Can I Get NSFAS Without Matric

Can I Get NSFAS Without Matric

NSFAS for TVET College Students Without Matric – Full Guide:

If you are wondering whether you can access NSFAS funding without a matric certificate, the answer is yes, under certain conditions. The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) is designed to help South African citizens from low-income households pay for tuition, accommodation, and study materials at public universities and Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) colleges. While a matric certificate is generally required for university studies, you can still qualify for NSFAS if you plan to study specific programmes at a TVET college.

TVET colleges offer National Certificate (Vocational) [NC(V)] courses starting from Level 2, which only require a Grade 9 pass. They also provide N1–N3 engineering and artisan courses that accept students without matric. This means that even if you have not completed Grade 12, you can still apply for NSFAS to cover these vocational or technical qualifications. It is a practical route for anyone looking to gain skills in trades like plumbing, electrical work, or business administration.

To secure funding for the 2026 academic year, you must submit your NSFAS application before the deadline. Applications close on 15 November 2025, so it is important to apply early and ensure all supporting documents, such as your ID, proof of income, and your latest school report (even if it’s from Grade 9), are uploaded correctly.

By choosing an accredited TVET college and applying on time, you can receive financial assistance from NSFAS to build valuable skills and start a rewarding career even without a matric certificate. This makes NSFAS a crucial opportunity for individuals seeking education and training beyond the traditional high school path.

Nsfas Online Application Deadline For 2026

The NSFAS online application deadline for the 2026 academic year is 15 November 2025. If you plan to apply for funding to study at a public university or Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) college, you must complete and submit your application before this closing date. Late applications are not accepted, so it is essential to prepare early.

Below are a few key points to keep in mind:

Application period:

• NSFAS usually opens applications for various months before the deadline, giving students enough time to gather all required documents.

Required documents:

• You will need your South African ID, proof of income (or affidavits if unemployed), your latest academic results, and other supporting documents in digital format for upload.

Who can apply:

• South African citizens planning to study at a public university or TVET college who meet the NSFAS financial eligibility criteria.

Submitting your application well before 15 November 2025 helps avoid last-minute technical issues and ensures all your information is processed on time. Early preparation increases your chances of receiving funding approval for tuition, accommodation, and learning materials in 2026.

How To Get NSFAS Funding Without Matric

• Upgrade your Grade 12 scores if your matric grades will not let you receive NSFAS assistance. The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) application for your TVET or university education is best made through this route.

Will Your Matric Upgrade Be Paid For By NSFAS

• No, NSFAS will not cover your matric upgrading, nor does it fund matric students. If you want to enhance your results but don’t meet the matric requirements for NSFAS financing, you will have to pay for it out of pocket.

Why Is Matric Needed for NSFAS

• Understanding why the Matric certificate is necessary is important if you are applying for NSFAS financing. Because all students who apply for assistance must pass their final examinations to be eligible for any awards or bursaries from NSFAS, this criterion applies to all applicants.
• As a result, if you apply for NSFAS assistance without a matric certificate, your request will be refused or declined, and nothing more will be done on your behalf.

What is NSFAS?

• NSFAS is a government entity under the Department of Higher Education and Training established according to the NSFAS Act (Act 56 of 1999) to provide financial support to disadvantaged students who wish to further their studies at public universities or TVET colleges.

What does the bursary cover?

Amounts indicated for accommodation, living allowance, transport, and learning materials need to be aligned with the latest DHET guidelines:

UNIVERSITY:

• Accommodation
  As per the actual costs charged by the university (costs for private accommodation must not exceed costs for university residence)
• Transport (up to 40 km from institution) R7 500 per annum
• Living allowance R15, 000 per annum
• Book allowances R5200 per annum
• Incidental/personal care allowance R2900 per annum for students in catered residences

TVET:

• Accommodation in an urban area R24,000 per annum
• Accommodation in a peri-urban area R18,900 per annum
• Accommodation in a rural area R15,750 per annum
• Transport (up to 40 km from institution) R7,350 per annum
• Transport R7000 per annum
• Incidental/personal care allowance R2900 per annum

Who qualifies for NSFAS funding?

• All South African citizens
• All SASSA grant recipients qualify for funding
• Applicants whose combined household income is not more than R350 000 per annum
• Person with disability: Combined household income must not be more than R600 000 per annum
• Students who started studying before 2018, whose household income is not more than R122 000 per annum.

Can I Get NSFAS Without Matric

Yes, you can qualify for NSFAS funding without a traditional matric certificate, depending on the type of programme you want to study and the institution you choose. The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) funds students who enroll at public universities and Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) colleges.

Below is how it works if you do not have a matric:

TVET College Programmes:

• No matric needed: Many TVET colleges offer National Certificate (Vocational), also known as NC(V) programmes, starting at NQF Level 2, which is equivalent to Grade 9.
• You can apply with at least a Grade 9 report, and NSFAS will cover tuition, accommodation, transport, and learning materials.

Bridging or Alternative Routes:

• If you did not pass matric, you could register for courses like ABET (Adult Basic Education and Training) or skills-based programmes at TVET colleges.
• Once enrolled in an approved NSFAS-funded course, you can still get financial assistance.

Key Points to Remember:

• Deadline for 2026 funding: Applications close on 15 November 2025.
• Documents needed: South African ID, proof of income (or an affidavit), and your latest school report (Grade 9 or higher).

How Do I Apply For an NSFAS Bursary In 2026

Create a new myNSFAS account or make changes to an existing one.

• Log in to www.nsfas.org.za.
• Activate the “myNSFAS” tab.
• Choose “Register.”
• To allow NSFAS to verify your information, check the appropriate box.
• Then fill out the form with your ID number exactly as it appears on your South African Identity Document (ID)
• Using your ID number as a guide, enter your entire name and last name.
• Please enter your current email address.
• Verify the accuracy of your email.
• Type in your cell phone number.
• Choose a password.
• Check the password,
• Send the image of your ID
• Choose “Register.”
• The provided email address and mobile phone number will receive an OTP (this OTP expires after 24 hours)
• Type the OTP in and click “Submit.”
• You have now finished the re-registration process.
• Click the APPLY tab to be directed to the online application form.

Contact Nsfas

• Toll Free: 08000 67327
• info@nsfas.org.za

Not having a matric certificate does not mean your dreams of further education have to stop. NSFAS provides funding for many TVET college programmes that accept students from Grade 9 upwards, including NC(V) courses and vocational training. By preparing your documents, choosing an NSFAS-approved course, and submitting your application before the 15 November 2025 deadline, you can still receive full financial support for tuition, learning materials, and accommodation. Visit the Official website For More.

Other Link:

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