NSFAS

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NSFAS is the National Student Financial - Aid Scheme which is a government bursary fund for students who are assisted through the NSFAS funding programme. 

What Are The Requirements For Students To Be Supported By NSFAS And To Receive Financial Assistance

As one of the largest financial support schemes in South Africa, NSFAS plays a crucial role in enabling students from disadvantaged backgrounds to access quality education. From eligibility criteria and application processes to funding options and repayment plans, we will provide you with a clear understanding of everything you need to know about NSFAS.

Whether you are a prospective applicant, a current recipient, or simply curious about the inner workings of this program, this section of the website will equip you with the knowledge to navigate the complexities of NSFAS and make informed decisions about your educational future.

NSFAS application and registration opens in the later part of the year for students with the NSFAS closing date usually being in the next calendar year around the time the academic year starts.

What Does NSFAS Do?

NSFAS gives bursaries to prospective students from poor and working class backgrounds which goes beyond just paying for your fees. They’ll also pay for your registration, accommodation, transport, books through NSFAS allowances. Most courses at public TVET colleges are funded by NSFAS.

NSFAS Funding Requirements

So what are the requirements for NSFAS funding? Nsfas identifies eligible students based on the information you provide about you Matric results and your family's income for the year.

Household Income Requirements

The most important requirement for NSFAS funding is that your combined household income should come to R350 000 or less per year. This means that if you add up everyone’s salaries in your house for the year and it comes to over R350 000, you won’t qualify. If you are a student with a disability then this combined household income amount increases to R600 000 because NSFAS supports access to higher education for students with disabilities. The government has said it aims to support all students from working class families who qualify to study further. Sassa grant recipients are automatically approved for NSFAS funding.

It is important to tell the truth when you apply as the NSFAS evaluation of whether they will provide financial support includes accessing other government databases.

How To Submit A Request For Financial Aid To NSFAS

Usually, students and future students will submit their NSFAS online application for a NSFAS bursary using myNSFAS, which is the NSFAS website and student portal. You will also check your NSFAS application status on the MyNsfas online application portal. If you can't track funding progress of your application online you can also contact NSFAS on their toll free number (08 000 67327) and they will be able to give our your NSFAS status.

You should complete the online application form on the NSFAS portal and submit your supporting documents as soon as you decide that you want to study at a public university or TVET college. Don't wait until you have been accepted, as that will be too late to go through the NSFAS funding process. NSFAS will cover registration and tuition fees - as well as an allowance. 

Applications are not open yet for next year but they should open soon. We will announce on this website as soon as applications are open. You will probably be able to apply by filling in a NSFAS online application form. 

Is NSFAS A Loan Or A Bursary Scheme And Has This Changed Over Time?

Although you might have heard from other people that they have student loan repayments to NSFAS, things have changed. All payments these days to NSFAS beneficiaries are bursaries and don't have to be paid back.

NSFAS Email Address and Other NSFAS Contact Details

Applicants or returning students can contact NSFAS via the contact center Toll free number 08000 67327 on Monday – Friday from 8:00 am to 17:00.

You can also contact them via their email address info [at] nsfas.org.za (info[at]nsfas[dot]org[dot]za.) 

These are the details you need for NSFAS wallet inquiries.

Cape Town City Centre Head Office

The physical address of the NSFAS head office and contact centre is in the Cape town City centre. However, applicants or returning students don't have to attend the centre in person. You can register an account on the MyNsfas website - just make sure you remember your Nsfas login details.

How Much Has NSFAS Paid Out In Financial Aid?

In August 2023 NSFAS management announced that a total of over R608 000 000 has now been made in NSFAS allowances to a total of almost 358 000 students at universities in South Africa using the new NSFAS direct payment system.

More than R600 000 000 was paid out to nearly 360 000 university students on 31 July 2023, while over 98 000 TVET College students received over R380 000 000 in student allowances on 25 July 2023.

Frequently Asked Questions About NSFAS - The National Student Financial Aid Scheme

Q1 - Who qualifies for NSFAS?

To qualify for NSFAS, students must be South African citizens or permanent residents, come from a family with a combined annual income within a certain threshold, and be enrolled at a public university or TVET college in an approved program.

Q2 - How do I apply for NSFAS?

You can apply for NSFAS online through the NSFAS official website during the application period. You'll need to create an account, provide necessary documents, and fill out the application form. Then you need to submit supporting documents online via the NSFAS application system. 

Q3 - What documents are needed for NSFAS application?

Commonly required documents include proof of identity, proof of income for parents/guardians, matric certificate or latest academic results, and a signed consent form if you're under 18.

Q4 - When is the NSFAS application period?

The application period for NSFAS typically opens around August or September each year and remains open for a few months.

However, these dates can vary, so it's important to check the official NSFAS website for the most accurate information. NSFAS students have the benefit of not having to reapply ever year. If your NSFAS bursary application is approved for the start of your course of study they will continue to fund you.

Q5 - How is NSFAS funding disbursed?

NSFAS funding is generally disbursed directly to the university or college where the student is enrolled. It covers tuition fees, accommodation, and a living allowance, and any remaining funds are given to the student for other study-related expenses. The public universities usually receive the NSFAS funds directly to cover the study fees of the NSFAS students. 

Q6 - Is NSFAS a loan or a bursary?

NSFAS funding is now a full bursaries. Before government policy was changed, NSFAS was predominantly a loan scheme. In the last few years, this has changed.

Those who obtained NSFAS funding when it was loan scheme still have to repay their funding when they get a job. But these days the payment of fees, accommodation and allowances is a full bursary and nothing has to be paid back.

Q7 - How do I check my NSFAS application status?

You can check your application status by logging into your NSFAS account on their website, the MyNsfas student portal.

They provide updates on whether your application is approved, pending, or requires further information.

Q8 - Can I appeal if my NSFAS application is rejected?

Yes, if your application is rejected, you have the right to appeal the decision. The NSFAS website provides information on the appeal process and the necessary steps to follow.

Q9 - What are the contact details for NSFAS?

You can contact NSFAS through their official website, www nsfas org za, call center, or social media channels. Their email address and other details are at the top of this article.

Bursaries Portal - Your Top Source For National Student Financial Aid Scheme News And Information

Bursaries Portal has everything you need to know about financial assistance from NSFAS, NSFAS applications and NSFAS allowances and the NSFAS contact details.