The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) has officially opened applications for the 2025 academic year as of September 20, 2024. This initiative provides students from disadvantaged backgrounds the opportunity to apply for financial assistance at public universities and TVET colleges, ensuring that financial barriers do not stand in the way of higher education.
Early Success: Over 289,000 Applications Received!
Since the opening of the application period, NSFAS has recorded an impressive 289,020 applications from students across South Africa. Here’s a breakdown of the current status:✔ 195,334 SASSA beneficiaries have been provisionally approved.
58,158 applications are still under evaluation.
35,561 applications have been withdrawn.⚠ 1,807 applications were unsuccessful, primarily due to incomplete or incorrect information.
Provincial Breakdown of Applications
NSFAS applications have been received from all nine provinces, demonstrating the nationwide demand for financial aid:
Gauteng: 38,505 applications KwaZulu-Natal: 36,384 applications Limpopo: 25,155 applications Eastern Cape: 16,390 applications Mpumalanga: 12,531 applications Western Cape: 7,704 applications North West: 7,527 applications Free State: 7,108 applications Northern Cape: 1,108 applicationsThese numbers highlight the critical role NSFAS plays in supporting students across the country.
Key Application Information
Mandatory Consent Form – Non-SASSA beneficiaries must submit a consent form to allow NSFAS to verify their household income. Early Application is Encouraged – Students in Grades 9–12 are advised not to wait until their final results or the deadline to apply. Seamless Online Process – Applicants can create a myNSFAS profile, fill in their details, upload necessary documents, and submit their applications with ease.
Application Deadline: December 15, 2025
The NSFAS 2025 application window will remain open until December 15, 2025.
Apply early to ensure all requirements are met and avoid last-minute submission issues!
Need Help? Contact NSFAS
For any questions or assistance, students can reach NSFAS through:
Email: media@nsfas.org.za Phone (Toll-Free): 0800 067 327
Website: www.nsfas.org.za Head Office Address:The Halyard, 4 Christian Barnard Street, Cape Town City Centre, 8000
Postal Address: Private Bag X1, Plumstead, Cape Town, 7801🏛 NSFAS Administration Update
The appointment of Mr. Sithembiso Freeman Nomvalo as NSFAS Administrator became effective on April 11, 2025, under the NSFAS Act (Sections 17A–17D), as published in Government Gazette No. 50482 by Minister Dr. BE Nzimande.
NSFAS: Bridging the Gap in Higher Education
NSFAS continues to play a vital role in removing financial barriers and making higher education accessible to thousands of South African students. If you plan to study in 2025, don’t miss this opportunity—apply today and secure your future! Stay updated! Follow NSFAS on Twitter/X (@myNSFAS) for the latest news.