NSFAS Application Guide 2025 Academic Year
Complete guide to the National Student Financial Aid Scheme. Get funding for your higher education journey - from application to graduation.
⚠️ Important Deadline
NSFAS applications for 2025 close on 31 January 2025
Apply early to avoid last-minute technical issues. Late applications will not be considered.
What Does NSFAS Cover?
Tuition Fees
100% CoverageFull tuition fees paid directly to the institution
Covers registration fees, tuition fees, and other compulsory academic fees
Accommodation
Up to R68,000On-campus or accredited off-campus accommodation
Priority given to students from households earning R350,000 or less
Meals
Up to R15,750Living allowance for food and meals
Provided as monthly allowance throughout the academic year
Transport
Up to R7,500Travel allowance for commuting to institution
Based on distance from home to institution
Learning Materials
Up to R5,200Books, equipment, and study materials
Allowance for prescribed textbooks and study materials
Personal Care
Up to R2,900Personal and incidental expenses allowance
Monthly allowance for personal care items
Eligibility Requirements
Citizenship
- ✓ Must be a South African citizen
- ✓ Must have a valid South African ID number
- ✓ SASSA beneficiaries qualify automatically
Financial Criteria
- ✓ Combined household income must not exceed R350,000 per year
- ✓ Students from households with no income qualify
- ✓ SASSA grant recipients qualify automatically
Academic Requirements
- ✓ Must be accepted at a public university or TVET college
- ✓ Must be studying towards a qualification on the NSFAS list
- ✓ Must maintain minimum academic performance standards
Age Requirements
- ✓ No age limit for first-time applicants
- ✓ Continuing students must be under 30 years old
- ✓ Special circumstances may apply for mature students
NSFAS Myths vs Facts
Myth
NSFAS is a loan that must be paid back with interest
Fact
NSFAS funding converts to a bursary if you pass your modules. Only failed modules need to be repaid.
Myth
You can only apply for NSFAS once
Fact
You can apply every year. Continuing students must reapply annually.
Myth
NSFAS only funds university studies
Fact
NSFAS funds both university and TVET college qualifications.
Myth
You need excellent matric results to qualify
Fact
NSFAS primarily considers financial need, not academic excellence.
Myth
NSFAS applications are complicated and take forever
Fact
The online application is user-friendly and takes about 30 minutes to complete.
NSFAS Application Timeline
Application Period
- • NSFAS applications open
- • Submit online application
- • Upload required documents
- • Apply for university admission
Processing & Verification
- • Document verification process
- • University application outcomes
- • Provisional funding decisions
- • Agreement signing
Final Approvals
- • Final funding confirmations
- • Registration at institutions
- • First allowance payments
- • Academic year commences
Ongoing Support
- • Monthly allowance payments
- • Academic progress monitoring
- • Renewal applications for continuing students
- • Support and guidance services
Step-by-Step Application Guide
Create myNSFAS Account
Register on the NSFAS website
- • Visit www.nsfas.org.za
- • Click on "Apply" button
- • Create account with valid email and cellphone
- • Verify your account via SMS
Complete Personal Information
Fill in your personal and family details
- • Enter your personal information
- • Add parent/guardian details
- • Provide household income information
- • Select your intended institution and qualification
Upload Documents
Submit all required supporting documents
- • Scan or photograph documents clearly
- • Upload in supported formats (PDF, JPG, PNG)
- • Ensure all documents are legible
- • Submit certified copies where required
Submit Application
Review and submit your completed application
- • Review all information carefully
- • Check that all documents are uploaded
- • Submit your application before deadline
- • Save your reference number
Track Application Status
Monitor your application progress
- • Log into your myNSFAS account regularly
- • Check for any additional document requests
- • Respond to queries promptly
- • Wait for provisional outcome
Sign Agreement & Register
Complete final steps if approved
- • Sign NSFAS agreement if approved
- • Register at your chosen institution
- • Provide registration proof to NSFAS
- • Wait for first allowance payment
Required Documents Checklist
Identity Documents
- 📄 Certified copy of South African ID
- 📄 Certified copies of parents/guardians IDs
- 📄 Birth certificate (if under 21)
- 📄 Marriage certificate (if applicable)
Academic Records
- 📄 Certified copy of Matric certificate or Grade 12 results
- 📄 Academic transcripts from previous institutions
- 📄 Proof of university/college acceptance
- 📄 Proof of registration (for continuing students)
Financial Information
- 📄 Recent payslips of parents/guardians
- 📄 Bank statements (3 months)
- 📄 Unemployment letter (if applicable)
- 📄 SASSA grant confirmation (if applicable)
- 📄 Affidavit of support (if applicable)
Additional Documents
- 📄 Proof of residence
- 📄 Death certificate (if parent/guardian deceased)
- 📄 Disability certificate (if applicable)
- 📄 Consent form (for students under 18)
Academic Performance Requirements
First Year Students
Funding continues to second year
Second Year Students
Funding continues to third year
Third Year & Beyond
Funding continues until completion
⚠️ Important Notes on Academic Performance
- • Failing to meet minimum requirements may result in funding being converted to a loan
- • Students can appeal academic exclusion decisions
- • N+ rule: Maximum years of funding = minimum study period + 2 additional years
- • Academic progress is monitored continuously throughout your studies
Need Help with Your Application?
Call Center
0800 067 327
Monday - Friday: 8AM - 4PM
Email Support
info@nsfas.org.za
Response within 48 hours
Live Chat
Available on NSFAS website
Real-time assistance
Don't Let Finances Stop Your Dreams
NSFAS has helped over 700,000 students achieve their higher education goals. Apply today and join thousands of success stories.