At What Age Does NSFAS Stop Funding A Student?

The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) is a source of financial assistance for students who plan to pursue higher education but have no monetary support to do it. It is a program initiated by the South African government to assist students cover their educational expenses. Therefore, if students do not have the financial means to pursue education, they can apply for NSFAS.

However, remember that before applying for NSFAS, you must fulfill certain requirements to be eligible for the funds. One common question that arises is whether NSFAS imposes any age restrictions. In this guide, I will explore the age requirements of the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS).

Does NSFAS Have an Age Limit?

Perhaps you are in your late 30s or 20s, contemplating pursuing your first degree. However, you lack the financial means to do so. But do not worry; NSFAS can assist you.

So, the main concern of most people is whether there is any age limit for the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS). The simple answer is no; there is no age limit when applying for NSFAS to pursue education. NSFAS strives to assist students from disadvantaged financial backgrounds without any discrimination based on age or race.

Furthermore, there are no age restrictions, meaning individuals of any age can apply for financial support to pursue studies at any public university and Technical or Vocational Education and Training (TVET) college of their choosing, regardless of whether they are over 60. Hence, age does not matter when it comes to applying for NSFAS; there are other conditions involved.

NSFAS acknowledges the importance of education and understands that individuals pursue higher education at diverse stages of life. Consequently, mature students are not automatically excluded from NSFAS funding.

While NSFAS does not officially impose an age limit for applicants, it is important to note that this program mainly assists financially disadvantaged young people entering higher education for the first time. Nevertheless, mature students, including those over 40, are not excluded from accessing NSFAS funding.

NSFAS Requirements

To be eligible for NSFAS, the applicants must fulfill certain criteria. Primarily, they must be a South African citizen. Additionally, the applicants must possess a South African birth certificate, ID copy, or passport to be considered for financial assistance.

Furthermore, recipients receiving SASSA grants can also apply for NSFAS funding. The applicants must also demonstrate that they belong to a family with a total annual household income of less than R350 000. However, for applicants with disabilities, the combined household income should not exceed R600,000 per year.

NSFAS Guidelines 2024

NSFAS has a strict eligibility policy where it tests all individuals against its preset criteria. This is why it is better to assess the recent NSFAS Guidelines 2024 before you submit the application. Here is everything you need to know about who qualifies for the funding under what circumstances.

Who Qualifies for NSFAS Funding?

Here are the general criteria to qualify for the NSFAS funding.

• You must be a South African citizen.
• You must be studying or intend to study at a public-sector university or TVET college.
• You must be studying toward an undergraduate or graduate qualification.
• You must be a SASSA grant recipient.
• You must have passed Grade 12.
• You must have a combined household income of less than R350,000 per annum. The combined household income for disabled students is R600,000 per year.

TVET Funding Conditions

If you are a TVET college student and enrolled in an occupational program, only your tuition fees will be covered for the duration of the course.

Students with Disabilities

Students with disabilities are required to do the following.

• Submit a detailed medical report assessed by a medical professional (registered with the Council of South Africa).
• Any chronic condition will only be considered after a full medical evaluation.

University-Specific Guidelines

If you are applying for university funding, here are a few things you must consider.

• You must be studying toward an undergraduate qualification.
• If you have already studied at a university and obtained a qualification prior to the application, you are not eligible for NSFAS.
• Any funding received by a senior university student before 2018 will follow the conditions of the loan agreements already signed.
• You must reapply for funding under the new guidelines.

Discontinuation of Funding

NSFAS has the right to cease your financial aid under the following circumstances.

• You no longer meet the financial or academic eligibility requirements.
• You have committed fraud against NSFAS.
• You were funded in error.
• You have provided incorrect information in the application.
• You have dual registration records from different institutions.

In conclusion, applicants can apply for NSFAS funding regardless of age. NSFAS has no restrictions regarding the age limit, so you can apply for it even if you are 60. However, the applicants must satisfy other requirements of NSFAS to receive funding.