Rhodes University NSFAS Applications and Requirements

Students planning to study at Rhodes University and needing financial assistance can apply for funding through the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS). NSFAS provides financial support to qualifying South African students studying at public higher education institutions, subject to the applicable funding rules and eligibility requirements.

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Rhodes University has a dedicated financial aid service for students who require assistance with NSFAS and other forms of student funding.

What Is NSFAS?

The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) is a South African government-funded student financial aid programme designed to help eligible students from financially disadvantaged households access higher education.

For students who qualify, NSFAS funding can contribute towards approved study and student-related costs. Rhodes University confirms that NSFAS funding can cover tuition, accommodation and learning materials, subject to the applicable NSFAS rules.

Rhodes University NSFAS Applications

Students who want NSFAS funding for study at Rhodes University must apply through the official NSFAS application system.

For the 2027 academic year, NSFAS applications opened on 18 September 2026 and are scheduled to close on 31 October 2026 at 23:59 South African time. NSFAS states that applying is free.

Applicants should not wait until the closing date. Submitting an application early gives applicants more time to correct mistakes, provide missing documents or respond to requests from NSFAS.

Apply for NSFAS funding

Who Can Apply for NSFAS at Rhodes University?

NSFAS states that South African citizens and permanent residents who plan to study, or are already studying, at a public university or TVET college can apply, provided they meet the applicable funding requirements.

Rhodes University's NSFAS information states that the DHET bursary scheme is available to South African citizens and permanent residents who meet the prescribed eligibility criteria.

Household Income Requirements

For the NSFAS bursary, the current income thresholds include:

• Non-SASSA applicants: gross combined household income of R350,000 or less per year.
• Applicants with disabilities: gross combined household income of R600,000 or less per year.
• Verified SASSA grant recipients: automatically meet the NSFAS financial requirement, subject to the other applicable requirements.

Meeting the income threshold does not automatically guarantee funding. NSFAS also considers other eligibility requirements, the applicant's qualification and the application and verification process.

What Documents Are Needed?

Applicants should prepare their supporting documents before starting the NSFAS application.

NSFAS currently requires applicants to complete and submit a signed consent form so that their information can be verified against relevant third-party data sources.

Depending on the applicant's circumstances, additional documentation may be required.

Common NSFAS Supporting Documents

Applicants may need:

• A signed NSFAS consent form.
• A declaration form where applicable.
• Supporting documents relating to disability, where applicable.
• Other documents requested by NSFAS during the application or verification process.

NSFAS advises applicants to upload clear, readable copies of their documents and to make sure all required information is complete before submitting the application.

How to Apply for Rhodes University NSFAS Funding

The application process can be completed online through myNSFAS.

Step 1: Create or Access Your myNSFAS Account

Applicants should create a myNSFAS profile using their correct personal details. Students who already have an account should sign in rather than creating a second account.

Step 2: Complete Your Personal Information

Provide accurate information, including your identity and contact details, and select the appropriate institution information.

Your details should correspond with your official identity documents.

Step 3: Provide Household Information

NSFAS requires information about the applicant's household and income so that financial eligibility can be assessed.

Step 4: Complete the Consent Requirements

Applicants must provide the required consent to allow NSFAS to verify information with relevant government and third-party sources. NSFAS warns that an incomplete or unsigned consent form can prevent the application from being assessed.

Step 5: Upload Supporting Documents

Upload the documents requested by NSFAS. Applicants should ensure that documents are clear and readable.

Step 6: Check and Submit

Before submitting, carefully check the application for errors.

Once the application has been submitted, applicants should keep their NSFAS application reference number.

Step 7: Track Your Application

Students can use their myNSFAS account to monitor the progress of their application and see whether NSFAS requires additional information.

What Does NSFAS Cover at Rhodes University?

For qualifying students, NSFAS funding can assist with approved costs.

Rhodes University states that NSFAS funding covers:

• Tuition
• Accommodation
• Learning materials

The university's NSFAS information also refers to accommodation, food and book allowances, with the actual allocation determined according to the prevailing NSFAS eligibility criteria and conditions.

NSFAS's current information explains that funding can include tuition and registration, accommodation or transport where applicable, learning materials and a personal care allowance, depending on the institution, qualification and living arrangements.

What NSFAS Does Not Cover

Students should remember that NSFAS funding does not necessarily cover every expense associated with university life.

Rhodes University's student fees FAQ states that NSFAS does not cover items such as societies, clubs, replacement student cards, handouts, certain accommodation costs, supplementary examination fees, printing charges and other extras.

Students should therefore budget for costs that fall outside the approved NSFAS funding categories.

NSFAS Loan Option

Students who do not qualify for the NSFAS bursary because their household income is above the bursary threshold may potentially qualify for the NSFAS student loan, depending on the applicable rules.

Rhodes University's NSFAS page notes that the student loan was introduced for students with combined household income above the R350,000 bursary threshold and below R600,000, for approved courses. It also states that the loan is available to undergraduate and honours students at public institutions, subject to the relevant requirements.

Applicants should check the latest NSFAS rules because funding categories, approved programmes and eligibility requirements can change.

Rhodes University Admission and NSFAS Funding

Students should understand that applying for NSFAS funding is separate from applying for admission to Rhodes University.

You must follow Rhodes University's admission process if you want to study at the university. Meeting the NSFAS financial requirements does not by itself mean that you have been admitted to Rhodes University.

Rhodes University's 2026 calendar states that the standard undergraduate admission requirement is a National Senior Certificate with endorsement for degree studies, with each faculty having its own minimum admission requirements.

Students should therefore complete both processes where applicable:

1. Apply for admission to Rhodes University.
2. Apply for NSFAS funding.
3. Monitor the admission outcome.
4. Monitor the NSFAS funding outcome.
5. Complete registration requirements if accepted and funded.

How to Check Your NSFAS Application Status

After submitting an application, students should regularly check their myNSFAS account.

The NSFAS application journey includes stages such as:

• Application
• Verification
• Documents
• Eligibility
• Registration
• Funding
• Allowances
• Support or appeals

Applicants may be asked to provide additional information if documents are missing or cannot be verified.

Students should keep their contact details up to date and monitor their NSFAS account for important notifications.

Rhodes University Financial Aid Contact Details

Rhodes University has an Undergraduate Financial Aid Office to assist with undergraduate student funding enquiries.

Undergraduate Financial Aid Office

• Telephone: 046 603 8248
• Email: [email protected]
• Location: Eden Grove
• Postal address: P.O. Box 94, Makhanda (Grahamstown), 6140, Eastern Cape

For postgraduate funding enquiries, Rhodes University provides separate postgraduate financial aid contacts.

Important Tips for NSFAS Applicants

Students applying for NSFAS funding at Rhodes University should:

• Apply before the NSFAS closing date.
• Use the official NSFAS website.
• Make sure their personal information is correct.
• Provide accurate household-income information.
• Complete and sign the required consent form.
• Upload clear supporting documents.
• Keep their NSFAS reference number safe.
• Regularly check myNSFAS for updates.
• Respond promptly if NSFAS requests additional documents.
• Remember that NSFAS funding is subject to eligibility and verification.
• Confirm university admission separately from NSFAS funding.

Rhodes University students who require financial assistance can apply for NSFAS funding if they meet the applicable requirements. The current NSFAS bursary framework includes an income threshold of R350,000 for non-SASSA applicants, while verified SASSA recipients automatically meet the financial requirement and applicants with disabilities have a R600,000 threshold.

For the 2027 academic year, NSFAS applications opened on 18 September 2026 and close on 31 October 2026. Students interested in funding should submit their applications as early as possible and monitor their myNSFAS accounts throughout the process.

For official information, visit the Rhodes University NSFAS page and the NSFAS application page.