Struggling to fund your tertiary education? The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) is here to help. This government initiative provides financial assistance to deserving South African students from disadvantaged backgrounds.
NSFAS has announced the funding application dates for TVET College students.
Unlike universities with a standard academic year, TVET colleges offer programs with various start dates. To cater to this flexibility, NSFAS aligns its application periods with these college calendars.
This allows you to apply for funding right before your programme begins.
When NSFAS Applications For Trimester 2 Will Open
NSFAS confirmed that students who want to apply for NSFAS funding to cover their Trimester 2 studies will be able to submit their NSFAS application from 12 May 2025 until 23 May 2025, giving students 11 days to apply for NSFAS.
NSFAS 2025 Application
Applications are currently open for the first semester and trimester for 2025 and will close on 15 December 2024. This applies to students starting their programmes in January 2025.
NSFAS has said that there will be no walk-in application period for January 2025 studies and that students need to apply during the current NSFAS application period.
How To Apply For NSFAS
All applications for 2025 must be submitted online through the myNSFAS portal. Here's a quick guide:
- Visit the NSFAS website and click on "myNSFAS."
- Create a new myNSFAS account.
- Go to the "APPLY" tab and fill out the application forms.
- Upload any required supporting documents (e.g., ID, proof of income).
- Submit your completed application.
Who Qualifies for NSFAS Funding?
To be eligible for NSFAS funding at a TVET college, you must meet the following criteria:
- Be a South African citizen.
- Be registered or plan to register for a PLP (Preparatory Learning Programme), National Certificate (Vocational), or Report 191 program.
- Comply with the N+ Rule (meaning you haven't previously received NSFAS funding for the same qualification level).
- Not be enrolled in a program that duplicates a previous state-funded qualification.
- Fall within the income threshold: Up to R350,000 combined gross family income per year for a bursary or R600,000 for an NSFAS loan scheme.
By understanding the NSFAS application process and eligibility criteria, you can increase your chances of securing the necessary funding to pursue your studies at a TVET college.
