The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) plays a vital role by providing comprehensive funding to deserving students from underprivileged backgrounds.
NSFAS provides comprehensive bursaries and student loans to deserving learners enrolled in approved courses at universities and TVET colleges. This funding includes money for tuition and registration fees. In addition, NSFAS-funded students receive allowances for food, accommodation and learning materials.
What NSFAS Offers
NSFAS offers a combination of bursaries and student loans to qualified students enrolled in approved programs. This funding covers tuition and registration fees, along with allowances for essential expenses like food, accommodation, and learning materials.
When to Apply for NSFAS
The application window for NSFAS funding depends on the type of institution you plan to attend: university or TVET college.
TVET College Application Dates
Since TVET colleges follow different academic calendars than universities, NSFAS has separate application periods for students enrolled in non-full-year courses. Here's a breakdown of upcoming TVET College application dates:
- Semester 2 applications open on July 9, 2024.
- Trimester 3 applications open on September 2, 2024.
University Application Dates
NSFAS has not yet confirmed when applications for university students in 2025 will open. However, applications typically open between August and November and close in January/February of the following year.
How to Apply for NSFAS
NSFAS has confirmed that the application process for the remaining application cycles in 2024 will remain the same as the first cycle. So, when applications open, students should apply through the myNSFAS portal on the NSFAS website.
NSFAS Eligibility Requirements
To be eligible for NSFAS funding, students must meet specific criteria. Here's a summary:
- Be a South African citizen.
- Be registered or planning to register for an approved program (PLP, NC(V), Report 191 for TVET Colleges, or a program at a public university).
- Comply with the N+Rule (prevents enrolling in multiple qualifications with NSFAS funding).
- Not be enrolled in a program that duplicates previous state-funded education.
- Fall within the income threshold:
- Combined gross family income must be R350,000 or less per year to qualify for a bursary.
- Combined gross family income must be R600,000 or less per year to qualify for a loan.
It's important to remember that NSFAS funding goes beyond just covering tuition fees. It provides financial assistance for various student needs, including registration, accommodation, transportation, learning materials, and more.
