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. 

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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.

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 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.

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