The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) has now officially opened 2025 funding applications. Students and prospective students are encouraged to submit their applications early to avoid disappointment.
NSFAS provides comprehensive bursaries and student loans to deserving learners enrolled in approved courses at universities and TVET colleges. This includes money for tuition and registration fees as well as several allowances for food, accommodation and learning materials.
Annually, the scheme received more than one million funding applications from students. This is set to increase following the introduction of NSFAS loans for missing middle students.
When NSFAS 2025 Applications Will Close
NSFAS 2025 applications opened on 20 September 2024. The government bursary scheme confirmed that students will have until 15 December 2024 to submit 2025 NSFAS funding applications.
This gives students almost 3 months to submit their NSFAS applications.
NSFAS Bursary Requirements
To qualify for an NSFAS bursary, a student must be registered or intend to register in an approved qualification at a public university or TVET college in South Africa.
The household income threshold for NSFAS bursaries is R350,000 per annum. Students from homes exceeding R350,000 per annum do not qualify for NSFAS bursaries. These students can apply for NSFAS loans.
Students living with disabilities may have a household income of up to R600,000 per annum.
How To Apply For NSFAS
Step 1: Go to www.nsfas.org.za and click on the 'myNSFAS' tab.
Step 2: Create a myNSFAS account.
Step 3: Click on the 'APPLY' tab and complete the sections on the screen.
Step 4: Upload required supporting documents where applicable.
Step 5: Click on 'Submit'
Documents Needed For NSFAS Applications
- A copy of your ID or birth certificate.
- ID copies of parents/guardians/spouses (if applicable).
- Proof of income (for all household members) such as payslips, or a pension letter.
- A completed and signed consent form.
- Your latest academic results.
- Proof of your home address.
- Disability certificate (if applicable).
What Happens After You Apply For NSFAS
Following the submission of the NSFAS application, NSFAS will begin its eligibility checks to confirm that the applicant qualifies for funding. Students who fail the NSFAS bursary household income check will automatically be assessed for an NSFAS student loan.
Immediate funding decisions are made for South African Social Security Agency (Sassa) grant beneficiaries.
Once the funding decision has been made, you will either be approved for funding, be required to upload supporting documents or be declined.
Students who are rejected from NSFAS funding can submit an NSFAS appeal.
