The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) is a government bursary which provides financial support to disadvantaged students, who wish to study at public universities or TVET colleges.
It is the most sought after tertiary funding in South Africa because it covers the costs of registration, tuition and provides students with various allowances. These allowances cover transport, living expenses and learning materials.
They also cover the cost of on-campus and private accommodation for students who live far from the universities which they are registered at.
Students who were funded by the NSFAS loan before the president’s announcement of free education in December 2017 need to repay the loaned amount as per the signed loan agreement form.
Those who started funding with NSFAS in 2018 and thereafter do not have to repay the funds to NSFAS as they are funded by the NSFAS bursary scheme.
Each year the process to apply for a NSFAS bursary changes as they try to make it easier for prospective applicants to apply.
Applicants can now apply online for NSFAS funding.
How To Apply
- Register on myNSFAS
- Click on the ‘APPLY’ tab
- Complete the sections on the screen by providing the required information
- Upload required supporting documents where applicable
- Click on ‘Submit’
The following documents should be submitted online:
- All applicants must provide a copy of ID. A temporary ID issued by the Department of Home Affairs will be accepted
- Non-SASSA applicants must provide ID copies of parent/s, legal guardian/guardian or spouse
- Smart ID cards: a copy with both sides of the smart ID must be provided
- Proof of income: applicant and/or parents/legal guardian/spouse (where applicable (non-SASSA) should provide latest payslip not older 3 months, UIF letter, appointment letter, retrenchment letter (applicant and/or parent(s), legal guardian/spouse)
- Person with disabilities: to complete Disability Annexure A form.
If you do not have internet access or access to a cellphone or computer then you can visit your nearest National Youth Development Agency Centre, Thusong Centre or the NSFAS walk-in centre. You will then receive assistance from a NSFAS representative.
These application centres aim to assist applicants who do not have access to the internet and those who are living in rural areas.
You must meet the following requirements in order to qualify for the NSFAS bursary:
- Must be a South African citizen.
- Can be a SASSA grant recipient.
- Applicants whose combined household income is not more than R350 000 per annum.
- Persons with a disability whose combined household income is not more than R600 000 per annum.
- Applicants who first registered at university before 2018 whose household income is not more than R122 000 per annum.
Visit the NSFAS website for more information.
