The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) is a government-funded program designed to provide financial assistance to South African students who cannot afford the cost of higher education at public universities and TVET colleges.
Below are some frequently asked questions to help you better understand NSFAS, its eligibility criteria, application process, and funding details.
NSFAS is a government-backed financial aid scheme that provides bursaries to eligible students who want to study at South African public universities or TVET colleges but lack the financial means to do so.
To be eligible for NSFAS, you must meet the following criteria:
South African citizenship is required.
Your combined household income must be R350,000 or less per year.
If you have a disability, your household income should not exceed R600,000 per year.
You must be applying to or currently studying at a public university or TVET college.
If you are a SASSA grant recipient, you automatically qualify for NSFAS funding.
NSFAS primarily funds undergraduate studies. However, it does cover certain postgraduate qualifications essential for national development, such as:
✔ Teaching (Education)
✔ Nursing
✔ Other selected professional degrees
NSFAS provides comprehensive financial aid, covering:
Tuition Fees – Fully paid at public universities and TVET colleges.
Accommodation – On-campus or accredited off-campus housing.
Meal Allowance – Monthly allowance for food.
Books & Learning Materials – Funding for study materials.
Transport Allowance – For students staying far from campus.
Personal Care Allowance – Available for TVET college students.
Assistive Devices & Support – For students with disabilities.
Follow these steps to apply:
Visit the NSFAS website: www.nsfas.org.za
Create a myNSFAS account.
Complete the online application form.
Upload all required documents (ID, proof of income, etc.).
Submit your application before the deadline.
Applications for 2025:
✔ Opening Date: September 2024
✔ Closing Date: 31 January 2025
Late applications will NOT be accepted.
To apply, you must submit:
Certified copy of your ID (or birth certificate if under 16).
Proof of income (for yourself or your parents/guardians).
Proof of registration or acceptance at a public university or TVET college.
NSFAS consent form (downloadable from the NSFAS website).
SASSA grant recipients do NOT need to submit proof of income.
To track your NSFAS application:
✔ Log in to your myNSFAS account.
✔ Click on "Track Application Progress".
✔ Receive updates via email or SMS.
Once approved:
✔ NSFAS directly pays your tuition fees and allowances to your institution.
✔ You will receive allowances for accommodation, meals, and transport (if applicable).
✔ You must meet academic progression requirements to continue receiving funding.
Yes, your NSFAS funding can be revoked if:
You fail to meet academic requirements set by your institution.
Your household income increases beyond the eligibility threshold.
You misuse NSFAS funds.
✔ Yes! If your application is declined, you can submit an appeal through your myNSFAS account, providing additional documents to support your case.
You can reach NSFAS through:
Website: www.nsfas.org.za
Email: info@nsfas.org.za
Toll-Free Contact Center: 08000 67327
Social Media: Follow NSFAS on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram for updates.
✔ Yes, NSFAS does not prevent students from working. However, your household income must remain within the R350,000 threshold to continue receiving funding.
NSFAS is a bursary, not a loan – meaning most students do not need to repay it if they meet academic requirements.
However, if you fail to pass your courses, NSFAS may convert part of your funding into a repayable loan.
If you graduate and earn above a certain salary threshold, you may be required to repay some of the funding under previous NSFAS loan agreements.
The NSFAS bursary is a lifeline for South African students who need financial assistance for their higher education. By understanding the eligibility requirements, application process, and funding coverage, you can take full advantage of this opportunity!
Apply now! Visit: www.nsfas.org.za
Below are some frequently asked questions to help you better understand NSFAS, its eligibility criteria, application process, and funding details.
What is NSFAS?
NSFAS is a government-backed financial aid scheme that provides bursaries to eligible students who want to study at South African public universities or TVET colleges but lack the financial means to do so. Who qualifies for NSFAS funding?
To be eligible for NSFAS, you must meet the following criteria: South African citizenship is required. Your combined household income must be R350,000 or less per year. If you have a disability, your household income should not exceed R600,000 per year. You must be applying to or currently studying at a public university or TVET college. If you are a SASSA grant recipient, you automatically qualify for NSFAS funding. Does NSFAS cover postgraduate studies?
NSFAS primarily funds undergraduate studies. However, it does cover certain postgraduate qualifications essential for national development, such as:✔ Teaching (Education)
✔ Nursing
✔ Other selected professional degrees
What does NSFAS funding cover?
NSFAS provides comprehensive financial aid, covering: Tuition Fees – Fully paid at public universities and TVET colleges. Accommodation – On-campus or accredited off-campus housing. Meal Allowance – Monthly allowance for food. Books & Learning Materials – Funding for study materials. Transport Allowance – For students staying far from campus. Personal Care Allowance – Available for TVET college students. Assistive Devices & Support – For students with disabilities. How do I apply for NSFAS?
Follow these steps to apply: Visit the NSFAS website: www.nsfas.org.za Create a myNSFAS account. Complete the online application form. Upload all required documents (ID, proof of income, etc.). Submit your application before the deadline.
When do NSFAS applications open and close?
Applications for 2025:✔ Opening Date: September 2024
✔ Closing Date: 31 January 2025
Late applications will NOT be accepted.
What documents are required for the NSFAS application?
To apply, you must submit: Certified copy of your ID (or birth certificate if under 16). Proof of income (for yourself or your parents/guardians). Proof of registration or acceptance at a public university or TVET college. NSFAS consent form (downloadable from the NSFAS website). SASSA grant recipients do NOT need to submit proof of income.
How can I check my NSFAS application status?
To track your NSFAS application:✔ Log in to your myNSFAS account.
✔ Click on "Track Application Progress".
✔ Receive updates via email or SMS.
What happens after my NSFAS application is approved?
Once approved:✔ NSFAS directly pays your tuition fees and allowances to your institution.
✔ You will receive allowances for accommodation, meals, and transport (if applicable).
✔ You must meet academic progression requirements to continue receiving funding.
Can NSFAS funding be canceled?
Yes, your NSFAS funding can be revoked if: You fail to meet academic requirements set by your institution. Your household income increases beyond the eligibility threshold. You misuse NSFAS funds. Can I appeal if my NSFAS application is unsuccessful?
✔ Yes! If your application is declined, you can submit an appeal through your myNSFAS account, providing additional documents to support your case. How do I contact NSFAS?
You can reach NSFAS through: Website: www.nsfas.org.za Email: info@nsfas.org.za Toll-Free Contact Center: 08000 67327 Social Media: Follow NSFAS on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram for updates. Can I work while receiving NSFAS funding?
✔ Yes, NSFAS does not prevent students from working. However, your household income must remain within the R350,000 threshold to continue receiving funding. How is NSFAS funding repaid?
NSFAS is a bursary, not a loan – meaning most students do not need to repay it if they meet academic requirements. However, if you fail to pass your courses, NSFAS may convert part of your funding into a repayable loan. If you graduate and earn above a certain salary threshold, you may be required to repay some of the funding under previous NSFAS loan agreements.
Conclusion: Secure Your Future with NSFAS!
The NSFAS bursary is a lifeline for South African students who need financial assistance for their higher education. By understanding the eligibility requirements, application process, and funding coverage, you can take full advantage of this opportunity! Apply now! Visit: www.nsfas.org.za