The funding provided by the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) through NSFAS bursaries enable students who can't afford the costs associated with tertiary education to achieve their academic goals and obtain a qualification.
Here's when the next round of NSFAS bursary applications will open.
Next Round Of NSFAS Applications
Recently, NSFAS closed Semester 2 NSFAS bursary applications on 26 July. Next is NSFAS applications for Trimester 3, which is only meant for TVET College students.
NSFAS will open Trimester 3 applications from 2 September 2024 and close on 20 September 2024. This would then be the final 2024 NSFAS applications to be processed.
The method of application for all 2024 remaining cycles remains the same as the one which was utilised by students to apply for NSFAS funding for the 1st cycle of 2024, meaning the students will apply for themselves online through the NSFAS website.
Once this NSFAS application period is over, NSFAS will then soon after open 2025 applications.
2025 NSFAS Applications
Minister of Higher Education and Training, Dr Nobuhle Nkabane has confirmed that 2025 NSFAS applications will open in September 2024. This was announced during the department budget vote.
The minister said work is currently underway to ensure NSFAS systems are ready for the 2025 NSFAS application period.
We are working overtime to ensure that NSFAS systems are ready for the commencement of the 2025 application season, which is scheduled to start in September this year.
She stressed the importance of efficiency within the NSFAS systems as they gear up to receive thousands of funding applications.
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.