To make higher education more accessible, the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) has confirmed its funding for assistive devices for students with disabilities in 2025.
What’s Covered?
NSFAS will provide funding for assistive devices, including those for physical disabilities, visual impairments, hearing impairments, and learning disabilities. Examples of covered devices include wheelchairs, hearing aids, and Braille displays.
Human Support Also Funded
In addition to assistive devices, NSFAS will also provide funding for human support, such as guide dogs, scribes, and sign language interpreters. Students will be responsible for appointing their carers, who can be chosen from a pool of institution-provided carers or selected by the students.
Eligibility and Application
To be eligible for funding, students must apply and meet specific criteria outlined in the NSFAS policy. Funding is not automatic; students must provide proper documentation to support their application.
Institutional Support
Institutions can provide carers to multiple students, and students can opt-in to shared arrangements for a full academic year. NSFAS will cover the cost of the shared carer up to the individual student allowance cap.
NSFAS Commitment
“Students who NSFAS currently funds will be eligible for Disability bursary funding if, during their studies, they become permanently disabled,” said NSFAS.
NSFAS is committed to making higher education more accessible and inclusive for students with disabilities.