Yes, NSFAS does fund eligible students studying at the University of Johannesburg (UJ).
UJ is a public university, which means qualifying undergraduate students can receive financial support through the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS).
For approved students, NSFAS funding can help cover tuition fees, registration-related costs, accommodation and student allowances, subject to NSFAS rules and funding limits. NSFAS defines the full cost of study as including registration fees, tuition, accommodation and other permitted allowances.
Here is what prospective and current UJ students need to know about NSFAS funding.
Does NSFAS Fund UJ Students?
Yes.
Students who have been accepted to study at the University of Johannesburg can qualify for NSFAS funding if they meet the relevant financial, academic and other eligibility requirements.
NSFAS funding is available to qualifying South African citizens and permanent residents who plan to study, or are already studying, at a public university or TVET college.
However, receiving an offer from UJ does not automatically mean that NSFAS will fund you.
UJ admission and NSFAS funding are separate processes.
You must be academically admitted by UJ and also receive a successful funding decision from NSFAS.
Who Qualifies for NSFAS at UJ?
For the NSFAS bursary, the standard household-income requirement for non-SASSA applicants is a combined gross household income of R350,000 or less per year.
For students with disabilities, the combined household-income threshold is generally R600,000 or less per year.
Verified SASSA grant recipients automatically meet the financial eligibility requirement for the bursary, although they must still satisfy other applicable NSFAS requirements.
Applicants must also meet NSFAS academic and progression requirements where applicable.
What Does NSFAS Cover at UJ?
NSFAS funding for qualifying university students can include several study-related expenses.
Depending on the student’s circumstances and the applicable annual funding rules, NSFAS may cover:
- Tuition fees
- Registration fees
- Accommodation
- Learning-material allowances
- Living allowances
- Transport allowances
NSFAS states that the full cost of study may include registration, tuition, accommodation and other approved study-related allowances, subject to the applicable limits.
The amounts students receive can differ depending on whether they stay in university residence, accredited private accommodation or travel from home.
Does NSFAS Pay UJ Registration Fees?
Approved NSFAS students generally do not have to pay the normal minimum registration amount themselves where their funding has been confirmed.
UJ states that first-year NSFAS-funded students do not need to pay the minimum registration amount.
This can make registration easier for qualifying students who cannot afford an upfront payment.
However, students should make sure that their NSFAS funding status has been correctly communicated to UJ.
Senior students who have outstanding debt may also have to follow additional UJ processes before they can register. UJ says affected senior students must complete its Acknowledgement of Debt process before registration.
Does NSFAS Pay for UJ Accommodation?
Yes, NSFAS can fund accommodation for qualifying UJ students, but there are important conditions.
UJ states that NSFAS does not pay for accommodation that is not accredited. Students choosing private accommodation therefore need to make sure that the property is appropriately accredited before expecting NSFAS-related accommodation payments.
Students using private accommodation may also be required to upload documents such as their lease agreement and invoice through UJ’s uLink system.
Students should never assume that any private accommodation near UJ will automatically qualify for NSFAS funding.
Does NSFAS Guarantee You a UJ Residence?
No.
Being NSFAS-funded does not automatically guarantee a room in a UJ residence.
UJ states that admission to the university does not guarantee admission to residence because accommodation depends on available space.
However, UJ’s 2026 residence admission policy says that students who have been awarded financial aid, including NSFAS-funded students, are among those prioritised for accommodation, subject to availability and other requirements.
Students who want university accommodation should therefore apply for residence as early as possible.
Do NSFAS Students Pay a Residence Registration Fee at UJ?
UJ says that students who receive a residence placement may normally be required to pay the amount stipulated in their acceptance letter before registering.
However, NSFAS-funded students are exempt from this residence-related registration charge, according to UJ’s accommodation information.
Students should still follow the instructions contained in their residence offer.
Can First-Year UJ Students Get NSFAS?
Yes.
First-year students can qualify for NSFAS at UJ if they meet the relevant requirements.
Prospective students should apply separately for:
- Admission to UJ.
- NSFAS funding.
You do not need to wait until you have physically registered at UJ before submitting an NSFAS application when the funding application period is open.
Once NSFAS and UJ exchange the necessary registration and funding information, qualifying students can have their funding linked to their university studies.
Can Returning UJ Students Continue Getting NSFAS?
Yes, returning students can continue receiving NSFAS funding if they remain eligible.
NSFAS funding is subject to academic progression requirements. Students who receive NSFAS support must meet prescribed academic criteria to remain eligible for continued funding.
Students should therefore make sure they understand the academic progression and N+ rules that apply to them.
What About Students Whose Families Earn More Than R350,000?
Students with household incomes above the NSFAS bursary threshold may still have another NSFAS option.
NSFAS operates a student loan scheme for the missing middle.
For undergraduate students, the loan scheme generally targets applicants with a combined household income of between R350,000 and R600,000 per year, subject to the applicable requirements.
Unlike the NSFAS bursary, this funding is a loan and must be repaid according to the loan conditions.
How to Apply for NSFAS for UJ
Students apply directly through NSFAS rather than submitting their funding application to UJ.
The process generally involves:
- Going to the official NSFAS website.
- Creating or logging into a myNSFAS account.
- Completing your personal information.
- Providing household-income information.
- Uploading any supporting documents requested.
- Completing the required consent process.
- Submitting the application.
- Checking your myNSFAS account regularly for updates.
NSFAS uses third-party information to verify financial eligibility, so applicants should make sure all information provided is accurate and complete.
How to Check Your NSFAS Status
Once you have submitted your application, log in to your myNSFAS account to check your application status.
Your status may change several times while NSFAS verifies information and communicates with institutions.
Do not assume you are fully funded until NSFAS has confirmed your funding decision.
UJ also advises students to monitor university communication because funded students are informed when NSFAS funding lists have been confirmed.
What If NSFAS Says Funded but UJ Does Not Reflect It?
There can sometimes be delays between the NSFAS system and university records.
If your myNSFAS profile says you are funded but UJ still shows you as self-funded or requires payment, first check your UJ uLink account and university communications.
UJ states that NSFAS funding results are finalised and funded students receive communication once the relevant list has been confirmed.
If the information still does not match, contact UJ Student Finance or NSFAS for assistance.
What If NSFAS Rejects Your Application?
Students whose applications are unsuccessful may be allowed to appeal if their rejection reason qualifies under NSFAS appeal rules.
For example, NSFAS provides appeal procedures for some applicants rejected because household-income information appears to exceed the applicable threshold, provided they can submit the required supporting evidence.
Depending on the rejection reason, documents may include:
- Proof of income
- SARS information
- Retrenchment documentation
- Termination letters
- Death certificates
- Other supporting evidence requested by NSFAS
Students should check the exact rejection reason on myNSFAS before submitting an appeal.
Can You Study at UJ Without NSFAS?
Yes.
NSFAS is only one way to fund your studies at UJ.
Students may also study using:
- Private bursaries
- Company bursaries
- Government bursaries
- Scholarships
- Student loans
- Employer sponsorship
- Personal or family funding
If you are unsuccessful with NSFAS, it is worth checking other bursaries and funding opportunities instead of abandoning your university application.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does NSFAS fund UJ students?
Yes. Eligible students at the University of Johannesburg can receive NSFAS funding.
Does NSFAS pay UJ tuition fees?
Yes. NSFAS funding can cover tuition fees for eligible students studying qualifying programmes.
Does NSFAS pay UJ registration?
Approved first-year NSFAS students at UJ do not need to pay the normal minimum registration amount themselves.
Does NSFAS fund accommodation at UJ?
Yes, qualifying students can receive accommodation funding, subject to NSFAS limits and accommodation accreditation requirements.
Does NSFAS pay for any private accommodation near UJ?
No. UJ specifically states that NSFAS does not pay for non-accredited accommodation.
Does NSFAS guarantee a UJ residence?
No. Residence space is limited, although NSFAS-funded students who have applied for accommodation are prioritised under UJ’s residence policy.
Can first-year UJ students get NSFAS?
Yes, provided they meet NSFAS eligibility requirements and are admitted to an eligible programme.
Does being accepted at UJ mean NSFAS will automatically fund me?
No. University admission and NSFAS funding are separate processes.
Can I get NSFAS if my household income is more than R350,000?
You may not qualify for the normal NSFAS bursary, but undergraduate students with household incomes between R350,000 and R600,000 may qualify for the NSFAS missing-middle student loan, subject to the scheme’s requirements.
Final Word
Yes, NSFAS funds qualifying students at the University of Johannesburg.
If you have applied or been accepted to study at UJ and need financial assistance, NSFAS can be an important source of funding.
Eligible students can receive support for tuition and registration costs as well as qualifying allowances for accommodation, transport, living expenses and learning materials.
However, admission to UJ does not automatically mean you qualify for NSFAS. You must meet the NSFAS financial and academic requirements and receive an approved funding decision.
Students planning to use NSFAS should apply as early as possible, monitor their myNSFAS and UJ uLink accounts, and ensure that any private accommodation they choose meets the required accreditation rules.