate items, regardless of how institutions manage their payment processes. Students
qualifying for NSFAS funding are not required to pay the initial registration.

5.2. ALLOWANCES

5.2.1. NSFAS offers the following allowances; namely learning materials, living allowances/ personal care,
accommodation and/or transport.
5.2.2. Such allowances or any other related costs will be published annually by NSFAS in a separate
handbook.
5.2.3. Allowances of students will be paid based on an approved NSFAS payment channel.
5.2.4. Accommodation for University and TVET students will be capped depending on whether they live
in a metro or in another area not considered as a metro, i.e. non-metro. The accommodation cap
for students living in metro areas are different from the accommodation cap in non-metro areas.
5.2.5. An Accommodation Appeal channel has been created to deal with accommodation that may be
wrongly classified.
5.2.6. The following are metro areas in South Africa:
• Buffalo City (East London)
• City of Cape Town
• Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality (East Rand)
• City of eThekwini (Durban)
• City of Johannesburg
• Mangaung Municipality (Bloemfontein)
• Nelson Mandela Bay Metropolitan Municipality (Gqeberha)
• City of Tshwane (Pretoria).

5.2.5 All other areas not included in the above list are classified as non-metro.

29
5.3. UNIVERSITY ALLOWANCES

5.3.1. Distance University students, who are studying less than 60 course credits towards their
qualification, qualify for the learning materials allowances only.
5.3.2. Allowances for students in distance education programmes are calculated based on the number of
courses registered.
5.3.3. Distance University students studying an equivalent full-time course credit load qualify for the
personal care allowance per academic year. This requires a student to be registered for a minimum
of 120 course credits in one academic year.

5.3.4. Living allowance

5.3.5.1. Subject to paragraphs 5.3.1 and 5.3.3 , a living allowance is provided to NSFAS funded
students at universities (excluding distance university students as referred to in
5.3.1)not accommodated in catered residences to cover food and incidental expenses.

5.3.5. Accommodation and Travel allowances

5.3.6.1. Students may either qualify for the travel allowance or the accommodation allowance.
5.3.6.2. All institution owned or leased, and private accommodation will be capped in metro
areas and in all other areas per academic year.

5.3.6.2.1. Students residing with immediate family or with relatives do not qualify for
accommodation allowances. Instead, these students qualify for a transport allowance
not exceeding the cap as determined by DHET.
5.3.6.2.2. Students living in institution owned accommodation, or leased accommodation qualify
for a capped annual accommodation allowance.
5.3.6.2.3. Students living in accredited private accommodation qualify for a capped
accommodation allowance in both metro areas and in all other areas per annum.
5.3.6.2.4. Students living in institution catered accommodation qualify for a maximumallowance
capped amount for metros and all other areas per annum. (accommodation inclusive
of the living allowance and personal care).
5.3.6.2.5. Students only qualify for one accommodation allowance type per academicterm.
5.3.6.2.6. Accommodation for Health Sciences Qualification students must be cover for 12
months since they open early and close late in the year.

5.3.7 Learning materials allowance

5.3.7.1. All university students qualify for a learning material allowance per academic year.
5.3.7.2. The learning material allowances must be used for the purchase of academic books and
materials and/ or a learning device. Only one allowance is provided per student per
academic year.

30
5.3.7.3. Learning Material Allowances must be calculated based on the actual cost of the
prescribed learning material.

31
5.4. TVET COLLEGE ALLOWANCES

5.4.1. Distance TVET College students qualify for the personal care allowance only.
5.4.2. TVET College students may either qualify for the travel allowance or the accommodation allowance.
5.4.3. TVET College students who are registered on an occupational qualification may qualify for
allowances ONLY if in simulated training. Students registered on an occupational qualification that
have an employment contract and are paid stipend do not qualify for NSFAS allowances.
5.4.4. Students only qualify for one accommodation allowance type per academic term except for annual
students.
5.4.5. Students residing with relatives or immediate family members do not qualify for accommodation
allowances.
5.4.6. TVET College students that are not allocated accommodation by their institution can apply to NSFAS
for private accommodation.
5.4.6.1 NSFAS and the institution must enforce the rental /lease agreement on favorable terms for
the student and claim accommodation allowances according to the lease agreement
amount not exceeding the accommodation cap for metro and other areas.
5.4.6.2 Students must confirm proof of home address when applying for the accommodation and
confirm that such student is not residing with relatives or immediate familymembers.
5.4.6.3 TVET College students who do not provide the proof of home address as specified in will
automatically qualify for the travel allowance and not the accommodation allowance.

5.5. ALLOWANCES FOR STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES

5.5.1. Allowances

5.5.1.1 Allowances, excluding human support, for students with disabilities attending TVET Colleges will be
supported directly by the NSFAS. TVET Colleges are expected to collaborate with NSFAS on
establishing revised processes for the management of the disability allowances.
5.5.1.2 Students with disabilities qualify for the following allowances, namely, living allowance (including meals),
leaning materials, assistive devices, repairs and maintenance of assistive devices, human support and
assessment costs.
5.5.1.3 All the above allowances will be paid by NSFAS provided they are not funded by another provider.

5.5.2. Assistive devices

5.5.2.1. Students with disabilities do not automatically qualify for the allowance for assistive
devices, or the repairs and maintenance thereof. The allowances are only granted if the
student application for these allowances is approved, and all conditions and criteria are
met as set out in this policy standard.
5.5.2.2. If students transfer from one institution to another or across sectors, the annual
threshold limit for the duration of the study period still applies.
32
5.5.2.3. The purchase of duplicate devices is not permitted.
5.5.2.4. NSFAS will honour payments for assistive devices, repairs and maintenance of assistive
devices and assessment costs on condition that:
5.5.2.4.1. The nature of the goods and services are relevant to the nature of disability
indicated on the application.
5.5.2.4.2. The institution has ensured that accredited suppliers are used for the
procurement of these goods and services.
5.5.2.4.3. The required supporting quotations and invoices are submitted to NSFAS.

5.5.2.5. The following table illustrates examples of assistive devices:

Disability Assistive Device

Physical Disability Wheelchairs

Impairment (Movement, Recorder (Tetra & Quadriplegic)
mobility, locomotor) Boots (footwear)
Walking stick
Crutches, calipers, ferrules
Walking frame
Writing splint
Ankle Brace and splints
Foot and leg orthotics
And any other as required

Visual impairment or Perkins Braille

Disability (Blind and partially Recorder/ digital recorder
sighted) Specialised digital device (a normal digital
device/laptop cannot be purchased with this
allowance)
Spectacles/magnifiers: Refraction only single vision,
bifocals fixed tints
And any other as required
Hard of hearing or Disability Hearing aids and ear moulds
(hearing loss / impairment Assistive Listening Devices (ALDs)
and/ or deafness)

Learning Disability and/ or Digital voice recorders

other communication Fluency device
disorders (ADD, ADHD, Autistic Augmentative and Alternative
Communication Devices
spectrum disorders, dyslexia
dyspraxia, dysphasia) And any other as required

33
 And any other related devices that are in support of or related to the above mentioned.

5.5.3. Human support

5.5.3.1. Students with disabilities do not automatically qualify for the allowance for human
support. The allowance is only granted if the student application for this allowance is
approved, and all conditions and criteria are met as set out in this policy standard.
5.5.3.2. NSFAS will honour payments for human support on condition that:
5.5.3.2.1. The nature of the human support is recommended by the HPCSA registered
medical practitioner.
5.5.3.2.2. The institution confirms and supports the need for human support.
5.5.3.3. Carers appointments must be made by the student involved and their guardians /
parents.
5.5.3.4. The following are examples of human support:
5.5.3.4.1. Guide dog
5.5.3.4.2. Scribes
5.5.3.4.3. Note takers
5.5.3.4.4. Carers
5.5.3.4.5. Individual reading support
5.5.3.4.6. Tutors
5.5.3.4.7. Sign Language Interpreters
5.5.3.5. In the event that the human support is in the form of a carer the carer may be anyone
selected by the student living with the disability and approved by the institution,
provided that all supporting documents are ratified by NSFAS prior to funding being
approved.
5.5.3.6. Where institutions provide carers as referred to in 5.5.3.3 to support a number of
students with disabilities, the following conditions apply:
5.5.3.6.1. The students must have opted into the arrangement for a minimum of one
academic year and understands that the institution may retain the full
human support allowance.
5.5.3.6.2. The charge to NSFAS is the actual cost of the carer(s), limited to the human
support allowance cap per student participating in the arrangement. Any
excess costs if for the account of the institution.
5.5.3.6.3. Where the actual costs of the carer(s) are lower than the capped human
support allowance for all students participating in the arrangement, the
“saving” is to be allocated across all NSFAS funded students participating in
the arrangement equally.
5.5.3.7. Where students wish to enter into similar arrangement privately (i.e. the sharing of
human support not arranged by the institution), approval from both the institution and
NSFAS is required and similar conditions as outlined in 5.5.3. will apply.
5.5.3.8. A signed opt-in form should accompany the claim for Human Support in line with 5.3.3
and all supporting evidence will be considered by NSFAS.
34
 5.5.3.9. Students who are currently funded by NSFAS will be eligible for Disability bursary
funding, if during the course of their studies, they become permanently disabled.

5.5.4. Funding from non-NSFAS sources

5.5.4.1. In the event that a student is funded by a donor other than NSFAS and that funding does
not cover the full cost of study, then the student may apply to NSFAS on condition that
he/she meets the criteria as specified in this policy standard and vice versa.
5.5.4.2. In the event that a student is funded by a donor other than NSFAS and that funding does
not provide for the NSFAS allowances for students with disabilities where these are
required, then the student may apply for these allowances to NSFAS on condition that
he/she meets the criteria as specified in this policy standard.

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 6. ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

6.1. UNIVERSITY RESPONSIBILITIES

6.1.1. Universities should notify NSFAS about students who exit the system for whatever reason during
the academic year, as well as students who enroll in semester courses.
6.1.2. Universities must identify students receiving funding from more than one source and inform NSFAS
by no later than 31st July in the academic year so that NSFAS allocations are adjusted accordingly
based on the amounts of other funding received.
6.1.3. Universities must enable the integration of systems and direct exchange of data with NSFAS.
6.1.4. Universities must make it known to students that they cannot receive funding for the same
qualification from more than one source without notifying the institution and NSFAS.
6.1.5. Universities must allow students who are recipients of NSFAS bursaries to register without paying
a registration fee, if they have been confirmed as provisionally funded, as this will be paid as part
of their full tuition fee.
6.1.6. In the event that upfront payments are made by NSFAS, the payment must in the first instance,
direct funding to allowances and then secondly direct funding towards paying the first instalment
of the tuition fee.
6.1.7. Universities must provide the following data and information:
6.1.7.1. The registration details of all NSFAS eligible students studying funded approved
qualifications by no later than 31st March of the academic year.
6.1.7.2. Any institution that cannot adhere to the prescribed submission deadline must inform
NSFAS in writing and confirm the actual date by which such registration data will be
submitted.
6.1.7.3. Student academic and results data, clearly indicating when a student has graduated.
6.1.7.4. Academic eligibility of all students.
6.1.8. Universities must submit accurate and complete registration data to NSFAS according to the
timeline set in clause 6.1.7.1 of this policy standard. If the data is incorrect or incomplete and result
in students that are funded that should not be funded, or a student being paid in excess of what
the actual cost of study, the excess is for the institutions’ own account.
6.1.9. Universities must only submit registration records for students who are registered on funded
qualifications (and not expired) and must inform students if this is not the case.
6.1.10. Where a student has changed their qualification and the remaining N does not accommodate the
time required to complete the different qualification, the institution must inform the student that
he/she will no longer get NSFAS funding (no longer eligible for funding and the institution must not
submit the registration records for that student).
6.1.11. All unutilized student funds owed to NSFAS must be returned to NSFAS within stipulated timelines.
6.1.12. Universities must only allow students to consider private accommodation if University residences
are already full or in instances where the University does not have student residential facilities.
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6.1.13. Universities will not be permitted to change allowance types submitted within a particular
academic term without the change being approved by NSFAS prior to such a claim being submitted,
and the necessary budgetary approval obtained.
6.1.14. Where an institution has claimed for an incorrect allowance type which resulted in an under
payment by NSFAS, the change in allowance type must be approved by NSFAS prior to such a claim
being submitted.
6.1.15. Where an institution has claimed correctly for university owned or university leased
accommodation, or university accredited accommodation, but the student has shifted to private
accommodation during the academic year, the accommodation allowance payable to the student
is limited to the remaining balance of the capped amount.
6.1.16. Where allowances are paid to students, a detailed system of records of monthly payments made
must be maintained and reported to NSFAS and supporting audit trails retained for a minimum of
5 years.
6.1.17. Universities must abide by funding rules when disbursing funding to students.
6.1.18. Universities must open a separate bank account to administer NSFAS funding.
6.1.19. Universities must provide statements to NSFAS on the utilisation of the funds.
6.1.20. Universities must facilitate cancellation of duplicate registration and share details with NSFAS.
6.1.21. Universities audits must be done according to the NSFAS audit procedures and audit certificates
must be shared with NSFAS.

6.2. TVET COLLEGE RESPONSIBILITIES

6.2.1. TVET Colleges should notify NSFAS about students who exit the system for whatever reason during
the academic cycles.
6.2.2. TVET Colleges must identify students receiving funding from more than one source and inform
NSFAS so that NSFAS allocations are adjusted accordingly based on the amounts of other funding
received.
6.2.3. TVET Colleges must make it known to students that they cannot receive funding for the same
qualification from more than one source without notifying the institution and NSFAS.
6.2.4. TVET Colleges must allow students who are recipients of NSFAS bursaries to register without paying
a registration fee, if they have been confirmed as financially eligible, as this will be paid as part of
their full tuition fee.
6.2.5. In the event that upfront payments are made by NSFAS, the payment must in the first instance,
direct funding to allowances and then secondly direct funding towards paying the first instalment
of the tuition fee.
6.2.6. TVET Colleges must provide the following data and information:
6.2.6.1. The registration details of all NSFAS eligible students studying funded approved
programmes.
6.2.6.2. Student academic and results data, clearly indicating when a student has graduated.
6.2.6.3. Academic eligibility of all students.

6.2.7. TVET Colleges must submit accurate and complete data to NSFAS within the time frames set. If the
data is incorrect or incomplete and results in students that are funded that should not be funded,
37
 or a student being paid in excess of the actual cost of study, the excess is for the institutions’ own
account.
6.2.8. TVET Colleges must only submit registration records for students who are registered on funded
qualifications (and not expired) and must inform students if this is not the case.
6.2.9. Where a student has changed their qualification and the remaining N does not accommodate the
time required to complete the new qualification, the institution must inform the student that
he/she is no longer eligible for funding and not submit the registration records for that student.
6.2.10. All credits owed to NSFAS must be returned to NSFAS with earned interest by no later than 31
March of the next academic year.
6.2.11. TVET Colleges must only allow students to consider private accommodation if TVET College
residences are already full or in instances where the TVET College does not have student residential
facilities.
6.2.12. TVET Colleges will not be permitted to change allowance types submitted within an academic term
without the change being approved by NSFAS prior to such a claim being submitted, and the
necessary budgetary approval obtained.
6.2.13. Where an institution has claimed for an incorrect allowance type which resulted in an under
payment by NSFAS, the change in allowance type must be approved by NSFAS prior to such a claim
being submitted.
6.2.14. Where allowances are paid to students by the TVET College, a detailed system of records of
payments made must be maintained and supporting audit trails retained for a minimum of 5 years.
6.2.15. TVET Colleges must abide by funding rules when disbursing funding to students.

6.3. STUDENT RESPONSIBILITIES

6.3.1. Students must apply for NSFAS financial aid on time, submitting all the valid required documents.
6.3.2. Students must submit accurate, complete and correct information to NSFAS when applying for
financial aid and when submitting appeals. Failure to do so will result in applications and appeals
being rejected.
6.3.3. Should a student or applicant submit data that is incorrect or incomplete and this results in students
that are funded that should not be funded, or a student being paid in excess of the actual cost of
study, NSFAS will withdraw financial aid and claim the funds back from the student.
6.3.4. Students must inform NSFAS and their institutions if they have other sources of funding (i.e.,
double-dipping) within 10 days of receipt of such funding.
6.3.5. Students must notify NSFAS in the event of a change of qualification or when they exit a
qualification.
6.3.6. Students must confirm with the institution that the qualification they register for is an approved
qualification and is indeed funded (and not expired).
6.3.7. Students must meet all academic progression criteria and attendance requirements of their courses
and institutions.

6.3.8. Students must meet individual financial commitments, e.g. managing allowances.
6.3.9. NSFAS students are subject to the student residence and private accommodation policies, including
accommodation contract conditions of the institution and accommodation providers where they
reside.

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6.3.10. Students are required to read and understand the institution policy with respect to accommodation
allowances and especially note the terms and conditions when electing to shift from one
accommodation type to another during the academic term.
6.3.11. Students who apply at various institutions must cancel registration at all institutions where they
are not eventually formally registered to avoid dual registrations. Failure to do so will result in
NSFAS blocking all payments to such students until dual registrations are resolved.
6.3.12. NSFAS funded students that register at multiple institutions have a responsibility to deregister and
confirm with NSFAS within 10 days of the start of the academic term, the institution that they chose
to study at.
6.3.13. NSFAS funded students must complete the NSFAS direct payment onboarding process within 10
days of completing registration for the academic term.
6.3.14. NSFAS funded student must not engage in activities that aim to defraud the scheme and fellow
students.
6.3.15. Where a NSFAS funded student is required to submit documents to NSFAS for funding decisions,
the student must do so within 10 days of receipt of notification to submit required information to
NSFAS.
6.3.16. Student must always ensure that they contact details are updated to maintain constant
communication with NSFAS.
6.3.17. Student must aim to complete their studies within the N+ Rule and maintain the academic
progression rules of NSFAS.
6.3.18. Student must use the learning material allowance for the intended use (acquisition of study
material or a digital learning device).
6.3.19. All students in receipt of the financial aid from NSFAS must abide by terms and conditions as set
out in the agreement.

6.4. NSFAS RESPONSIBILITIES

6.4.1. NSFAS will publish the NSFAS Eligibility Criteria and Conditions for Financial Aid annually.
6.4.2. NSFAS will publicize the application process available to students and the relevant deadlines for
such applications.
6.4.3. Applications will be evaluated in terms of NSFAS Eligibility Criteria and Conditions for Financial Aid.
6.4.4. NSFAS will make decisions on financial eligibility of applicants and continuing students and provide
an indication of their funding status to the institution, to the extent that the student is registered
with that institution.
6.4.5 NSFAS will annually publish the costs for allowances applicable to students in the NSFAS Handbook.

6.4.5. To facilitate timeous conclusion of NSFAS Bursary Agreements and the subsequent disbursement
of funds, NSFAS will ensure that NSFAS Bursary Agreements are timeously generated for eligible
students.
6.4.6. NSFAS will ensure timeous disbursements to the Institutions and students. All NSFAS disbursements
in favour of the Institutions will be made in accordance with a predetermined schedule. NSFAS shall
provide the Institutions with a remittance for each disbursement, including any advance
disbursement.
6.4.7. NSFAS will facilitate the onboarding process (know-your-client (KYC)) to assist students to access
their NSFAS bank account.
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6.4.8. NSFAS will manage the appeals process for unsuccessful applicants and continuing students.
6.4.9. NSFAS shall provide the Institution with N+ statuses/parameters for continuing students prior to
registration.
6.4.10. NSFAS must comply with the National Treasury and PFMA requirements. As such, all NSFAS funding
decisions and payments are subject to these requirements and restrictions.

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 7. COMBATTING FRAUD AND CORRUPTION

7.1.1 NSFAS has zero tolerance to fraud and corruption and as such will do what is required to combatany
such acts that are discovered within its environment.
7.1.2 NSFAS funding is aimed at those students who meet the eligibility criteria as contained in this
document. NSFAS makes funding decisions based on the information submitted by the students and
the institutions and verifies this information against third party data sources as far as possible.Where
NSFAS finds that students have misrepresented, omitted or falsified their information in anyway, or
where the information submitted does not align to third party data sources, NSFAS reservesthe right
to terminate or deny financial aid to the student, as well as deny any further financial aid to that
student, and recover all costs to date from that student.
7.1.3 Where incorrect information is provided by an institution (whether in error or deliberately) which
results in NSFAS making an erroneous funding decision or paying a student incorrectly, the institution
is liable for those costs.
7.1.4 NSFAS reserves the right to initiate criminal and/ or civil proceedings to parties who falsely present
themselves as the parents or guardians or spouse of an applicant as well as the biological parents of
applicants who knowingly allow their children to falsify parental information in an application for
NSFAS funding, or the actual spouse in the case of a married applicant.
7.1.5 Students as well as Departmental, institution officials, and NSFAS employees are not allowed to
provide travel and accommodation or any other services to NSFAS beneficiaries. This practice
constitutes a conflict of interest.
7.1.6 Students, institution officials, departmental officials or NSFAS staff who are found to have defrauded
NSFAS or NSFAS funded students, or misrepresented any information to NSFAS, will be subjected to
an investigation process.
7.1.7 NSFAS reserves the right to institute civil and/ criminal proceedings where students and/ or
institutions do not declare instances of double dipping to NSFAS such that excess funds can be
returned to NSFAS within the relevant academic year.
7.1.8 Students residing with immediate family members or relatives do not qualify for accommodation
allowances. Where this is found to be the case, it is considered fraud.
7.1.9 Upon completion of this investigation process any students, institution officials or NSFAS employees
may be subjected to the relevant disciplinary process and may have criminal charges laid against
them.
7.1.10 The civil process will also be followed by NSFAS to recover any loss suffered as a result of any
fraudulent act committed by any students, institution officials or NSFAS employees. In the event that
these suspects are found guilty, the relevant sanctions will apply which may include withdrawalof the
bursary, cancellation of allowances, disqualification from ever being eligible for NSFAS funding in
future, re-payment of all funding received to date, and/ or expulsion/dismissal.
7.1.11 Each institution must verify residential addresses and pictures of accredited accommodation, to
combat fraud and corruption NSFAS reserves the right to conduct physical address verification using
randomized samples. Institutions must maintain reports on verification of residential addresses
of beneficiaries of accommodation allowances for audit purposes and confirm that those in receipt
41
 of the accommodation allowance qualify in terms of thispolicy standard and for the amounts that are
being paid. In cases where the institution i.e. a TVET college has its own student accommodation
especially those developed through Student Housing Infrastructure Programme, NSFAS will pay the
student accommodation allowances directly to the respective TVET college. TVET colleges must also
verify residential addresses of unaccredited accommodation.
7.1.12 Where institutions are paying allowances to students, the correct allowance allocations, as set out
in the NSFAS Handbook, must be paid to students. The inflation of allowances or tuition costs is
regardedas an abuse of NSFAS funding.

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 8. POPIA COMPLIANCE

9.1 NSFAS will use any third-party data sources to verify declared household income as well as academic
registration and performance of students.
9.2 Verification of an applicant’s financial eligibility includes, but is not limited to income of declared parents,
guardian or verified parental relationship with third parties including (but not limited to) SARS and SASSA,
including the use of Credit verification agencies.
9.3 NSFAS complies with the provisions of the Protection of Personal Information Act and is therefore
requiredto obtain consent to access to third party data sources to verify information and data submitted to
NSFAS inorder to determine financial eligibility.
9.4 Students are thus required to submit a duly signed consent form of their declared parents, guardian or
verified parental relationship to NSFAS to enable NSFAS to determine the prospective student’s financial
eligibility.
9.5 Students/ applicants understand that by submitting their applications to NSFAS they are giving the NSFAS
permission to use and share their information with third parties for the purposes of processing their application
and are thus obliged to submit all relevant and true information to NSFAS.

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 9. EXCEPTIONS AND DEVIATIONS

9.1.1 Notwithstanding anything to the contrary, any institution who is non-compliant to the provisions set
out in this document, or who is not able to comply with any provision, must apply for a deviationwhich
must be tendered to and accepted by NSFAS by way of a written declaration or application for
consideration.
9.1.2 An application for deviation must include the reasons for the deviation, any mitigations that may
apply, and the action plan that the institution will implement to become compliant, together with
target dates.
9.1.3 To the extent that the non-compliance relates to a condition or criteria for funding, the concurrence
of the Minister must be sought by NSFAS.
9.1.4 The institution must submit their application for deviation 20 working days prior to any expected
disbursement by NSFAS relating to the non-compliance.
9.1.5 Institutions who wish to deviate from this policy standard with respect to the award of allowances
must apply to do so to NSFAS by no later than 31 January each year. The application must clearly
state which provisions it wishes to deviate from, the number of students impacts, and the financial
implications, clearly indicating where there are additional financial requirements, if any.

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 10. REVIEW AND REVISION

This policy is subject to review and revision at least within 36 months subject to Board mandate.

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 11. ANNEXURE ON FUNDING PRINCIPLES

11.1. REGISTERING FOR QUALIFICATIONS THAT ARE FUNDED BY NSFAS

11.1.1. NSFAS only funds a student when they registered on an approved qualification (students may refer
to the SAQA website), even if the student meets all other eligibility criteria. This means that a student
may be eligible for financial aid and will not receive any funding if they are registered for an
unfunded qualification.
11.1.2. NSFAS confirms whether a student is indeed registered on a funded qualification when it receives
the registration data from an institution.
11.1.3. In addition, NSFAS will not fund a qualification that is expired or that is not registered on the NQF.
An expired qualification is determined by considering the last enrolment date, last registration date
and last achievement date for that qualification.
11.1.4. Students are advised to verify that their qualification is indeed funded (and not expired) with their
institution prior to registering.

11.2. THE N+ RULE EXPLAINED FOR UNIVERSITY STUDENTS

11.2.1. The N+ Rule for University students will continue to be based on the number of years in higher
education rather than the number of years funded. The rationale for the rule being applied in this
way is based on the principle that NSFAS is assisting students achieve their first qualification for
university students.
11.2.2. There is also a fairness element to this - if the number of years funded are counted, a student who
is funded from their first year will have to complete their qualification within the required time
frames for that qualification. However, a student who is funded from their third year of study, for
example, may in fact benefit from additional years to complete their qualification.

11.3. THE N+ RULE EXPLAINED FOR TVET COLLEGE STUDENTS

11.3.1. The N+ Rule for TVET Colleges is based on number of academic terms funded, given the shorter
cycles that students are funded for and the higher probability that students may exit the system.

11.4. MEETING NSFAS ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE REQUIREMENTS

11.4.1. NSFAS wishes to direct financial aid to students who are both financially and academically deserving.
11.4.2. For this reason, over and above the academic requirements of an institution, NSFAS also has
academic performance requirements for students to continue receiving financial aid from one
academic term to the next.

11.5. SWITCHING QUALIFICATIONS

11.5.1. While NSFAS does not disallow students from switching qualifications, the number of academic

46
 terms that NSFAS funds a student will be affected.
11.5.2. Students are advised to take care when switching qualifications and fully understanding the impact
on their financial aid from NSFAS.
11.5.3. Where a student has changed their qualification and the remaining N does not accommodate the
time to complete the new qualification, the student will no longer be funded.

11.6. STUDENTS RECEIVING ALLOWANCES FROM THEIR INSTITUTIONS

11.6.1. In many instances (including all universities), NSFAS pays student allowances to the institution who
then pays this to the student.
11.6.2. Some institutions have adopted different policies and practices on how and when these allowances
are paid to students.
11.6.3. Students are advised to consult their institution to determine when and how they will receive their
allowances.

11.7. DEALING WITH FINANCIAL AID BEING WITHDRAWN

11.7.1. NSFAS may withdraw its financial aid from students in the following circumstances:
11.7.1.1. The student failed to meet the NSFAS academic eligibility criteria for continuing
students.
11.7.1.2. NSFAS has reviewed the student financial eligibility and noted that the student’s
household income has changed to be beyond the permitted thresholds, even after
taking inflationary adjustments into account.
11.7.1.3. A report of fraud has been opened against the student, and NSFAS has confirmed that
the student misrepresented information provided during the application process.
11.7.1.4. NSFAS has discovered that the student has already obtained an undergraduate
qualification which was not known to NSFAS at the time of assessing the application.
11.7.1.5. The student no longer meets one or more eligibility criteria as specified in this policy
standard.
11.7.1.6. The student was awarded financial aid in error.
11.7.1.7. The student has been found to have defrauded other beneficiaries.
11.7.2. NSFAS allows students to appeal a decision to withdraw funding prior to finalising this decision.
Students are advised to submit their appeals on time, and only to those channels specified by NSFAS.
The use of an incorrect channel to appeal will result in the appeal not being considered by NSFAS.

-- END --

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