The 2025 NSFAS applications opened on Friday, 20 September 2024 and are set to close on Friday, 15 December 2024 This is great news for students who are looking to apply to college or university in 2025, but who are otherwise unable to afford it. Why, you ask?
Well, the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) provides funding to those who would like to study at a South African University or TVET College in 2025, but who are in need of some financial assistance.Â
NSFAS provides funding to students in the form of a bursary, which only needs to be paid once you’ve actually secured employment and completed your studies.
The best part is the NSFAS bursary covers the entire duration of your studies—provided that you pass the modules and complete the academic requirements.
Eager to get started on the application process? Here’s how to apply for NSFAS in 2025:
Table of Contents
NSFAS Application Dates
- Opening date: Friday, 20 September 2024
- Closing date: Friday, 15 December 2024
Requirements for the 2025 NSFAS Applications
- You need to have a valid South African ID, which can either be in the form of an ID book or smart ID card (unfortunately, no foreign individuals may apply)
- Your combined household income cannot exceed R350 000 per annum
- If you’re a disabled person, then your household income must not exceed R600 000 per annum
- You need to have passed grade 12 at a secondary institution for both university and TVET funding
What NSFAS Funding Covers
- Registration fees
- Tuition fees
- Allowance for food
- Allowance for personal care
- Learning materials
- Accommodation (if necessary)
- Travel (if necessary)
Supporting Documents Needed for 2025 NSFAS Applications
- A certified copy of your ID or birth certificate
- Certified ID copies of parents, guardian/s or spouse
- Your proof of income or 1 year’s IRP5 or your parents, guardian or spouse’s proof of income. (NOTE: If you are a SASSA grant recipient, no proof of income will be required)
- If you are disabled you must submit a completed and signed Disability Annexure A Form
- If you are recognised as a Vulnerable Child by the Department of Social Development must provide a completed and signed Vulnerable Child Declaration Form
Other required documents if applicable:
- Retrenchment letter
- Death certificate/s
- Divorce decree
2025 NSFAS Applications: How to Apply Â
Once the 2025 NSFAS applications are open, you will need to create a myNSFAS account, and do the following:
- Click on register
- Tick the acceptance option to verify and validate the information you provide
- Type in your ID number as per your ID document
- Type in your name and surname as per your ID Document
- Type in your email address and cellphone number (Please note that your email will become your username)
- Create a password and confirm your password
- Upload a copy of your ID
- Click on the register button
- A One Time Pin (OTP) will be sent to the email address and cellphone number you provided
- Type in the OTP in the tab provided and click submit
- You will then receive another SMS and email confirming that your myNSFAS account has been created
- You must now proceed with filling out your application and providing the necessary supporting documentation
If you still have further questions, please visit the NSFAS FAQ for more information.
Who Can Not Apply to NSFAS?
When applying for NSFAS funding, it’s important to understand that not all students will qualify. Here are the categories of students who may not be eligible for NSFAS in 2025:
Who is not eligible to apply?
- Students who already receive full funding for their studies from sources other than NSFAS.
- Students who have completed an undergraduate degree and are seeking funding for another undergraduate programme.
- Students who have earned a certificate and want to pursue a second certificate qualification.
- Students enrolled at private institutions.
- Students studying for qualifications that are not approved by the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) or accredited by the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA).
Fund Your Studies With Fundi Â
Looking for alternative means to fund your education in 2025? Look no further than a Fundi study loan! Fundi study loans cover a whole range of educational costs—from tuition fees, textbooks, study devices and more!
Curious to know if you qualify? Then be sure to check out the Fundi Loan Calculator and start your academic journey today!Â
