The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) is offering bursaries and loans to help South African students cover their higher education expenses. Applications for the 2025 academic year are now open.
This NSFAS application period is available for applications for both bursaries and loans. The NSFAS application for 2025 period will close on 15 December 2024.
What You Need to Apply
To apply for NSFAS, you'll need the following:
- Your own cell phone number and email address
- A copy of your ID or birth certificate
- Additional documents may be required depending on your circumstances
- myNSFAS account
I urge students to provide accurate information, particularly parental information when applying for NSFAS.
Applying for NSFAS
- Visit the NSFAS website.
- Create a myNSFAS account.
- Click on the "Apply" tab.
- Complete the online application form.
- Upload required supporting documents.
- Submit your application.
Applying for NSFAS funding is free, never agree to pay anyone to help you with the application. All applications are handled equally and there is no fee required to FastTrack the process.
Checking Your NSFAS Application Status
- Log in to your myNSFAS account.
- Go to the "Track funding progress" section.
- View your application status.
NSFAS Funding Eligibility
To qualify for an NSFAS bursary, your household income must be below R350,000 per annum. Students from households with incomes exceeding this threshold may be eligible for NSFAS loans.
Students with disabilities may have a higher income limit of R600,000.
NSFAS Funding Decisions
- Eligibility checks: NSFAS will review your application to determine if you meet the eligibility criteria.
- Funding decisions: You'll receive a notification about whether your application has been approved, requires additional documents, or has been declined.
- Appeals: If your application is declined, you can submit an appeal.
