The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) has opened applications for 2025, with thousands of students already applying for financial aid. However, the scheme has issued a warning to students about the application process.
NSFAS offers comprehensive bursaries and student loans to deserving learners enrolled in approved courses at universities and TVET colleges. These bursaries cover tuition and registration fees, as well as several allowances for food, accommodation, and learning materials.
NSFAS 2025 Application Warning Issued
NSFAS has alerted students to the danger of applying through websites other than the official myNSFAS platform. The scheme identified a fraudulent website posing as NSFAS and facilitating fake applications.
We urge applicants not to click or make use of this URL link to avoid their accounts being defrauded. Please only use www.nsfas.org.za for all NSFAS application-related matters.
The scheme strongly advises students to avoid these fake sites and only use the official platform for applications.
How To Apply for NSFAS
To apply for NSFAS funding, follow these steps:
- Visit myNSFAS by accessing the NSFAS website and create a myNSFAS account.
- Click "Apply" and complete the online application form.
- Upload all required supporting documents (such as ID, proof of income, academic results, etc.).
- Submit your application and wait for a response.
NSFAS Application Deadline
The deadline for submitting NSFAS funding applications for 2025 is 15 December 2024.
NSFAS 2025 Applications Update
In the first week of the 2025 application period, NSFAS received more than 200,000 bursary applications. Notably, 202,044 applicants have already been provisionally approved for funding in 2025.
Provisionally funded applicants received funding decisions due to their status as a South Africa Social Security Agency (Sassa) grant beneficiary. Sassa grant beneficiaries automatically qualify for NSFAS funding due to their household income falling within NSFAS requirements.
When NSFAS Will Make Funding Decisions
NSFAS will prioritise immediate funding decisions for Sassa recipients and first-time applicants. The scheme aims to finalise all funding decisions by 31 December 2024.
