Does NSFAS Fund 40-Year-Olds 2025
Does NSFAS Fund 40-Year-Olds 2025: How Does NSFAS Work
In South Africa, the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) is vital in helping students who experience financial obstacles to pursue higher education. The mission of NSFAS is to uplift underprivileged people by preventing financial limitations from impeding their desire to pursue academic goals. The age restriction for NSFAS financing, however, is frequently unclear.
This article will clarify the eligibility requirements and investigate whether 40-year-olds are eligible for NSFAS grants.
SEE ALSO: NSFAS Supporting Documents 2025-2026
Does NSFAS Fund 40-Year-Olds?
YES. NSFAS funds 40-year-olds. NSFAS understands that people seek higher education at various stages in their lives. As a result, mature students are not automatically denied NSFAS funding.
Although the NSFAS does not officially set an age limit for applicants, it is essential to point out that the program is primarily aimed at young financially disadvantaged persons who are enrolling for the first time in higher education. However, this does not exclude mature students, even those above the age of 40, from receiving NSFAS funding.
Eligibility Criteria For 40-Year-Old Applicants
While there is no longer a rigid age restriction, 40 and older applicants still need to meet certain requirements to be eligible for NSFAS financing. The following criteria must be met by all applicants, regardless of age:
- South African citizenship or permanent residency.
- SASSA grant recipients
- Applicants whose combined gross household income is not more than R350 000 per year
- Persons with disabilities whose combined gross household income is not more than R600 000 per year.
- Must have an email account and cell phone number.
How To Apply For NSFAS
To apply for NSFAS funding, interested individuals should follow these steps:
- Create a profile:
Create a myNSFAS account via this link: https://my.nsfas.org.za/ or download the NSFAS App on Google Play or App Store. Your ID number will be your username.
- Apply now:
Click on the “Apply’ tab to update your personal information and upload your application supporting documents, as indicated.
- Complete:
Submit your application.
Required Documents To Apply For NSFAS
NSFAS Applicants are required to upload the following documents to apply;
Students with disabilities must provide:
- A completed and signed Disability Annexure A Form
Students recognised as vulnerable children must provide:
- An applicant who is recognised as a vulnerable child by the Department of Social Development must provide and Vulnerable Child Declaration form completed by a social worker
Other documents that may be required, if applicable:
- Retrenchment letter
- Death certificate/s
- Divorce Decree
- Proof of legal guardianship
- Marriage certificate
- other documents may be required for appeal purposes,….eg retrenchment letter.
READ MORE: What NSFAS Appeal 2025-2026
NSFAS Contact Information
Website: www.nsfas.org.za
Email: info@nsfas.org.za
South African students: 0860 067 327
International students: +27 21 763 3232
Physical Address: 10 Brodie Road, Wynberg, Cape Town, South Africa, 7700
Postal Address: Private Bag X1, Plumstead, Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa, 7801
Although NSFAS generally targets younger students, it is important to note that age alone does not preclude anyone from receiving financial aid for higher education. Mature students, especially those over 40, can apply for NSFAS support if they meet the eligibility criteria, demonstrate financial need, and meet the academic requirements. Visit the NSFAS Official website here. Hope the provided information is helpful, kindly leave a comment below in the comment section.
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