NSFAS 2025 Applications are officially open!!
NSFAS 2025 Applications are officially open!!
National Student Financial Aid Scheme
The NSFAS bursary is open to all South African citizens and permanent residents with a combined household income of not more than R350 000 per annum. For persons living with disabilities, the combined household income is capped at R600 000 per annum.
What does the funding cover?
The Bursary
The funding covers the cost of the following:
- Registration
- Tuition Fees and learning materials
- Living allowance
- Personal care allowance
- Transport or Accommodation
Student Loan
The funding covers the cost of the following:
- Transport or Accommodation
- Learning Material
- Accommodation
Living/Personal and Transport allowances are not part of the loan scheme funding.
Who can apply?
All South African Citizens and permanent residents.
For a bursary: combined household income must not exceed R350 000 per annum.
For a loan: combined household income over R350 000 and below R600 000 per annum.
Persons with disabilities: combined household income must not exceed R600 000 per annum.
Who must re-apply
Returning and University Students that moves through the NSFAS academic pathways must re-apply and meet the continuing student academic eligibility requirements.
Students who change institution types example shift from TVET to University or vice versa must reapply for funding.
Students who deregister or drop out during an academic term and wish to resume their studies in future academic terms, must reapply during the normal NSFAS application period.
Who can apply for an NSFAS loan?
Is open to both under and post-graduate programmes.
Funding is split between 70% STEM programmes and 30% Humanities/Social programmes.
A student who has achieved a certificate qualification and wants to study a second certificate qualification.
The income threshold is aboveR350 000 and not exceeding R600 000 per annum.
Students are to maintain a 60% pass rate for continued funding.
Academic performance above 70% throughout the programme, entitles a student to a 50% bursary conversion.
What supporting documents will be required when applying?
NSFAS requires personal information from agencies relating to the employment status and level of income of the parents or guardians/spouse of the applicant.
1. NSFAS Declaration Form is completed by the Principal of the School or the Social Worker. (Non-SASSA only).
2. The Orphan and Vulnerable Child Declaration Form (for applicants under 18 years) is completed by the Social Worker. (Non-SASSA only).
3. The NSFAS Consent form is completed by the applicant and/or parent/s, guardian, or spouse. SASSA recipients do not require this form. (Non-SASSA only).
3. If an applicant has indicated that they have a Legal guardian, they must provide proof of guardianship issued by the Court.
4. Guardianship (not court-appointed) applicant to provide NSFAS declaration form.
5. Disability Annexure Form: The form must be filled out by a certified, duly registered medical doctor or another suitably qualified professional (such as an optometrist, physiotherapist, or head of the disability unit), who may confirm the student’s status as disabled and specify the kind of support the student needs as well as how the student would benefit from the suggested support.
Who can not apply?
- Students who have received 100% study funding from non-NSFAS sources.
- A student who already has obtained an undergraduate qualification and wants to study for a second undergraduate qualification.
- A student who has achieved a certificate qualification and wants to study for a second certificate qualification.
- Students studying at a private institution.
- Students enrolled for qualifications not approved by DHET or SAQA-accredited
How to Apply
1. Visit our website: www.nsfas.org.za
2. Create a myNSFAS profile
3. Complete all required information
4. Submit your application
- Toll Free: 08000 67327 | info@nsfas.org.za
Applications will close on 15 December 2024