The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) offers both bursaries and loans to cover all the essential needs of students. Applications for NSFAS funding for the 2025 academic year are now open.
This NSFAS application period is available for applications for both bursaries and loans. The NSFAS application for 2025 period will close on 15 December 2024.
What You Need to Apply for NSFAS
To apply for NSFAS, you will need your own cell phone number, email address, and a copy of your ID or birth certificate. Additional documents may be required depending on your specific circumstances.
All NSFAS applications must be submitted online through the myNSFAS portal.
Applying for NSFAS funding is free, never agree to pay anyone to help you with the application. All applications are handled equally and there is no fee required to FastTrack the process.
How to Submit Your NSFAS Application for 2025
- Visit the NSFAS website and click on the "myNSFAS" tab.
- Create a myNSFAS account.
- Click on the "APPLY" tab and complete the required sections.
- Upload any necessary supporting documents, then click "Submit" to finalize your application.
I urge students to provide accurate information, particularly parental information when applying for NSFAS.
Checking Your NSFAS Status
After applying, it is important to regularly check your NSFAS status. To do this, log in to myNSFAS with your credentials and select the "track funding progress" option. Your application status will be displayed on the screen.
NSFAS Funding Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for NSFAS funding, applicants must meet specific requirements, including a household income threshold.
The household income threshold for NSFAS bursaries is R350,000 per annum. Students from households earning more than R350,000 annually do not qualify for bursaries but may apply for NSFAS loans.
For students with disabilities, the household income threshold is set at R600,000 per annum.
Once your application is submitted, NSFAS will conduct eligibility checks to verify if you qualify for funding. Students who do not meet the bursary income threshold will automatically be considered for an NSFAS loan.
Applicants who are beneficiaries of South African Social Security Agency (Sassa) grants will receive immediate funding decisions.
After the NSFAS funding decision is made, you will either be approved, asked to submit additional documents, or declined.
Students who are rejected for NSFAS funding have the option to submit an appeal.
