SASSA Grant Eligibility for NSFAS-Funded Students
NSFAS-funded students are generally not eligible for SRD R370 or other social grants, because NSFAS already covers living allowances. However, if your NSFAS funding has been cancelled or completed, you may qualify. Understanding the rules — and what documentation you need — can save you months of frustration.
SASSA and NSFAS serve different purposes. NSFAS covers education costs (tuition, accommodation, transport, and living allowances), while SASSA grants address basic living expenses. The government's position is that NSFAS-funded students should not receive both because their education-related living costs are already subsidised. However, former NSFAS recipients may qualify for SASSA after their studies end.
Real-Life Scenario
Sipho graduated from the University of Cape Town in December 2025 with a degree funded by NSFAS. After graduating, he applied for the SRD R370 grant but was declined because SASSA's database still showed him as 'NSFAS Funded'. Sipho requested a NSFAS completion letter from the myNSFAS portal, filed an appeal on the ITSAA portal, and was approved 3 months later. This guide explains exactly what Sipho — and any former NSFAS student — needs to do to prove their funding has ended.
NSFAS Impact on Grant Eligibility
| Your NSFAS Status | SRD R370 Eligibility | What You Need to Do |
|---|---|---|
| Active NSFAS student | Not eligible | Wait until funding ends. Cannot receive both. |
| NSFAS completed (graduated) | Eligible after funding ends | Get NSFAS completion letter. Apply for SRD R370. |
| NSFAS cancelled (dropped out) | Eligible after cancellation | Get NSFAS cancellation letter. Appeal if database still shows active. |
| NSFAS incorrectly showing active | Eligible (appeal required) | File appeal with proof of non-funding. |
Key Points
- Active NSFAS recipients are excluded from all SASSA grants for the full academic year
- If your NSFAS was cancelled, you need a cancellation letter from NSFAS
- If you completed your studies, you need a completion certificate or academic transcript
- Even during vacation months, you are considered NSFAS-funded for the full academic year
- SASSA's database may still show you as NSFAS-funded even after your funding has ended
Required Documents
- Valid South African ID
- NSFAS cancellation or completion letter from the myNSFAS portal
- Academic transcript or graduation certificate (if studies completed)(optional)
- Unemployment affidavit (if applicable)(optional)
- Last 3 months bank statements(optional)
Step-by-Step Process
Confirm your NSFAS status
Log into the myNSFAS portal at www.nsfas.org.za and check your current funding status. Take a screenshot.
Get proof of non-funding
If your funding has ended, request a NSFAS cancellation or completion letter from the myNSFAS portal. This can take 5-10 business days.
Wait for database update
NSFAS sends updates to SASSA's database periodically. If your status still shows active after 2 weeks, you will need to appeal.
Apply for SRD R370
Go to srd.sassa.gov.za and apply. Attach your NSFAS letter if the system allows.
Appeal if incorrectly declined
If SASSA declines you saying you are NSFAS-funded, appeal on the ITSAA portal and upload your NSFAS cancellation/completion letter.
Important
You cannot receive NSFAS and a SASSA grant in the same month — even if your NSFAS allowance is delayed or you are not actively studying. If you are registered for the academic year, you are excluded for the full year, including vacation months.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Applying for SASSA while still registered as an active NSFAS student — your application will be automatically declined
- Waiting too long to get your NSFAS cancellation letter — request it immediately after your studies end or your funding is cancelled
- Not appealing a 'NSFAS Funded' decline — this is a database error that can be fixed with the right documentation
- Assuming vacation months are treated as 'not funded' — you are excluded for the full academic year
I finished my degree but SASSA says I am still funded by NSFAS. Why?
NSFAS databases are not always updated immediately. Upload your graduation certificate or academic transcript along with a NSFAS completion letter to trigger the database update. Then appeal the decline.
Can I get a SASSA grant during my NSFAS-funded vacation?
No. If you are registered as an active NSFAS student, you are excluded from SASSA grants for the full academic year, including vacation months.
Do I need to appeal every month if NSFAS is still showing?
Yes. You must appeal for each declined month individually. However, once you submit proof of non-funding, subsequent months should be approved automatically.
How long does it take for NSFAS to update the SASSA database?
NSFAS sends batch updates to SASSA periodically. It can take 2-6 weeks for your status to be updated. If it takes longer, file an appeal with your supporting documents.
Can I get the Child Support Grant if I am a NSFAS-funded student with a child?
Yes. The Child Support Grant is for the child, not the student. Being NSFAS-funded does not disqualify you from receiving the Child Support Grant as a parent.
Related Guides
Can Students Get SASSA?
General student eligibility guide
Appeal After NSFAS Decline
How to appeal a NSFAS-related decline
SRD R370 Grant Guide
Full details on the R370 grant
SASSA for Unemployed Graduates
Options after graduation
Need Official Assistance?
This is an independent informational resource. For official services — checking your grant status, updating your details, or submitting an appeal — please use the official SASSA portals directly: