The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) has received an overwhelming response to its 2025 applications, with over 430,000 individuals applying for funding in just over a month since the application period opened on 20 September 2024.
NSFAS provides comprehensive bursaries and student loans to deserving learners enrolled in approved courses at universities and Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) colleges. Funding includes tuition and registration fees as well as several allowances for food, accommodation, and learning materials.
Of the total applications received, 106,502 are still under review, while 7,136 have been withdrawn, and 3,934 have been unsuccessful. NSFAS has already confirmed provisional funding for 319,900 applicants, with Sassa grant beneficiaries receiving immediate funding decisions due to their automatic eligibility.
Guide For NSFAS 2025 Applications
Non-Sassa grant beneficiaries are required to submit a NSFAS consent form to authorize the scheme to obtain information from third parties, such as the South African Revenue Service (SARS), to assess their financial need. Failure to submit this form can delay funding confirmation.
NSFAS encourages prospective applicants from Grades 9 to 12 to apply early, even before final results are available. The application period is set to close on December 15, 2024, providing applicants with ample time to submit their applications and ensure they meet all the necessary requirements.
When 2025 NSFAS Applications Close
The 2025 NSFAS application period is set to close on 15 December 2024. This gives applicants just over 50 days to submit NSFAS applications.
The application window is scheduled to remain open until the 15th of December 2024, allowing ample time for applicants to carefully prepare and submit their applications while ensuring that they meet the requirements and provide the correct required documentation for thorough evaluation.
