If you’ve been looking for funding for your studies, you may have come across the the term NSFAS. You may be wondering: what is NSFAS? Let’s take a look at what NSFAS is and what it can do for you.

NSFAS: What is NSFAS?

NSFAS, or National Student Financial Aid Scheme, was established according to the National Student Financial Aid Scheme Act of 1999 and incorporated Tertiary Education Fund of South Africa (TEFSA), which stopped operating in 2000.

The NSFAS bursary covers a range of student needs to help you through your tertiary career. 

When Attending A University The Following Will Be Covered:

• Student accommodation: All cost will be covered according to the university residence price list. Private accommodation will only be covered if it lies within the university residence price range.

• Transport: Within 40km of the univerisity.

• Meals: All meals will be covered, if living on student residence.

You may have read recently that NSFAS would be changing the way applications worked. The organisation has adopted what they call a Student Centered Model, completely overhauling the applications system. So what does this mean for you?

NSFAS: What is the Student Centered Model?

The idea behind the Student Centered Model is that students will no longer apply for financial aid through their colleges or universities. Instead, students apply directly to NSFAS and bursaries are awarded after an evaluation of the application.

If you have forgotten your NSFAS password then follow these easy steps:

• Go to the myNSFAS student portal.
• Click on Forgot your password? Click here
• Enter your ID number.
• Click on I can't remember my password. Then click on SUBMIT.

Once you have followed these four easy steps then your password will be sent to your registered cell phone number and e-mail address.

In order to receive your NSFAS allowances you will need to do the following: