The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) will provide comprehensive funding to thousands of deserving students in 2025. However, not every applicant will qualify for a bursary.
NSFAS bursaries cover tuition and registration fees, as well as allowances for food, accommodation, and learning materials, enabling students to focus on their studies without financial strain.
Who Won't Receive NSFAS Funding
Students who do not meet the NSFAS eligibility criteria will not receive funding in 2025.
A student will not qualify for NSFAS if they are not a South African citizen or permanent resident and if their household income exceeds the specified threshold. Furthermore, students who do not meet the academic requirements set by NSFAS and their institution, those enrolled in private institutions or unaccredited programmes won’t qualify for funding.
Students who receive sufficient financial aid from other sources, including loans, bursaries, or scholarships, to cover their full cost of study or allowances are generally not eligible for NSFAS funding. However, if the external aid does not fully cover the costs, NSFAS funding may be considered if the student meets all other eligibility criteria.
Individuals who have already completed one undergraduate degree are not eligible for NSFAS funding to pursue another undergraduate degree. Students who have already earned a certificate qualification are also not eligible for NSFAS funding to pursue another certificate qualification.
NSFAS funding is not available for students studying at private universities or colleges. Additionally, students enrolled in qualifications not approved by the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) are not eligible for NSFAS funding.
Any student who does not meet the general eligibility criteria set forth by NSFAS will not be considered for funding.
