What Is The NSFAS Application Process?

Once NSFAS applications open, many of South Africa's youth rush to get their NSFAS online application submitted on the myNSFAS student portal. 

Here's some insight into what the NSFAS application process is, including how to apply for NSFAS and what happens to your NSFAS application.

How to apply for a NSFAS bursary

1. Create a myNSFAS account via this link: https://my.nsfas.org.za/
2. Click on the ‘Apply’ tab to update your personal information
3. Upload your application supporting documents
4. Submit your application

So what happens after you submit your NSFAS application? 

The NSFAS system first checks if you are a returning student and whether you have any previous qualifications. Then, NSFAS conducts third party checks with SASSA and the Department of Home Affairs to validate the information you provided on your NSFAS application form.

After this, NSFAS goes ahead and verifies all the documents you submitted during your application. These include your Identity document, consent forms, parent or spouse's Identity documents and proof of income.

NSFAS would then go ahead and verify your household income which would be the main step in checking if you meet the NSFAS requirements.

Once those checks are done, NSFAS would then work with your education institution to check your academic results and your institution admission status to ensure that you meet the NSFAS requirements.

Thereafter, NSFAS would be receiving data from your institution to enable them to create a bursary agreement.

These past two steps are ones students stay on for a while as NSFAS has to wait for information from your chosen institution.

Following this, you will then need to sign your bursary agreement so that NSFAS can disburse your NSFAS allowances. These NSFAS allowances would be paid into your bank account if you're a University student or into your NSFAS wallet should you be a TVET College student.

NSFAS bursaries cover more than just your tuition fees. The NSFAS funding also covers your registration, accommodation, transport, books, laptops and other student needs.