2025 National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) applications opened on 20 September 2024. In little more than a month, more than 430,000 individuals applied for funding from the government bursary scheme.
NSFAS provides comprehensive bursaries and student loans to deserving learners enrolled in approved courses at universities and Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) colleges. Funding includes tuition and registration fees as well as several allowances for food, accommodation, and learning materials.
Of the 430,366 applications received by NSFAS for the 2025 academic year, 106,502 are awaiting evaluation, 7,136 have been withdrawn, and 3,934 have been unsuccessful.
NSFAS confirmed provisional funding for 319,900 applicants. Provisionally funded applicants receive immediate funding decisions due to their status as a South Africa Social Security Agency (Sassa) grant beneficiary.
Sassa grant beneficiaries automatically qualify for NSFAS funding due to their household income falling within NSFAS requirements.
Guide For NSFAS 2025 Applications
NSFAS emphasises that non-Sassa grant beneficiaries are required to submit a NSFAS consent form. This form grants NSFAS permission to obtain information from third parties, such as the South African Revenue Service (SARS), to assess financial need.
Failure to submit the consent form can delay the confirmation of funding.
Please note that NSFAS consent form is compulsory for all non-SASSA beneficiaries.
NSFAS has also encouraged prospective applicants from Grades 9 to 12 to apply early without waiting for final results.
NSFAS calls upon prospective applicants who are currently in Grade 9, 10, 11 and 12 not to wait for their final results or for the closing date before they submit their application.
When 2025 NSFAS Applications Close
The 2025 NSFAS application period is set to close on 15 December 2024. This gives applicants just over 50 days to submit NSFAS applications.
The application window is scheduled to remain open until the 15th of December 2024, allowing ample time for applicants to carefully prepare and submit their applications while ensuring that they meet the requirements and provide the correct required documentation for thorough evaluation.
