The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) provides bursaries to both University and TVET College students but these two institutions work differently. This means that NSFAS has a range of application opening and closing dates.
Every year, NSFAS bursaries are on offer and NSFAS applications need to be done online using myNSFAS.
So when do the next round of NSFAS applications open?
TVET Colleges are now preparing for the second semester, opening TVET College applications for those wanting to study at one. NSFAS bursaries are then needed as placement and funding go hand in hand.
NSFAS applications for semester 2 will therefore open on 17 July and will be open for a period of two weeks. Applications will then close at the end of the month, on 31 July.
How will NSFAS semester 2 applications work?
Students are encouraged to apply online using the NSFAS website. Another option is to apply at a TVET College bursary office or a National Youth Development Agency (NYDA) office.
The walk-in online application platform and assistive capture application platform are also available to students. When using the walk-in online application platform students make use of the college computer lab to submit their applications, whereas college officials apply on behalf of the student through the assistive capture application platform.
Once applications have been submitted, students may track their applications using the NSFAS website.
When will NSFAS applications for universities open?
NSFAS applications for universities usually open between August and September every year and closes at the end or beginning of the next year. This would be funding for the following academic year.
These applications will only be accepted online using the NSFAS website.
So what are the NSFAS requirements?
The most important requirement is that your household income should come to R350 000 or less per year. This means that if you add up everyone’s salaries in your house for the year and it comes to over R350 000, you won’t qualify.
You also need to be registered or plan to register at one of South Africa's public institutions. Only South African citizens can apply for NSFAS funding.
What does the NSFAS bursary cover?
To start, NSFAS pays for a student's registration and tuition fees. This takes place after a student is registered.
The student will then also receive NSFAS allowances to pay for transport, accommodation, learning materials and other student needs. These NSFAS allowances differ for the type of institution the student is attending.
To find out more about the NSFAS bursary, applications and the latest changes, head to our NSFAS page.
