Your Guide to NSFAS Disability Funding for Neurodivergent Students at TVET Colleges and Public Universities in South Africa

At Eunoia Consulting, we believe that every mind is wired uniquely—and that diversity in how we think, feel, and learn is something to celebrate, not fix.

For many autistic students, the path to higher education can feel overwhelming—not because of lack of ability, but because of barriers in access, support, and understanding. That’s where the NSFAS Disability Bursary comes in: it’s not just about funding your studies—it’s about recognizing your needs, rights, and potential.

Did you know that Autism and ADHD qualifies as Neurodevelopmental Disabilities under the NSFAS Disabilities Bursary Program in South Africa?

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 in South Africa.

Who can apply?

• All South African Citizens and permanent residents.

• For a bursary: combined household income must not exceed R350 000 per annum before deductions.

• For a loan: combined household income over R350 000 and below R600 000 per annum before deductions.

• Persons with disabilities : combined household income must not exceed R600 000 per annum before deductions.

What does the funding and bursary cover?

Amounts indicated of accommodation, living allowance, transport and learning materials need to be aligned with the approved 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 an peri-urban area R18,900 per annum

• Accommodation in an 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 qualifies 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.

Disability Support

The NSFAS Disability Bursary Program provides financial support to students with disabilities who require financial aid and possess the ability to pass their academic subjects. It is intended to open opportunities in higher education, provide the necessary additional teaching and support for students to overcome learning barriers resulting from disabilities.

Disability Assistance provided:

• Meals

• Tuition

• Transport

• Accommodation

Extra support is provided to students living with disabilities, such as:

• Medical assessments

  • The assessment is limited to one assessment for the duration of the qualification and on request by the Disability Unit/Student Support.

  • R2000 once off

• Assistive devices

  • Limited to one assistive device for the duration of the qualification.

  • R50 000 once off

• Human support

  • To cover for the cost of human support such as a caregiver, guide-dog, scribe, tutor, or sign language interpreter.

  • R50 000 per year

In this guide, we’ll walk you step by step through applying at NSFAS as an autistic or ADHD student. Whether you’re navigating this process for the first time or supporting a loved one through it, know this:

👉 You deserve to study in a way that works for you.

👉 You deserve the tools and support to thrive.

👉 You are not alone on this journey.

Let’s get started.

Unlocking Opportunity: How Neurodivergent Students Can Access NSFAS Disability Funding in South Africa

The NSFAS disability funding is designed to offer financial aid for neurodivergent students and others with disabilities studying at public universities or TVET colleges in South Africa. Autism and ADHD are recognized as a neurodevelopmental disabilities under NSFAS, meaning you may qualify for full tuition, living and travel allowances, assistive devices, and even human support like tutors or scribes.

Step 1: Understand If You Qualify

1. Have a formal autism diagnosis by a registered psychologist/psychiatrist – medical report no older than 3 years is ideal.

2. Household income ≤ R600,000/year to qualify for disability support funding 

3. Be a South African citizen or permanent resident, and accepted or planning to study at a public university or TVET college 

   
   

As an autistic or ADHD person (a recognized “neurodevelopmental disability” category), you’re strongly eligible for disability support under NSFAS .

Step 2: Prepare the Required Documents

You’ll need:

• Clinical psychological report confirming Autism or ADHD diagnosis, with details on its impact on learning and daily functioning 

• Completed Disability Annexure A form, filled and signed by a registered healthcare professional or head of your institution’s disability unit 

• Standard NSFAS documents:

  • National ID

  • Proof of income for your household

  • Grade 12 certificate or provisional results

  • If under 18, social worker’s declaration, or guardian documentation 

Step 3: Create or Log into Your myNSFAS Account

• Go to the NSFAS website and create your account or log into an existing one.

• Carefully fill in all personal and household income fields.

• When prompted about disabilities, select neurodevelopmental (Autism or ADHD) and indicate intent to submit Annexure A.

  
  

Step 4: Upload & Submit Application

1. Upload supporting documents:

   • Psych report

   • Annexure A

   • Income proof

   • ID, matric certificate, and any additional required forms

2. Ensure all uploads are legible and complete—errors may delay your application 

3. Double-check every field before hitting “Submit.”

   
   

Step 5: Monitor Your Application & Respond Promptly

• Use your myNSFAS portal and email notifications to track your application status.

• NSFAS may request additional documents—submit these within 10 days to avoid delays 

Step 6: If Approved – Understand Your Support Package

NSFAS offers comprehensive disability-specific support:

• One medical assessment per qualification (up to R2,000) 

• Assistive devices package (up to R50,000 once-off), which may include AAC devices, software, noise canceling headphones, etc. 

• Human support allowance (guide, tutor, note taker, scribe, etc.) up to R50,000 per year 

Standard NSFAS coverage also includes tuition, accommodation, allowances for books, living costs, and transport.

Step 7: Work With Your Disability Support Unit

• Connect early with your institution’s Disability Unit or student support center.

• They can:

  • Validate your disability status (often assisting with Annexure A)

  • Advocate on your behalf with NSFAS and lecturers

  • Arrange assistive technologies, accommodations, or tutoring tailored to your autism.

    
    

Step 8: Appeal If Needed

• If your application is declined or partially funded, submit a formal appeal within 10 days via myNSFAS or your institution’s financial aid office 

• Attach updated psychological reports or letters from your Disability Unit supporting the necessity for additional support.

  
  

Step 9: Annual Continuation & Reassessment

• You typically don’t reapply each year; NSFAS continues support if:

  • Your income, enrolment, and academic performance remain consistent

  • Acknowledge and adhere to the yearly Bursary Agreement terms.

• If circumstances change (e.g., new diagnoses, additional assistive needs), proactively inform NSFAS and request updated assessments or funding 

  
  

Neuro-Affirming Tips for the Journey

• Visual schedules & reminders: Break tasks (like collecting documents, uploading files, scheduling assessments) into manageable, visual steps.

• Sensory-friendly planning: Prepare for environments with potential sensory overload (clinics, busy admin offices).

• Build a supportive network: Use your Disability Unit, mentors, peers, or neurodivergent communities—support is a strength, not a weakness.

• Celebrate accomplishments: Each milestone—submitting forms, receiving approval, getting devices—deserves recognition!

Summary Table: Quick-reference Steps

Step	Action
1	Confirm Autism or ADHD diagnosis; check household income (below R600 000 combined household income per annum)
2	Gather psych report, Annexure A, income & ID docs
3	Create myNSFAS account and indicate disability
4	Upload all documents and submit
5	Track status; respond to requests
6	Understand and utilize your entitlements
7	Engage with Disability Unit for tailored support
8	Appeal any denials or shortfalls promptly
9	Continue annually and update NSFAS on changes

By following these steps in a neuro-affirming way—centering clarity, mutual respect, and self-advocacy—you’ll be well-placed to access the support you deserve for academic success.

Final Thoughts

Being neurodivergent doesn't make you less capable—it means you experience, learn, and succeed in ways that are uniquely your own. With the right tools, funding, and inclusive environments, you can thrive in your studies and beyond. The NSFAS disability bursary isn’t just financial aid—it’s recognition that your needs matter and that your goals are valid.

Whether you're autistic, have ADHD, or live with another neurodevelopmental condition, you deserve access to education that works for your neuro-spicy brain—not against it.

Take the first step. Apply. Advocate. And remember: you are not alone.