The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) provides financial assistance to South African students from disadvantaged backgrounds, covering costs such as tuition, accommodation, and living expenses. This support is available for students pursuing higher education at public universities and TVET colleges.
As the new academic year approaches, students and their families are eagerly anticipating the announcement of the NSFAS 2025 application period.
NSFAS is set to open applications for the year 2025. The official launch will be announced by Minister Nobuhle Nkabane on Monday, 16 September 2025, at 11 AM.
In a statement released, the Department said:
The National Student Financial Aid Scheme to open funding applications for the 2025 academic year. The Minister of Higher Education and Training Dr Nobuhle Nkabane will officially launch the National Student Financial Aid Scheme’s (NSFAS’) applications season through a media briefing.
Minister Nkabane will be accompanied by the NSFAS Administrator, Mr. Freeman Nomvalo, and other senior NSFAS officials at the launch event. The Minister will also announce significant changes to the NSFAS application process, including improvements to the online application system.
"The NSFAS application system has gone through several changes and enhancements to ensure a seamless application experience for prospective applicants," said the department.
NSFAS Bursaries & Loans
The demand for NSFAS funding has been consistently high. Last year, the scheme received an overwhelming number of applications, with over 2 million students seeking financial assistance.
This surge reflects the increasing recognition of the pivotal role that higher education plays in unlocking opportunities and improving socioeconomic conditions.
Since its establishment, NSFAS has undergone significant growth, expanding its budget and reach. The scheme's impact has been profound, empowering hundreds of thousands of students to achieve their educational goals.
Today, NSFAS supports over 800,000 students across South Africa, making a tangible difference in their lives and the nation's future.
As the 2025 applications open, NSFAS is committed to ensuring that deserving students have access to the financial resources they need to succeed. The scheme's continued success hinges on the collaboration of various stakeholders, including government, universities, TVET colleges, and the broader community.
By working together, we can create a more inclusive and equitable higher education landscape for all South Africans.
