Are you a South African student looking to pursue higher education? The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) is offering bursaries and loans to help you achieve your academic goals.
NSFAS 2025 applications opened on 20 September and will close on 15 December 2024.
NSFAS Loans Reintroduced
In 2024, the government introduced a new funding model that allows students who don't qualify for bursaries to access loans. South African citizens and permanent residents with household incomes between R350,000 and R600,000 can apply for these loans.
NSFAS provides loans for eligible students enrolled in approved courses at universities and Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) colleges. This includes:
- Tuition
- Registration
- Accommodation allowances
- Learning materials allowances
Key Requirements for Loans
- Acceptance at a TVET College or public university
- Average of 60% in coursework to continue receiving funding
- Potential for loan forgiveness (up to 50%) for students who achieve 70% or higher and complete their studies within the prescribed time
How To Apply
- Create a myNSFAS account.
- Click on the "Apply" tab.
- Complete the online form.
- Upload required documents (where applicable).
- Click "Submit."
While not all documents are mandatory for initial application, you may need to provide the following:
- Copy of your Identity Document
- Copy of your parent(s)' or guardian's/spouse's ID Document
- Proof of income (if applicable)
- NSFAS Declaration Form
- Orphan/Vulnerable Child Declaration Form (if under 18)
- NSFAS Consent Form
- Proof of Guardianship (if applicable)
- Disability Annexure Form (if applicable)
- Marriage Certificate (if applicable)
- Provisional/Firm/Pre-Enrolment offer letter from the institution
NSFAS does not accept affidavits as supporting documents.