NSFAS is a government bursary that provides funding to many South African students. In order to be considered, applicants must earn a combined household income of R350 000 or less, and be completing their undergraduate qualification.
If you would like to get a hold of NSFAS, you can do so in the following ways:
NSFAS Toll Free Number
Tel: 0800 067 327
NSFAS Email Address
E-mail: Info [at] nsfas.org.za (Info[at]nsfas[dot]org[dot]za)
NSFAS Social Media
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mynsfas
Twitter: @myNSFAS
Instagram: @myNSFAS
NSFAS Contact Details - By Cellphone
Students can check their application status via WhatsApp on this number: +27 78 519 8006 or via this USSD code: *120*67327#
Prospective students qualify for a government bursary offered via the NSFAS if they come from a family with a combined household income of R350 000 per year or less.
The NSFAS bursary covers various expenses, amounts are indicated towards student accommodation, living allowance, transport and learning materials that are aligned with the approved latest DHET guidelines
The following students are encouraged to apply for NSFAS funding:
- South African citizens
- SASSA grant recipients
- Applicants with a combined household income that is not greater than R350 000 per annum
- For persons with disability: Combined household income must not be more than R600 000 per annum
The following students are advised to not apply for NSFAS funding:
- Students that have completed a previous qualification.
- Students with a combined household income of more than R350 000 per annum.
- Students who have already applied, qualified and received funding. They are automatically funded for the duration of their studies provided they pass their modules and meet the academic requirements.
- Foreign students (any student who is not a South African citizen).
All About The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS)
Before you take the time to phone and wait on hold to speak to someone, rather take the time to read through our introductory information about NSFAS bursaries and financial aid.
The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) has become the most important bursary for South Africans - with more than 1 million students in higher education benefiting.
NSFAS funding is available to students at one of the 26 public universities or 50 TVET colleges across the country, and covers the costs of tertiary education such as registration and tuition fees. This means that NSFAS bursaries are not available if you study at a private college or institution.
The NSFAS funding is available to student from working class families where the combined household income is not more than R350,000 per year. If you qualify you can submit your NSFAS application via the NSFAS website. There is a simple process to apply for NSFAS where you register with your ID number - and very few supporting documents are needed.
The bursary scheme administers funding on behalf of the national government to students in need of financial support. The goal is to help people from working class backgrounds to manage to pay the high costs of university and college fees and living expenses.
NSFAS funding is for South African citizens and you'll find full details on the official website at www.nsfas.org.za
Unfortunately even if you are living here legally from another county, if you are not a South African country you won't be able to access NSFAS funding.
Students who wish to submit NSFAS applications for bursary funding are encouraged to create their own MyNSFAS account on the MyNSFAS portal at www.nsfas.org.za
Eligible students can apply for NSFAS financial aid during the application period. The National Student Financial Aid Scheme funds students in higher education at public universities or public TVET Colleges. The NSFAS funding is available for degrees and diplomas and the benefit of a full bursary is there are no student loan repayments to worry about after you graduate.
You can fill out a NSFAS application form online, via the official NSFAS website. The student portal is called MyNsfas
Follow our step by step guide below:
How To Create A MyNsfas Portal Account:
- Visit the Nsfas website's homepage at www.nsfas.org.za
- Then click on MyNSFAS account on www nsfas org za and select ‘Create Account’
- Type in first names (as per ID number)
- Type in Surname (as per ID number)
- Type in your ID number (this will your username)
- Type in your own Email address
- Type in your own Cellphone number
- Accept terms and conditions Tick the box provided, to allow NSFAS to check the information provided (compulsory)
- Create a Password, (to protect your account)
It is important to note that only valid South African ID information will be accepted. An applicant’s South African ID number, Names and Surname have to be validated against the Department of Home Affairs database.
When students need to access their account and check their funding NSFAS status, they are required to log in first.
Here Are The Steps To Login To The MyNsfas Account:
- Go to the site, https://my.nsfas.org.za/
- Click on ‘myNsfas’ to login
- Input your username and password in the appropriate fields.
- Click on Sign In.
Tips and Advice for Using the MyNSFAS Student Portal
Now that you're familiar with the basics, let's explore some tips to ensure you make the most of your experience on the NSFAS Student Portal at www.nsfas.org.za .
It is always best to find a wifi access point to connect to the MyNsfas student portal. If you don't have wifi at home you might be able to use your school wifi to apply. Ask your teachers if you are able to do this. In many regions the local libraries or council officers have some free wifi access points available.
1. Keep your login credentials secure
Your NSFAS Student Portal account contains sensitive information, so it's crucial to keep your login credentials secure. Follow these tips: Choose a strong password that includes a combination of letters, numbers, and special characters. Avoid sharing your NSFAS login details with anyone. Regularly update your password to maintain account security.
2. Set reminders for important dates
Missing important deadlines can have a significant impact on your financial aid. To stay on top of your obligations, consider setting reminders for the following dates: Application submission deadlines Document submission deadlines Funding disbursement dates
3. Explore additional resources and support
If you encounter any issues or have specific queries regarding the MyNSFAS Student Portal, don't hesitate to seek additional resources and support.
Here are some avenues to explore:
- Visit the official NSFAS website at www nsfas org za for information.
- Contact the NSFAS helpline for personalized assistance or their social media accounts.
- Reach out to your educational institution's financial aid office for further guidance.
For more information on NSFAS or other funding opportunities visit the Bursaries Portal NSFAS section.
What Your NSFAS Application Status Means
What's the use of being told to check NSFAS application status if you don't understand what you see on the NSFAS application system?
Here's what your NSFAS bursary application status means. It's important to know what the codes mean and if you have to give any more documents to NSFAS.
- Application Submitted: This NSFAS status means that your NSFAS bursary online application has been loaded onto the NSFAS system successfully.
- Filtering: If you see this on the NSFAS portal, it means the system is checking if you are a returning student and whether you have any previous qualifications.
- Validation: NSFAS is conducting third-party checks with SASSA and the Department of Home Affairs.
- Evaluation: NSFAS is verifying all the documents you have submitted with your NSFAS applications.
- Funding Eligibility: NSFAS is verifying your household financial status that was declared in your application.
- Awaiting Academic Results/Admission: NSFAS is checking your academic results and your institution's admission status to ensure that you meet the requirements to be funded by NSFAS. Many find themselves staying on this step for a while. This is because NSFAS has to wait for information from your chosen institution.
- Awaiting Registration: NSFAS is receiving data from your institution to enable them to create a bursary agreement. This is another step students find themselves on for a while. This is because NSFAS has to wait for information from your chosen institution.
- Signing Of Agreement: At this stage, you need to sign your bursary agreement so that NSFAS can disburse your allowances.
- Payments: Your allowances are now being paid either through NSFAS mobile wallet system or through your institution. Students are advised to continue to monitor the myNSFAS portal for updates.
If you need help with your NSFAS application, you can visit your university or college's financial aid office.