NSFAS Eligibility Calculator
Check if you qualify for NSFAS funding. See your estimated allowances for accommodation, living costs, and transport based on 2025 rates.
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NSFAS Eligibility
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How NSFAS Eligibility Works
NSFAS eligibility is primarily based on combined household income. If your entire household earns R350,000 or less per year (gross, before tax), you may qualify. Enter your household's total annual income to check instantly.
NSFAS covers tuition directly and provides allowances for accommodation (R46,200/year), living costs (R16,500/year), personal care (R3,500/year), and transport for home-based students (R8,300/year).
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R
NSFAS Eligibility
Eligible
Your income
R 180 000
Threshold
R 350,000
Gap
R 170 000 below limit
NSFAS Allowances 2025
| Allowance Type | Annual Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition | Fully covered | Paid directly to institution |
| Accommodation (NSFAS-accredited) | R 46,200 | On-campus or accredited private |
| Living Allowance | R 16,500 | All eligible students |
| Personal Care | R 3,500 | All eligible students |
| Transport (living at home) | R 8,300 | Students not in accommodation |
NSFAS vs ISFAP
| Scheme | Income Band | Coverage |
|---|---|---|
| NSFAS | R0 – R350,000/year | Full (tuition + allowances) |
| ISFAP | R350,001 – R600,000/year | Partial bursary + loan |
| Private bursaries | Any | Varies by funder |
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Your Financial Profile
R
NSFAS Eligibility
Eligible
Household Income
R 180 000
Per Capita Income
R 45 000
NSFAS Threshold
R 350,000
Annual Allowances
R 66 200
Total over 3 yrs
R 210 754
Multi-Year Allowance Projection
| Year | Allowances | Cumulative |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | R 66 200 | R 66 200 |
| Year 2 | R 70 172 | R 136 372 |
| Year 3 | R 74 382 | R 210 754 |
Additional Bursary Finder
| Bursary | Field | Amount | Criteria |
|---|---|---|---|
| Funza Lushaka | Education | Full tuition + allowances | Need-based |
| ISFAP | All (Missing Middle) | Partial funding | R350k–R600k |
| Investec Bursary | Finance / Commerce | Full tuition | Merit + need |
| Anglo American | Mining / Engineering | Full funding | Merit |
| Sasol | Engineering / Science | Full funding | Merit |
| MTN Bursary | ICT / Engineering | Partial | Merit + need |
| Eskom | Engineering / Science | Full funding | Merit |
| NRF Freestanding | Postgrad research | Stipend R120k+ | Merit |
Apply directly through each bursary provider's website. Many applications open May–September.
Frequently Asked Questions
The NSFAS household income threshold is R350,000 per year combined gross income. All household members' income is included in the calculation.
NSFAS covers tuition directly plus allowances: accommodation R46,200/year, living allowance R16,500/year, personal care R3,500/year, and transport R8,300/year for home-based students.
Applications open August–September for the next academic year at nsfas.org.za. You need your ID, proof of household income, and parent/guardian details.
Consider ISFAP (for households R350k–R600k), private bursaries, or NSFAS appeals for extenuating circumstances. Many corporate bursaries are merit-based regardless of income.
Yes. NSFAS funds eligible students at both public universities and TVET (Technical and Vocational Education and Training) colleges with similar allowance structures.