The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) has officially opened applications for Trimester 2 of the 2025 academic year. This application window is specifically for students currently studying or planning to study at a Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) college in South Africa.
To accommodate the various academic calendars of TVET colleges, NSFAS offers multiple application periods throughout the year. This ensures that students starting their programmes at different times can still access funding.
Note: University students should not apply during this cycle. Applications for university students will open later in the year.
Trimester 2 Application Dates
-
Opening Date: 12 May 2025
-
Closing Date: 23 May 2025
How To Apply for NSFAS
Follow these steps to submit your application online:
-
Go to www.nsfas.org.za and click on the 'myNSFAS' tab.
-
Create a myNSFAS account.
-
Click on the 'APPLY' tab and complete all the sections.
-
Upload all required supporting documents.
-
Click 'Submit' to finalise your application.
NSFAS has confirmed that walk-in applications at TVET colleges will not be accepted in 2025. All applications must be completed via the myNSFAS portal.
NSFAS Requirements for TVET College Students
To qualify for NSFAS Trimester 2 funding, students must:
-
Be a South African citizen.
-
Be registered or intending to register for a PLP, NC(V), or Report 191 programme.
-
Comply with the N+ Rule.
-
Not be enrolled in a qualification that duplicates previous state-funded learning.
Applicants must also meet the financial eligibility criteria:
-
Combined gross household income must not exceed R350,000 per year for a bursary.
-
For an NSFAS loan, the household income must be below R600,000 per year.
NSFAS has reminded applicants that simply creating a myNSFAS profile does not count as an application. Students must complete the full process during the correct application window for their academic term.
Watch this video for additional guidance: NSFAS Application Tips
