How NSFAS Works for People with Disabilities

By Klnam Kurt •  Updated: 03/16/24 •  4 min read

The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) is a program run by the South African government to help students who can’t afford to pay for university NSFAS wants to live in a world where every student, no matter how much money they have, can afford a good college education. 

- ADVERTISEMENT -

To help reach this goal, NSFAS gives eligible students loans and bursaries to cover the cost of tuition, housing, and other related costs. NSFAS also offers support services like career counselling and mentorship programs to help students do well in school and in their careers. Through these programs, NSFAS is working to give South African students and the country as a whole a better future.

Can you receive a disability grant and NSFAS?

People who meet the requirements in South Africa can get disability grants and NSFAS funds. The Department of Social Development gives disability grants to people who can’t make money on their own because of a disability. 

These grants can help pay for things like basic living costs, medical bills, and devices that make life easier. 

On the other hand, NSFAS funds are given to students by the government to help them pay for higher education.

 People with disabilities can ask for special treatment and may get more money to help pay for extra costs caused by their disability. 

It’s important to remember that the eligibility requirements for grants and funds differ, and people must meet certain criteria to be eligible.

How NSFAS Works for People with Disabilities

Students in South Africa who meet the requirements for the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) are eligible to receive funding for their education. 

This includes students who have a disability. A person with a disability can visit the NSFAS website or the financial aid office at their educational institution to submit an application for funding from the NSFAS. 

They will be required to provide information about themselves, including their academic history, in addition to evidence that they are disabled. This may include a medical certificate or an assessment report on the individual’s disability.

- ADVERTISEMENT -

 After receiving the application, NSFAS will evaluate it and decide how much financial assistance the student is qualified to receive. 

How does a disabled person qualify for NSFAS funding

For a disabled student to get money from the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS), they must meet the following requirements:

Also, the student must apply for NSFAS funding during the application period and send in all the necessary documents, such as proof of income and disability. Once approved, the money can be used to pay for tuition, housing, transportation, and other costs related to school.

How much does NSFAS give to disabled students?

South Africa’s National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) helps students who qualify, including those with disabilities. Under the NSFAS disability package, a student gets an R6000 book allowance and an R20,000 meal allowance yearly. For the assistive device, they get R50,000 for the length of their studies. Then, they get an annual medical allowance of R2000. The money can be used for tuition, housing, and living costs. But the exact amount given to disabled students may change depending on their needs and circumstances.

- ADVERTISEMENT -

Keep Reading

NSFAS Allowance Payment Dates 2025

NSFAS Allowance Payment Dates 2025

NSFAS allowances are paid monthly. In the 2022 cycle, these are generally paid out in the first week of every month for 10 months. NSFAS Allowance Payment Dates

What Happens To NSFAS When You Change University?

What Happens To NSFAS When You Change University?

What Happens To NSFAS When You Change University? Should you decide to change Universities and still qualify for NSFAS, you will be able to keep your funding and continue at your new institution

How Long Does NSFAS Awaiting Evaluation Take?

How Long Does NSFAS Awaiting Evaluation Take?

How to Send Outstanding Documents to NSFAS

How to Send Outstanding Documents to NSFAS

What Does NSFAS Cover for College Students?

What Does NSFAS Cover for College Students?

This article will present full information on What NSFAS Covers for College students at South Africa technical vocational education training colleges.

2025 NSFAS Application: How to Apply for NSFAS

2025 NSFAS Application: How to Apply for NSFAS

Here’s how to apply for NSFAS. In order for you to apply for NSFAS, you first need to create a myNSFAS account on their website.

How To Create NSFAS Voucher Online

How To Create NSFAS Voucher Online

In this article, you will learn a lot about the NSFAS voucher online and the whole process of creating the voucher. 

Can NSFAS Fund A Second Degree?

Can NSFAS Fund A Second Degree?

NSFAS can funds a second degree only based on some specific selected courses and if the second degree is a professional requirement for employment.

Which courses will NSFAS fund in 2025?

Which courses will NSFAS fund in 2025?

In this article, we'll do our best to bring you all the funding answers that your frolicking heart could desire about Which courses will NSFAS fund in 2024

What is sBux NSFAS?

What is sBux NSFAS?

what is sbux nsfas? In general, the SBux by NSFAS is a system designed to distribute allowances

How to Sign NSFAS Agreement Online

How to Sign NSFAS Agreement Online

In this article, we'll provide simple instructions on how to sign NSFAS agreement online and also take a look at what happens thereafter. 

Details On How To Check Your NSFAS Status 2025

Details On How To Check Your NSFAS Status 2025

Is it mandatory to know about NSFAS and how to check your NSFAS status Students looking forward to NSFAS funding requirements can go through this detailed guide.

How Many Months Does NSFAS Give Allowance?

How Many Months Does NSFAS Give Allowance?

Students get allowances from NSFAS for ten months. NSFAS pays student allowances during the first week of each month

How Much Must you Earn to Qualify for NSFAS?

How Much Must you Earn to Qualify for NSFAS?

While reading this article, you will notice that we have answered some of your burning questions regarding How Much Must you Earn to Qualify for NSFAS?

Do NSFAS Fund Part-Time Students?

Do NSFAS Fund Part-Time Students?

Now let's get right into it and answer the big question burning in all of our brains; Do NSFAS Fund Part-Time Students