What is the NSFAS age limit?

NSFAS funding covers registration fees, tuition, living expenses, and in some cases, travel and accommodation allowances.

As a prospective NSFAS applicant, you might wonder if there’s an age restriction for receiving funding.

This article explores the eligibility criteria related to age and provides details on other important aspects of NSFAS funding.

Does NSFAS Have an Age Limit?

There is no upper age limit for applying for NSFAS funding.

This means that regardless of your age, you can apply for NSFAS as long as you meet the other eligibility criteria.

This policy ensures that anyone with the potential and desire to pursue higher education has the opportunity to do so, irrespective of their age.

It’s important to note that while there’s no age restriction, there are limitations on the funding duration.

NSFAS funding follows an “N+ Rule,” which limits funding to the standard duration of your chosen qualification plus two years (N being the standard duration).

For instance, if a Bachelor’s degree usually takes four years to complete, NSFAS funding would be available for a maximum of six years.

What Are the Other NSFAS Eligibility Criteria?

While age isn’t a barrier, several other factors determine your NSFAS eligibility.

These are the other eligibility criteria:

  1. You must be a South African citizen.
  2. Your household income must fall below the NSFAS threshold. This threshold is adjusted annually, so you’ll need to check the latest figures on the NSFAS website.
  3. You must meet the minimum academic requirements for your chosen program. These requirements vary depending on the institution and level of study (undergraduate or postgraduate). Generally, for undergraduate studies, you’ll need to have passed Grade 12, and for postgraduate studies, you’ll need a relevant undergraduate qualification.
  4. If you are a SASSA grant recipient, it can improve your chances of qualifying for NSFAS funding.

How Do I Apply for NSFAS Funding?

The NSFAS application process is typically open from August to September each year.

You can apply online through the NSFAS website or visit a participating NSFAS office for assistance.

Here’s a general outline of the application steps:

  1. Gather Required Documents: Prepare all necessary documentation, including your ID document, proof of income for your household, and your latest academic results.
  2. Create an Online Profile: Register on the NSFAS website and create a user profile.
  3. Complete the Application Form: Fill out the online application form accurately and submit it along with the required documents.
  4. Track Your Application: You can track the status of your application through your online NSFAS profile.

What Documents Do I Need to Apply for NSFAS?

The exact documents required for your NSFAS application may vary slightly depending on your circumstances.

However, some general documents you’ll likely need include:

  1. Certified copy of your South African ID document (for yourself and your parents/guardian if financially dependent).
  2. Proof of income for your household (payslips, bank statements, SASSA grant documentation).
  3. Your latest academic results (Grade 11 or 12 certificate for undergraduate applications, and undergraduate qualification certificate for postgraduate applications).
  4. Proof of disability (if applicable).
  5. Marriage certificate/affidavit (if applicable).