The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) continues to play a major role in empowering South African students by funding higher education. Every year, NSFAS provides financial assistance to eligible students studying at public universities and TVET colleges across the country.
If you’re planning to study in 2026 and want to know whether your institution qualifies for NSFAS funding, this guide provides a complete list of all public universities funded by NSFAS in South Africa, along with key details on application, eligibility, and benefits.
Why NSFAS Only Funds Public Universities
NSFAS funding is designed to support students from low-income and working-class families. Because it is a government bursary scheme, its resources are limited to public institutions, where tuition costs are regulated by the state.
Private universities are not included because they operate independently and charge higher tuition fees that fall outside NSFAS’ budget structure.
In short: if your institution is public, you are eligible to apply for NSFAS.
List of All Public Universities Funded by NSFAS in 2026
Below is the official list of public universities in South Africa where students can receive NSFAS funding in 2026:
1. University of Cape Town (UCT)
Renowned for academic excellence, UCT is one of Africa’s leading universities. NSFAS covers tuition, accommodation, and allowances for eligible students here.
Location: Cape Town, Western Cape
2. University of the Witwatersrand (Wits University)
Located in Johannesburg, Wits is a top research university known for engineering, medicine, and law programs.
Location: Gauteng Province
3. Stellenbosch University (SU)
A globally recognized institution, SU offers a range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs. NSFAS funding applies to all approved qualifications.
Location: Stellenbosch, Western Cape
4. University of Pretoria (UP)
One of the oldest and largest universities in South Africa. NSFAS assists qualifying students in covering tuition and living expenses.
Location: Pretoria, Gauteng
5. University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN)
With multiple campuses across Durban and Pietermaritzburg, UKZN offers excellent science, business, and medical programs.
Location: KwaZulu-Natal Province
6. University of Johannesburg (UJ)
UJ is one of the most inclusive institutions for NSFAS beneficiaries, offering access to various study fields and bursary support.
Location: Johannesburg, Gauteng
7. North-West University (NWU)
Known for its high-quality education and multi-campus system, NWU is fully NSFAS-funded for eligible students.
Location: Potchefstroom, Mahikeng, Vanderbijlpark
8. University of the Free State (UFS)
UFS supports many NSFAS students through its strong academic programs and comprehensive student services.
Location: Bloemfontein, Free State
9. University of Limpopo (UL)
A government-recognized public institution with full NSFAS coverage for qualified applicants.
Location: Limpopo Province
10. University of Venda (UNIVEN)
A fast-growing public university focused on rural development and community upliftment.
Location: Thohoyandou, Limpopo Province
11. University of Fort Hare (UFH)
One of South Africa’s oldest universities, Fort Hare is known for producing many African leaders. NSFAS fully funds approved students here.
Location: Alice, Eastern Cape
12. University of Zululand (UNIZULU)
A rural-based institution offering quality education and full NSFAS bursary coverage for eligible students.
Location: KwaDlangezwa, KwaZulu-Natal
13. Walter Sisulu University (WSU)
Serving mainly Eastern Cape students, WSU provides access to quality higher education under NSFAS funding.
Location: Mthatha, Butterworth, East London
14. Central University of Technology (CUT)
CUT offers technical and applied sciences programs and is fully NSFAS-funded for qualifying students.
Location: Bloemfontein, Free State
15. Durban University of Technology (DUT)
DUT provides a wide range of courses in engineering, business, and technology — all covered under NSFAS funding.
Location: Durban and Pietermaritzburg
16. Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT)
One of the largest public universities of technology in South Africa, offering NSFAS support to thousands of students.
Location: Cape Town, Western Cape
17. Mangosuthu University of Technology (MUT)
A respected institution that serves mainly underprivileged students. NSFAS covers tuition, meals, and accommodation here.
Location: Umlazi, KwaZulu-Natal
18. Tshwane University of Technology (TUT)
TUT has one of the highest numbers of NSFAS-funded students due to its strong focus on vocational and technical education.
Location: Pretoria, Gauteng
19. Nelson Mandela University (NMU)
Named after South Africa’s first democratic president, NMU supports a wide NSFAS student population.
Location: Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth), Eastern Cape
20. Sol Plaatje University (SPU)
One of the newest public universities in the country. NSFAS funding is available for all eligible students.
Location: Kimberley, Northern Cape
21. University of Mpumalanga (UMP)
A growing institution with modern facilities and full NSFAS funding support.
Location: Mbombela, Mpumalanga
Benefits of Studying at an NSFAS-Funded University
Full tuition coverage for all approved courses
Accommodation allowance for on-campus or accredited housing
Meal and transport allowances depending on your situation
Book and study material support each semester
Access to student mentorship, health care, and development programs
How to Apply for NSFAS Funding in 2026
If your chosen university is listed above, you can apply for NSFAS by following these steps:
Visit the official site: www.nsfas.org.za
Create or log in to your myNSFAS account
Fill out the online application form
Upload the required documents (ID, income proof, academic results, etc.)
Submit and wait for confirmation via SMS or email
Applications for NSFAS 2026 usually open around September to January, depending on the academic calendar.
Key NSFAS Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for NSFAS, applicants must:
Be a South African citizen
Be enrolled or planning to enroll at a public university or TVET college
Come from a household earning R350,000 or less per year
Have a valid ID document
Meet the academic requirements for admission
Students who are SASSA beneficiaries automatically qualify for NSFAS funding.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Does NSFAS fund private universities?
No. NSFAS only funds public universities and TVET colleges.
2. Can I transfer from one NSFAS-funded university to another?
Yes, but you must notify NSFAS immediately through your myNSFAS portal to avoid payment delays.
3. Does NSFAS cover postgraduate studies?
NSFAS primarily funds undergraduate studies. Some postgraduate courses may be funded if they are considered essential fields.
4. How long does NSFAS funding last?
Funding continues for the entire duration of your approved qualification, provided you meet academic performance requirements.