The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) is a lifeline for many South African students who need financial support to pursue higher education. If you’re planning to apply, understanding the process from start to finish is essential. This guide walks you through everything—from checking if you qualify to receiving your funding.
You must be a South African citizen.
Your household income should be R350,000 or less per year (or R600,000 if you have a disability).
You should be enrolled or planning to study at a public university or TVET college.
If you’re a SASSA grant beneficiary, you automatically qualify for NSFAS.
Step 1: Visit the NSFAS website: www.nsfas.org.za.
Step 2: Create a myNSFAS account using your email and phone number.
Step 3: Fill out the application form and upload the required documents (ID, proof of income, etc.).
Step 4: Submit your application before the deadline.
Tip: Apply early to avoid last-minute technical issues!
Verify your details, including financial and academic information.
Request additional documents if needed—so keep checking your emails and myNSFAS account!
Assess your academic eligibility based on your institution’s requirements.
If Approved: You’ll receive a confirmation message.
If Rejected: You have the option to appeal (more on this below).
How to sign? NSFAS will send a digital link for you to sign the agreement online.
First-time students must sign this agreement, but continuing students only need to sign again if terms change.
Tuition Fees → Paid directly to your university or TVET college.
Accommodation → Covers on-campus or approved off-campus housing.
Meal Allowance → Monthly stipend for food.
Learning Materials → Once-off allowance for textbooks and supplies.
Transport → Monthly allowance if you stay far from campus.
Personal Care Allowance (for TVET students) → Covers essential hygiene needs.
Funds are typically loaded into your NSFAS Wallet or paid directly to your institution.
University Students → Must pass a certain percentage of courses.
TVET College Students → Must progress according to college standards.
If you fail too many courses, NSFAS may suspend or cancel your funding!
Activate your wallet using the SMS link from NSFAS.
Withdraw funds at approved merchants or ATMs.
Keep your login details safe—never share your PIN!
If you pass your courses, NSFAS remains a bursary (you don’t have to repay it).
If you fail and don’t meet academic requirements, part of your funding may be converted into a loan.
Repayment starts only when you earn R30,000+ per year, with deductions made through your employer.
Log into myNSFAS and check the reason for rejection.
Submit an appeal with supporting documents (proof of income, academic progress, etc.).
Wait for NSFAS to review your case and provide an update.
Tip: Appeals must be submitted within the given deadline, so act fast!
Apply early and upload all required documents.
Check your application status regularly.
Keep up with your academic progress to continue receiving funding.
For the latest updates, visit: www.nsfas.org.za or follow NSFAS on social media.
Your future starts now—apply and take the first step toward your education goals!
1. Check if You Qualify
Before applying, make sure you meet the eligibility requirements: You must be a South African citizen. Your household income should be R350,000 or less per year (or R600,000 if you have a disability). You should be enrolled or planning to study at a public university or TVET college. If you’re a SASSA grant beneficiary, you automatically qualify for NSFAS.2. Apply for NSFAS Funding
NSFAS applications usually open in September and close in January for the next academic year. Here’s how to apply: Step 1: Visit the NSFAS website: www.nsfas.org.za. Step 2: Create a myNSFAS account using your email and phone number. Step 3: Fill out the application form and upload the required documents (ID, proof of income, etc.). Step 4: Submit your application before the deadline. Tip: Apply early to avoid last-minute technical issues!3. Application Review & Verification
Once submitted, NSFAS will: Verify your details, including financial and academic information. Request additional documents if needed—so keep checking your emails and myNSFAS account! Assess your academic eligibility based on your institution’s requirements.4. Get Your Application Results
NSFAS will inform you whether your application was approved or declined via SMS, email, or your myNSFAS portal. If Approved: You’ll receive a confirmation message. If Rejected: You have the option to appeal (more on this below).5. Sign the NSFAS Bursary Agreement (NBA)
If your application is successful, you must sign the NSFAS Bursary Agreement (NBA) to accept the funding. How to sign? NSFAS will send a digital link for you to sign the agreement online. First-time students must sign this agreement, but continuing students only need to sign again if terms change.6. Receiving Your NSFAS Funds
Once your agreement is signed, NSFAS will start disbursing funds. Here's what they cover: Tuition Fees → Paid directly to your university or TVET college. Accommodation → Covers on-campus or approved off-campus housing. Meal Allowance → Monthly stipend for food. Learning Materials → Once-off allowance for textbooks and supplies. Transport → Monthly allowance if you stay far from campus. Personal Care Allowance (for TVET students) → Covers essential hygiene needs.Funds are typically loaded into your NSFAS Wallet or paid directly to your institution.
7. Keep Up with Academic Performance
NSFAS funding isn’t automatic each year—you need to meet academic requirements to keep receiving it. University Students → Must pass a certain percentage of courses. TVET College Students → Must progress according to college standards. If you fail too many courses, NSFAS may suspend or cancel your funding!8. Using Your NSFAS Wallet
Your NSFAS Wallet allows you to withdraw money for living expenses. Activate your wallet using the SMS link from NSFAS. Withdraw funds at approved merchants or ATMs. Keep your login details safe—never share your PIN!9. Do You Have to Repay NSFAS?
If you pass your courses, NSFAS remains a bursary (you don’t have to repay it). If you fail and don’t meet academic requirements, part of your funding may be converted into a loan. Repayment starts only when you earn R30,000+ per year, with deductions made through your employer.10. What If Your Application is Rejected? (Appeal Process)
If NSFAS rejects your application or cancels your funding, you can appeal: Log into myNSFAS and check the reason for rejection. Submit an appeal with supporting documents (proof of income, academic progress, etc.). Wait for NSFAS to review your case and provide an update. Tip: Appeals must be submitted within the given deadline, so act fast!Final Thoughts
NSFAS funding makes higher education possible for thousands of students each year. To secure and maintain your funding: Apply early and upload all required documents. Check your application status regularly. Keep up with your academic progress to continue receiving funding.For the latest updates, visit: www.nsfas.org.za or follow NSFAS on social media.
Your future starts now—apply and take the first step toward your education goals!