CUT | National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS)

Please note: the information shared on this webpage is that of the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) and does not belong to the Central University of Technology, Free State. The information is shared to assist prospective and current students. The University does not take responsibility for the communication.

Who is NSFAS?

The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) is a public entity reporting to the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET). It provides financial assistance in the form of study bursaries to qualifying students who plan to study at Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) colleges and public universities.

NSFAS eligibility criteria and funding conditions

The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) has officially released the following approved documents:

2025–2027 Funding Conditions and Criteria for Financial Aid Bursaries (PDF) | 14 January 2025
2025 Funding Conditions and Criteria for Financial Aid Loan Scheme (PDF) | 14 January 2025

These documents provide clear guidance on the qualifying criteria for NSFAS bursary funding and loan products. They serve as a resource for both institutions and students to better understand the requirements for accessing financial aid.

Transport Allowance

NSFAS-funded students who live at home and do not receive an accommodation allowance are eligible for a transport allowance. Students must choose between the transport allowance and the rental allowance, as both cannot be awarded simultaneously.

Note the following:
1. Only students not staying at a private accommodation or CUT Residences may apply.
2. Students may not change from transport to accommodation and from accommodation to transport in one academic year.

Closing date: 20 March 2026

Complete the form NSFAS Transport Allowance (PDF) | 17 February 2026