The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) has confirmed the 2025 application dates for students at Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) colleges. These dates include the application period for Trimester 3 funding, aimed at students beginning their studies at different points in the academic year.
NSFAS accommodates TVET college students with multiple application windows to align with their unique academic calendars.
Key Application Dates for Trimester 3
Unlike traditional university schedules, TVET college programmes operate on varied timelines, starting at different points in the year and organized into semesters and trimesters. NSFAS application dates are synchronized with these schedules, ensuring students can apply for funding at the beginning of their respective programmes.
For Trimester 3 of the 2025 academic year, applications will open and close on the following dates:
- Opening Date: 8 September 2025
- Closing Date: 19 September 2025
How to Apply for NSFAS Funding
NSFAS has emphasized that only online applications submitted via the myNSFAS portal will be accepted. There will be no walk-in application period in January 2025.
Follow these steps to apply:
- Visit the NSFAS website and click on the ‘myNSFAS’ tab.
- Create a myNSFAS account if you don’t already have one.
- Click the ‘APPLY’ tab and complete all required sections.
- Upload the necessary supporting documents where applicable.
- Click ‘Submit’ to finalize your application.
Eligibility Requirements for TVET College Students
To qualify for NSFAS funding, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Be a South African citizen.
- Be registered or planning to register for a PLP, NC(V), or Report 191 programme.
- Adhere to the N+Rule, which limits funding to the number of years required for a qualification plus one additional year.
- Avoid enrolling in qualifications that duplicate previous state-funded learning.
- Have a combined gross family income of up to R350,000 per year for bursaries, or up to R600,000 per year for NSFAS loans.
NSFAS continues to play a crucial role in ensuring that financially disadvantaged students can access education at TVET colleges. The Trimester 3 application period offers another opportunity for eligible students to secure funding for their studies in 2025.
