The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) is a crucial support system for South African students who need financial assistance to pursue higher education. Through its bursaries, NSFAS helps thousands of students afford university by covering tuition fees, accommodation, study materials, and more.
If you're considering applying for an NSFAS bursary, this guide will take you through everything you need to know—from eligibility requirements to the application process and the benefits of this financial aid.
Full Tuition Coverage – Your university fees are completely paid.
Accommodation Support – Funding for on-campus housing or a living allowance for students staying off-campus.
Study Materials Allowance – A stipend to help cover the cost of textbooks and educational supplies.
Transport Assistance – For students who live far from their institution.
You must be a South African citizen with a valid ID.
Your household income must be R350,000 or less per year.
If you have a disability, the income threshold is R600,000 per year.
You must be accepted into or currently studying at a public university in an undergraduate program.
NSFAS does not fund postgraduate degrees (except for specific qualifications like the PGCE and certain diplomas).
First-time university students and returning students who meet academic performance standards are eligible.
If you receive a SASSA grant, you automatically qualify for NSFAS funding.
Create an NSFAS Account → Visit www.nsfas.org.za and register.
Log In → Use your email and password to access your account.
Fill Out the Application Form → Provide your personal and academic details.
Upload Required Documents → Ensure all documents are clear and certified.
Submit Your Application → Once you verify all details, submit your form and keep your reference number.
Certified copy of your South African ID or birth certificate
Proof of household income (payslips or affidavits)
Academic records (if applicable)
Medical certificate (for students with disabilities)
Proof of SASSA grant (if applicable)
Tip: Make sure all documents are clear and up to date before submitting your application.
Approved → Your funding is confirmed, and you’ll receive full financial support.
Provisionally Approved → You may need to submit additional documents.
Rejected → You can appeal the decision if you believe there was an error.
University students must pass at least 50% of their modules each academic year.
Each university may have additional academic performance requirements.
If you fail too many courses, NSFAS may withdraw your funding!
Higher income eligibility threshold (R600,000 per year)
Funding for assistive devices (wheelchairs, hearing aids, etc.)
Support for educational support services
To qualify for these benefits, you must submit a medical report confirming your disability.
Access to Higher Education – You don’t have to worry about tuition costs.
Financial Relief – You receive allowances for accommodation, books, and food.
Better Academic Focus – Less financial stress means you can concentrate on your studies.
Yes! As long as you meet academic requirements, you can apply for continued funding.
NSFAS does not fund postgraduate degrees, except for the PGCE and some diplomas.
You can appeal the decision by submitting an appeal application with supporting documents.
Don’t miss out—apply as soon as applications open! Visit www.nsfas.org.za to get started.
Start preparing today and take a step closer to your university dreams! 
If you're considering applying for an NSFAS bursary, this guide will take you through everything you need to know—from eligibility requirements to the application process and the benefits of this financial aid.
1. What is an NSFAS Bursary?
An NSFAS bursary is a government-funded financial aid program designed to help eligible students study at public universities in South Africa. The goal is to remove financial barriers and give students from disadvantaged backgrounds the opportunity to earn a degree without worrying about the costs.Key Benefits of NSFAS Bursaries:
Full Tuition Coverage – Your university fees are completely paid. Accommodation Support – Funding for on-campus housing or a living allowance for students staying off-campus. Study Materials Allowance – A stipend to help cover the cost of textbooks and educational supplies. Transport Assistance – For students who live far from their institution.2. Who Can Apply for an NSFAS Bursary? (Eligibility Criteria)
To qualify for an NSFAS bursary, you must meet the following requirements:A. South African Citizenship
You must be a South African citizen with a valid ID.B. Financial Need
Your household income must be R350,000 or less per year. If you have a disability, the income threshold is R600,000 per year.C. Academic Requirements
You must be accepted into or currently studying at a public university in an undergraduate program. NSFAS does not fund postgraduate degrees (except for specific qualifications like the PGCE and certain diplomas).D. Registration Status
First-time university students and returning students who meet academic performance standards are eligible.E. SASSA Grant Recipients
If you receive a SASSA grant, you automatically qualify for NSFAS funding.3. How to Apply for an NSFAS Bursary
A. When to Apply
NSFAS applications typically open in September and close in November for the next academic year. If you plan to study in 2025, be sure to apply during this timeframe.B. Step-by-Step Application Process
Create an NSFAS Account → Visit www.nsfas.org.za and register. Log In → Use your email and password to access your account. Fill Out the Application Form → Provide your personal and academic details. Upload Required Documents → Ensure all documents are clear and certified. Submit Your Application → Once you verify all details, submit your form and keep your reference number.C. Required Documents
To complete your application, you’ll need: Certified copy of your South African ID or birth certificate Proof of household income (payslips or affidavits) Academic records (if applicable) Medical certificate (for students with disabilities) Proof of SASSA grant (if applicable) Tip: Make sure all documents are clear and up to date before submitting your application.4. What Happens After You Apply?
After submitting your application, NSFAS will review it and verify your eligibility. You will receive an update via SMS, email, or through your myNSFAS account.Possible Application Outcomes:
Approved → Your funding is confirmed, and you’ll receive full financial support. Provisionally Approved → You may need to submit additional documents. Rejected → You can appeal the decision if you believe there was an error.5. Keeping Your NSFAS Funding
Receiving an NSFAS bursary isn’t a one-time process—you must meet academic performance requirements to continue getting funding. University students must pass at least 50% of their modules each academic year. Each university may have additional academic performance requirements. If you fail too many courses, NSFAS may withdraw your funding!6. Extra Support for Students with Disabilities
Students with disabilities receive additional support through NSFAS, including: Higher income eligibility threshold (R600,000 per year) Funding for assistive devices (wheelchairs, hearing aids, etc.) Support for educational support servicesTo qualify for these benefits, you must submit a medical report confirming your disability.
7. Why Apply for an NSFAS Bursary?
NSFAS funding helps thousands of students achieve their dreams of higher education. Here’s why it’s worth applying: Access to Higher Education – You don’t have to worry about tuition costs. Financial Relief – You receive allowances for accommodation, books, and food. Better Academic Focus – Less financial stress means you can concentrate on your studies.8. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I apply for NSFAS if I’m already a university student?
Yes! As long as you meet academic requirements, you can apply for continued funding.Q: Does NSFAS fund postgraduate studies?
NSFAS does not fund postgraduate degrees, except for the PGCE and some diplomas.Q: What should I do if my NSFAS application is rejected?
You can appeal the decision by submitting an appeal application with supporting documents.Conclusion
NSFAS bursaries provide life-changing financial support, making higher education accessible to students from all backgrounds. By understanding the eligibility criteria and application process, you can take the first step toward securing funding for your studies. Don’t miss out—apply as soon as applications open! Visit www.nsfas.org.za to get started. Start preparing today and take a step closer to your university dreams!