DHET Bursary Scheme: Requirements and How to Apply

Applications for the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) Bursary Scheme for the 2026 academic year are OPEN. This bursary is administered by the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) and is the main source of government funding for students.

The closing date for 2026 applications is November 15, 2025.

This guide provides a complete overview of the DHET Bursary, what it covers, who qualifies, and how to submit your application through the myNSFAS portal.

What Is the DHET Bursary Scheme?

The DHET Bursary Scheme is the government’s program for fully subsidised, free higher education for poor and working-class South Africans.

Many students are confused about whether to apply for the “DHET Bursary” or “NSFAS.” They are the same thing. The Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) provides the funds, and NSFAS is the government entity that manages the application process and payments.

When you apply for NSFAS, you are applying for the DHET Bursary.

Are You Eligible for NSFAS Funding?

You qualify for the bursary if you meet the following criteria:

• You are a South African citizen.
• You are a SASSA grant recipient (you automatically qualify on financial grounds).
• Your combined gross household income is not more than R350,000 per year.
• You are a person with a disability, and your combined household income is not more than R600,000 per year.
• You are a student who started studying before 2018, and your household income is not more than R122,000 per year.
• You plan to study or are already studying at a public university or TVET college.

Who Should Not Apply for This Bursary?

You should not apply for NSFAS funding if you fall into these categories:

• Your combined household income is more than R350,000 per year.
• You have already completed a previous university degree or TVET college qualification.
• You are already funded by NSFAS. Funding continues automatically as long as you meet the academic requirements (pass your modules).

What the Bursary Covers for University Students

The DHET Bursary is comprehensive and covers the full cost of study. For students at a public university, this includes:

• Tuition Fees: The full amount charged by the university.
• Accommodation: The actual cost charged by the university. If you use private accommodation, the amount is capped at the same rate as a university residence.
• Living Allowance: R15,000 per year.
• Book Allowance: R5,200 per year.
• Transport: R7,500 per year, if you live up to 40 km from your campus.
• Incidental Allowance: R2,900 per year for students who are in catered residences (those that include meals).

What the Bursary Covers for TVET College Students

For students at a public TVET college, the bursary provides slightly different allowances, especially for accommodation:

• Accommodation (Urban): R24,000 per year.
• Accommodation (Peri-Urban): R18,900 per year.
• Accommodation (Rural): R15,750 per year.
• Transport: R7,350 per year, if you live up to 40 km from your campus.
• Incidental Allowance: R2,900 per year.

Step-by-Step: How to Apply for the 2026 DHET Bursary

You must apply online through the official NSFAS website. Follow these steps carefully before the November 15, 2025, deadline.

Step 1: Get Your Documents Ready

Before you start, gather all your documents. All documents must be certified copies and clear to read. This is the most important step to avoid delays. (See the full list in the section below).

Step 2: Go to the Official NSFAS Website

Open your web browser and go to the official NSFAS portal. Be careful of fake websites.

Step 3: Create Your myNSFAS Account

On the website, click the “myNSFAS” tab. If you are a new applicant, you must “Create Account.”

You will need to provide your ID number, full name, and have a valid cellphone number and email address. You will create a password for your account.

Step 4: Fill Out the Application Form

Log in to your new myNSFAS account. Click the “Apply” tab to start your application. Fill in all the required personal details, study details, and household information.

Step 5: Upload Your Documents

This is where you will upload the certified documents you gathered in Step 1. The system will ask for each document. Make sure you upload the correct file for each category.

Step 6: Submit Your Application

Review all the information you entered to make sure it is correct. Once you are sure, click “Submit.” You should receive a reference number for your application. Keep this number safe.

Documents Needed for Your NSFAS Application

You must have these documents ready to upload. If you are a SASSA grant recipient, you will not need to provide proof of income.

• A certified copy of your South African ID document (or a certified copy of your birth certificate if you are under 18).
• Certified copies of the ID documents for your parents, legal guardian, or spouse.
• Proof of income for your parents, guardian, or spouse (e.g., certified payslips, IRP5 form, or an official letter from their employer).
• If your parents are unemployed, you must provide a completed Non-SASSA Declaration Form.
• If you have a disability, you must submit a completed and signed Disability Annexure A Form.
• If you are an orphan, you must provide certified copies of the death certificates.

How to Check Your NSFAS Application Status

After you apply, you can check the progress of your application in several ways:

• Online Portal: This is the best method. Log in to your myNSFAS account and click the “Track Funding Progress” tab.
• USSD Code: Dial the NSFAS USSD code from the cellphone number you used to register.
• WhatsApp: Send a message to the NSFAS WhatsApp number.

NSFAS (DHET Bursary) Contact Details

For any questions or help with your application, use the official NSFAS contact channels.

• Official Website: www.nsfas.org.za
• Toll-Free Number: 08000 67327
• Email: info@nsfas.org.za
• Physical Address: The Halyard, 4 Christiaan Barnard Street, Cape Town City Centre, Cape Town, 8001.