This guide will clearly explain NSFAS vs SASSA — what each one does, who qualifies, how to apply, and — very importantly — whether you can actually receive both at the same time. Let’s clear this up once and for all.
What Is NSFAS? (And What Does It Actually Pay For?)
The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) is a government bursary programme run by the Department of Higher Education and Training. Its entire purpose is to help South African students from low-income households pay for university or TVET college — so that financial barriers don’t stop talented young people from getting an education.
NSFAS does not just pay your tuition. Approved students receive a full package of support that covers:
- Tuition fees — paid directly to your institution
- Accommodation — on-campus residence or accredited off-campus housing
- Living allowance — R1,500 per month deposited into your personal bank account
- Book allowance — R5,460 per year for learning materials
- Transport allowance — R7,500 per year if you live off campus
Between 2019 and 2024, NSFAS disbursed over R244 billion, benefiting nearly 4.7 million students at universities and TVET colleges across South Africa. For the 2025 academic year, the scheme provisionally funded more than 600,000 students. This is not a small programme — it is the backbone of higher education access in South Africa.
Who Qualifies for NSFAS?
To be eligible for NSFAS funding, you must meet the following criteria:
- Be a South African citizen or permanent resident
- Come from a household with a combined gross annual income of R350,000 or less (R600,000 for students with disabilities)
- Be enrolled or planning to enrol at a public university or TVET college
- Be studying an approved NSFAS-funded qualification
- Not already hold a first tertiary degree
Important: If your family already receives a SASSA grant, you automatically meet the income eligibility requirement for NSFAS. NSFAS verifies this directly with SASSA — no extra income documents needed.
What Is SASSA? (And Who Is It Really For?)
SASSA — the South African Social Security Agency — is a government agency under the Department of Social Development. Its role is very different from NSFAS. SASSA provides monthly social grants to vulnerable South Africans who cannot adequately provide for themselves or their families due to age, disability, or poverty.
SASSA offers 8 types of grants in 2025. Here is a quick overview of the main ones:
- SRD R370 Grant: For unemployed South Africans aged 18–59 with no other income source
- Older Persons Grant: R2,090/month for citizens aged 60 and older
- Disability Grant: R2,090/month for people with a medically certified disability
- Child Support Grant: R530–R560/month per child for primary caregivers of children under 18
- Foster Child Grant: R1,180/month for legal foster parents
- Care Dependency Grant: R2,180/month for caregivers of severely disabled children
SASSA does not fund education. It does not pay tuition or book allowances. It provides cash relief for households that are unable to meet basic living needs. Over 18 million South Africans rely on SASSA grants every month.
Who Qualifies for SASSA?
Eligibility varies by grant type, but most SASSA grants require you to:
- Be a South African citizen, permanent resident, or registered refugee
- Meet the specific means test (income threshold) for the grant you are applying for
- Not be receiving another disqualifying grant simultaneously
- Reside in South Africa
NSFAS vs SASSA: Side-by-Side Comparison
The table below summarises the key differences between NSFAS and SASSA at a glance:
| Feature | NSFAS | SASSA |
| Purpose | Fund higher education | Social welfare & poverty relief |
| Who Qualifies | Students at public unis/TVETs | Elderly, disabled, unemployed, children |
| What It Covers | Tuition, accommodation, books, food, transport | Monthly cash grant for basic needs |
| Income Threshold | Up to R350,000/year household | Varies per grant type |
| Apply Online? | Yes — my.nsfas.org.za | SRD grant only — srd.sassa.gov.za |
| Can you get both? | Yes! SASSA recipients auto-qualify | Yes, if you are studying and eligible |
| Grant Amount | Full bursary (tuition + allowances) | R370 – R2,090 depending on grant |
| Pay It Back? | No (post-2018 students) | No |
The Key Differences Between NSFAS and SASSA
1. Purpose
This is the most fundamental difference. NSFAS is an education bursary — it exists to fund your studies at a public higher education institution. SASSA is a social welfare agency — it exists to reduce poverty and provide a safety net for the most vulnerable members of our society. If you are a student, NSFAS is the right programme for you.
2. Who They Serve
NSFAS serves students — specifically those from households earning under R350,000 per year. SASSA serves a much broader group: elderly people, people with disabilities, unemployed adults, and children who need care support. A student can qualify for SASSA grants, but SASSA alone will not pay for their education.
3. What They Pay
NSFAS pays for your entire cost of studying — tuition, accommodation, food, books, and transport. SASSA pays a monthly cash amount that can be used for anything, but is primarily meant for basic needs like food, clothing, and housing. These two are not competing programmes — they serve different needs.
4. How You Apply
NSFAS applications are done online at my.nsfas.org.za and typically open in September and close in December for the following academic year. SASSA applications for most grants (except the SRD grant) must be made in person at your nearest SASSA office. The SRD R370 grant can be applied for online at srd.sassa.gov.za.
Read: How to Apply for NSFAS in 2026
Can You Receive Both NSFAS and SASSA at the Same Time?
Yes — and this is great news for many South African families! NSFAS and SASSA are designed to work together, not against each other.
Here is what you need to know:
- SASSA recipients automatically qualify for NSFAS. If your household already receives a SASSA grant, NSFAS treats this as automatic proof that you fall within the income threshold. You do not need to submit extra income documents.
- Receiving NSFAS does NOT cancel your SASSA grant. Your family’s SASSA grant continues as normal even after you are approved for NSFAS.
- The SRD R370 grant does not disqualify you from NSFAS. Receiving the SRD grant is actually proof of unemployment, which helps confirm your eligibility.
- Child Support Grants are not counted as income. A parent receiving a Child Support Grant for you will not affect your NSFAS eligibility.
For students from SASSA-dependent households, applying for NSFAS is not just possible — it is strongly recommended. The two programmes together can completely cover your education costs while still supporting your family.
Which Is Better Between NSFAS and SASSA? Which Should You Apply For?
The answer depends entirely on your situation. There is no “better” option — they serve completely different purposes.
Use this simple guide:
Apply for NSFAS if:
- You are a Grade 12 learner planning to study at a public university or TVET college
- You are already a college or university student from a low-income household
- Your combined household income is R350,000 per year or less
- You want your tuition, accommodation, and living costs fully covered
Apply for SASSA if:
- You are unemployed and have no source of income (SRD R370 grant)
- You are 60 years or older and need financial support (Older Persons Grant)
- You have a medically certified disability (Disability Grant)
- You are the primary caregiver of a child under 18 from a low-income household (Child Support Grant)
- You are a foster parent (Foster Child Grant)
Apply for BOTH if:
- You or your family already receive a SASSA grant AND you are a student planning to study at a public institution
- Your family is in a SASSA-eligible household and you meet NSFAS’s academic criteria
How to Apply for NSFAS in 2026 — Quick Guide
Follow these steps to submit your NSFAS application:
- Create a myNSFAS account at my.nsfas.org.za using your South African ID number and cellphone number
- Complete your income declaration — if your household receives a SASSA grant, simply tick the SASSA box (no further documents required)
- Upload your documents — ID copy, proof of income (if applicable), and proof of registration if you are a returning student
- Select up to 3 institutions and up to 3 fields of study
- Track your application — check your status at my.nsfas.org.za or call 0800 067 327 (free call)
Application window: NSFAS applications for 2026 are expected to open in September 2025 and close around December 2025.
Warning: NSFAS does not accept late applications for universities. Set a reminder and apply as early as possible.
What If NSFAS Rejects You? Other Options to Explore
Don’t give up if NSFAS declines your application. Here are your next steps:
- Appeal within 30 days — especially if there were documentation errors or technical issues
- Contact your institution’s financial aid office — most universities have their own bursary funds with different criteria
- Check the Funza Lushaka bursary — a government bursary for teaching degrees (maths, science, and technology are priority subjects)
- Look at corporate bursaries — companies like Sasol, Anglo American, Eskom, and Standard Bank offer student bursaries
- Consider Eduloan or Fundi — registered student loan providers if you need an alternative financing option
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Applying
Based on real student experiences, here are the most common mistakes — and how to avoid them:
- Applying to SASSA thinking it will fund your studies. It won’t. SASSA provides social welfare grants, not education bursaries.
- Missing the NSFAS application deadline. Applications open in September and typically close in December. There are usually no extensions for university applicants.
- Not uploading the correct documents. Make sure file sizes are under the limit and that your ID, income documents, and any required forms are uploaded in the correct format.
- Assuming you don’t qualify because you receive SASSA. The opposite is true — receiving a SASSA grant makes your NSFAS application easier and you automatically meet the income threshold.
- Sharing your myNSFAS login or banking details with anyone. NSFAS has zero tolerance for fraud. Never share your bank PIN or account details with any person claiming to help you.
Don’t Let Confusion Cost You Your Future
The difference between NSFAS and SASSA is clear: NSFAS is your gateway to higher education, and SASSA is a social safety net for vulnerable South Africans. If you are a student — or you are supporting one — knowing which programme to apply for is the first step to securing funding.
The best part? If your household already benefits from SASSA, you are already one step ahead in qualifying for NSFAS. These two programmes are designed to work together, not compete with each other.
Don’t wait. NSFAS applications open in September for the following academic year. Apply as early as possible, ensure your documents are in order, and reach out to your school’s guidance counsellor or your university’s financial aid office if you need help.
Your future is worth fighting for — and the South African government has created these programmes exactly for people like you. Take the step today.
