NSFAS stands for the National Student Financial Aid Scheme. It is a government-funded program that provides loans and bursaries to students who are eligible to apply for NSFAS funding. The online application and registration process for NSFAS typically opens in the latter part of the year, with the closing date usually falling in the next calendar year.
What is NSFAS?
NSFAS is an acronym for the National Student Financial Aid Scheme, which is a government-funded program designed to provide financial assistance to students in need. The scheme offers both loans and bursaries to eligible students. The NSFAS bursary scheme is available to students who require financial aid, and applications for the program typically open in the later part of the year, with the closing date falling in the next calendar year.
What Financial Support NSFAS Offers
The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) extends bursaries and financial aid to students hailing from economically disadvantaged backgrounds, covering more than just tuition fees. NSFAS also shoulders various higher education expenses, encompassing registration, accommodation, transport, and books, through its diverse allowances, meticulously outlined on the NSFAS website.
This funding is accessible to higher education students enrolled in public universities, universities of technology, or TVET colleges.
So, what are the requirements for an NSFAS application?
The paramount criterion for your NSFAS financial assistance application is that the combined gross household income should not exceed R350,000 annually. If the aggregate of household incomes surpasses this threshold, applicants become ineligible. Additionally, applicants must be South African citizens to qualify for NSFAS funding.
Typically, students initiate the NSFAS application process by submitting their applications online through the myNSFAS student portal. This platform also facilitates checking one’s NSFAS status. It’s imperative to ensure that your application is submitted before the stipulated closing date.
For comprehensive information on NSFAS bursaries, application procedures, and allowances, Michykings serves as a valuable resource. We offer a detailed guide on navigating the online application process.
How to Submit an NSFAS Online Application
When embarking on your NSFAS financial aid application journey, ensure you have internet access for the online submission process. To begin, create a myNSFAS account by clicking here. Once your account is set up, follow these steps:
- Click on the ‘APPLY’ tab and diligently fill out all the sections provided.
- Input your personal cellphone number and ID number.
- Upload necessary documents, where applicable. In 2025, supporting documents might not be required; however, instances may arise where your ID number, ID document, or birth certificate are necessary.
- After completing the application, click submit. Ensure your application is completed before the closing date.
Alternatively, you can apply by downloading the NSFAS app from the app store.
What Supporting Documents Are Necessary for NSFAS Applications?
The application process for 2025 has been simplified, requiring fewer documents. However, the following documents might be requested:
- Certified copies of your South African ID document or birth certificate
- A functioning cellphone number and contact details
- Additional documents such as a financial eligibility statement (proof of income), current email address, and spouse’s ID (if applicable)
- Occasionally, a SARS consent form may be necessary
- Upon completing these steps, your NSFAS application will be officially launched. Ensure both your application and supporting documents are submitted before the application deadline.
It’s important to note that the application periods for NSFAS and the respective university or college may not align. Therefore, we advise applicants to prioritize applying to their preferred institution before NSFAS.
READ: 2025 South African University Applications: Guides, Dates
Keep an eye out for the closing date, widely publicized, and submit all necessary documents before that deadline. Once successfully submitted to your institution, you’ll be well-positioned to apply for NSFAS.
How to Request Financial Aid from NSFAS
Generally, current and prospective students initiate their NSFAS financial assistance applications via the myNSFAS account, which serves as the official portal for NSFAS online applications. Through this platform, applicants can also track the status of their financial aid applications. We advise applicants to apply early and secure admission to their preferred university or college before the NSFAS application window opens.
What Are the Contact Details for NSFAS?
If you encounter difficulties tracking the progress of your financial aid application online, you can reach out to NSFAS via their toll-free number (08 000 67327). NSFAS representatives will assist you in verifying your identity before disclosing your application status.
When Should You Apply for NSFAS Funding?
The most convenient method is to apply online. As soon as you decide to pursue studies at a public university or one of the TVET colleges, complete the NSFAS online application form on the NSFAS portal and promptly submit your supporting documents. The annual application period typically commences around November, with the closing date falling early in the calendar year. Exact dates will be widely advertised.
Avoid delaying until after you’ve secured admission to university or college, as this will impede your NSFAS bursary funding process. NSFAS covers registration and tuition fees, along with providing an allowance.
Is NSFAS a Loan or a Bursary?
You might have heard that NSFAS used to offer student loans, but the landscape has shifted. Previously, the National Student Financial Aid Scheme provided loans to students, typically to be repaid once they graduated and entered the workforce.
However, all financial assistance provided by NSFAS to its beneficiaries nowadays is in the form of bursaries, which do not require repayment.
How Much Financial Aid Has NSFAS Distributed?
In August 2023, NSFAS management disclosed that they had disbursed a total of over R608,000,000 in allowances to nearly 358,000 students at South African universities through the new NSFAS direct payment system.
On July 31, 2023, over R600,000,000 was distributed to nearly 360,000 university students, while on July 25, 2023, over R380,000,000 was allocated to more than 98,000 students at TVET Colleges in the form of student allowances.
NSFAS Application FAQ
Who is Eligible for NSFAS Funding?
NSFAS funding targets South African citizens pursuing or intending to pursue studies at public universities or TVET colleges. Eligible candidates must hail from households with a combined gross income below R350,000 and fulfill the institution's specific admission requirements. Applications usually commence towards the year's end.
How to Apply for NSFAS?
To apply for NSFAS, access the official NSFAS website and submit your application online. Create an account, complete the NSFAS application form, and upload the necessary supporting documents.
What Expenses Does NSFAS Cover?
NSFAS support encompasses various student essentials, including tuition fees, accommodation, meals, transportation, and educational materials.
Is NSFAS a Loan or a Bursary? Since 2018, NSFAS has transitioned into a bursary program for eligible students, eliminating the need for repayment. Prior to this, it functioned as a loan system.
How to Check NSFAS Application Status?
You can monitor your NSFAS application status by logging into your account on the NSFAS website. Your NSFAS status will be accessible once logged in.
What Documents Are Required for NSFAS Application?
Typically, applicants need a copy of their ID or birth certificate, a consent form, and proof of income or social grant/pension receipts, if applicable. Additionally, parents' or guardians' IDs and proof of income are necessary.
Can Current University Students Apply for NSFAS?
Yes, students already enrolled at a university or TVET college can apply for NSFAS funding, provided they meet the eligibility criteria.
Does NSFAS Support Postgraduate Studies?
NSFAS funding is primarily directed towards undergraduate courses.