The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) provides financial assistance to eligible South African students who need support to pursue higher education at public universities and Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) colleges.
Below is a breakdown of who qualifies to apply for NSFAS funding in 2025.
To qualify for NSFAS funding, you must meet the following requirements:
✔ Only South African citizens are eligible for NSFAS funding.
International students (including permanent residents) are not eligible.
NSFAS is designed for students from low-income households. To qualify:
✔ Your combined household income must be R350,000 or less per year.
✔ For students with disabilities, the combined household income must not exceed R600,000 per year.
SASSA Beneficiaries: If you receive funding from the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA), you automatically qualify for NSFAS, regardless of household income.
✔ You must be applying to or currently studying at a public university or a TVET college in South Africa.
NSFAS does not fund students at private institutions.
To be eligible, you must meet the following academic requirements:
First-time university or TVET students:
✔ You must meet the minimum academic entry requirements for your course.
Continuing students:
✔ You must meet your institution’s academic progression requirements (i.e., pass a certain percentage of your courses) to continue receiving NSFAS funding.
NSFAS primarily funds undergraduate qualifications but provides limited funding for some postgraduate programs in critical fields, such as:
✔ Education (Teaching)
✔ Nursing
✔ Other essential professional qualifications
For a full list of funded postgraduate courses, visit: www.nsfas.org.za
Your application will NOT be considered if you:
Have a household income above R350,000 per year (except for students with disabilities, where the limit is R600,000).
Are an international student (NSFAS is for South African citizens only).
Are studying at a private institution (NSFAS only funds students at public universities and TVET colleges).
NSFAS provides comprehensive funding, covering:
✔ Tuition Fees – Full coverage of university or TVET college tuition.
✔ Accommodation – For students in university residences or NSFAS-approved off-campus housing.
✔ Meal Allowance – Monthly allowance for food expenses (for students living away from home).
✔ Books & Study Materials – Annual allowance for learning resources.
✔ Transport Costs – For students commuting from home (if applicable).
Applications Open: September 2024
Application Deadline: 31 January 2025
Tip: Apply early to avoid missing out on funding!
Create a myNSFAS Account at www.nsfas.org.za.
Complete the Online Application Form.
Upload Supporting Documents (ID, proof of income, academic results, etc.).
Submit Your Application and keep your reference number for tracking.
Track your application status by logging into your myNSFAS account under "Track Funding Progress."
Website: www.nsfas.org.za
Email: info@nsfas.org.za
Toll-Free Number: 0800 067 327
Twitter: @myNSFAS
NSFAS provides life-changing opportunities for South African students. If you meet the eligibility criteria, don’t miss out on your chance to receive full funding for your studies!
CLICK HERE TO APPLY
Below is a breakdown of who qualifies to apply for NSFAS funding in 2025.
NSFAS Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for NSFAS funding, you must meet the following requirements: South African Citizenship
✔ Only South African citizens are eligible for NSFAS funding. International students (including permanent residents) are not eligible. Financial Need Requirement
NSFAS is designed for students from low-income households. To qualify:✔ Your combined household income must be R350,000 or less per year.
✔ For students with disabilities, the combined household income must not exceed R600,000 per year.
SASSA Beneficiaries: If you receive funding from the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA), you automatically qualify for NSFAS, regardless of household income. Enrolled at a Public Institution
✔ You must be applying to or currently studying at a public university or a TVET college in South Africa. NSFAS does not fund students at private institutions. Academic Requirements
To be eligible, you must meet the following academic requirements: First-time university or TVET students:✔ You must meet the minimum academic entry requirements for your course.
Continuing students:✔ You must meet your institution’s academic progression requirements (i.e., pass a certain percentage of your courses) to continue receiving NSFAS funding.
Postgraduate Funding (Limited)
NSFAS primarily funds undergraduate qualifications but provides limited funding for some postgraduate programs in critical fields, such as:✔ Education (Teaching)
✔ Nursing
✔ Other essential professional qualifications
For a full list of funded postgraduate courses, visit: www.nsfas.org.za Who Should NOT Apply for NSFAS?
Your application will NOT be considered if you: Have a household income above R350,000 per year (except for students with disabilities, where the limit is R600,000). Are an international student (NSFAS is for South African citizens only). Are studying at a private institution (NSFAS only funds students at public universities and TVET colleges).
What Does NSFAS Cover?
NSFAS provides comprehensive funding, covering:✔ Tuition Fees – Full coverage of university or TVET college tuition.
✔ Accommodation – For students in university residences or NSFAS-approved off-campus housing.
✔ Meal Allowance – Monthly allowance for food expenses (for students living away from home).
✔ Books & Study Materials – Annual allowance for learning resources.
✔ Transport Costs – For students commuting from home (if applicable).
When & How to Apply for NSFAS?
Applications Open: September 2024 Application Deadline: 31 January 2025 Tip: Apply early to avoid missing out on funding! How to Apply
Create a myNSFAS Account at www.nsfas.org.za. Complete the Online Application Form. Upload Supporting Documents (ID, proof of income, academic results, etc.). Submit Your Application and keep your reference number for tracking. Track your application status by logging into your myNSFAS account under "Track Funding Progress." Need Help? Contact NSFAS
Website: www.nsfas.org.za Email: info@nsfas.org.za Toll-Free Number: 0800 067 327 Twitter: @myNSFAS
Secure Your Future – Apply for NSFAS Today!
NSFAS provides life-changing opportunities for South African students. If you meet the eligibility criteria, don’t miss out on your chance to receive full funding for your studies! CLICK HERE TO APPLY