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 2026

NSFAS Allowance Payment Dates 2026

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

NSFAS Late Application For 2026 Opening

NSFAS Late Application For 2026 Opening

Applicants looking to get the NSFAS fund will benefit from this article as we will be giving insight on NSFAS late application and the timelines involved. 

What’s The Difference Between ISFAP and NSFAS?

What’s The Difference Between ISFAP and NSFAS?

This post will review the main distinctions between ISFAP and NSFAS to assist you in choosing the one that is best for you.

NSFAS Motivational Appeal Letter Samples

NSFAS Motivational Appeal Letter Samples

Improve your chances of getting financial aid by writing a persuasive NSFAS motivational appeal letter. NSFAS Motivational Appeal Letter Samples

How Do You Know NSFAS Has Approved My Application?

How Do You Know NSFAS Has Approved My Application?

How do you know NSFAS has approved my application? This is probably the most common question asked among thousands of NSFAS-funding hopefuls

NSFAS Payment Schedule

NSFAS Payment Schedule

This article aims to provide comprehensive information on the NSFAS payment schedule for the year

Does NSFAS Require An Affidavit When Applying?

Does NSFAS Require An Affidavit When Applying?

Does NSFAS require an affidavit. Certified identity documents, payslips, and affidavits are some of the supporting documents required by the bursary

Which Postgraduate Courses does NSFAS Fund?

Which Postgraduate Courses does NSFAS Fund?

Which Postgraduate Courses does NSFAS Fund?. Today we look at this in more detail, including some other options you have.

How To Create myNSFAS Account 2026

How To Create myNSFAS Account 2026

How Do I Convert NSFAS Voucher to Cash

How Do I Convert NSFAS Voucher to Cash

How Do I Convert NSFAS Voucher to Cash. This article explains the process of converting a voucher from the NSFAS to cash.

Can I Receive the SASSA SRD Grant and NSFAS at the Same Time?

Can I Receive the SASSA SRD Grant and NSFAS at the Same Time?

This article will examine how the SRD grant and NSFAS funding are related and offer helpful advice for applying to both schemes. SASSA SRD Grant and NSFAS

How to Sign NSFAS Bursary Agreement Form

How to Sign NSFAS Bursary Agreement Form

However, as it is a funding scheme, successful applicants will be required to sign the NSFAS bursary agreement form.

List of Courses Funded By NSFAS

List of Courses Funded By NSFAS

 In this article, we will look at the list of courses funded by NSFAS and what you should know about these courses

How to Apply For Nsfas Without Matric

How to Apply For Nsfas Without Matric

Can You Apply For Nsfas Without Matric?. Keep on reading to learn if you can apply for NSFAS without matric.

Does NSFAS Fund Short Courses?

Does NSFAS Fund Short Courses?

If you want to study a short course and wonder if NSFAS will provide funds for you, then you need to keep reading.