The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) is a government-funded organization that provides financial assistance to students from low-income households to pursue their studies at public universities and Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) colleges.
NSFAS aims to fund those who are interested in studying further but cannot afford to do so.
NSFAS Funding for Students Living at Home
NSFAS funding for students living at home includes a transport allowance every month if the student lives 40km away from their campus.
The funding also covers tuition fees, learning materials allowance, and personal or incidental allowance.
Eligibility Criteria for NSFAS University Funding
To qualify for NSFAS university funding, students must meet the following criteria:
- Must be a South African citizen
- Applied or are applying to study at a public university
- Passed Grade 12 to receive NSFAS funding to study at a university or college
- Combined household income not more than R350,000 per annum
- A person with a disability with a combined household income of no more than R600,000 per annum
- Demonstrate proven and accepted academic performance in line with the university’s progression policy or the progression prescriptions of the Bursary Rules and Guidelines
- Not enrolling for a qualification that duplicates previous learning that was state-funded
NSFAS Online Application
Students can apply for NSFAS funding using the myNSFAS online platform. The required documents for application include:
- SA ID document or Unabridged Birth Certificate
- Parents or guardians ID documents
- Consent Form, available on the NSFAS website
- Proof of income for parents or guardian
NSFAS Application 2025 Opening Date
The NSFAS application opening date for 2025 will be announced on the NSFAS website.
Student Portal Login
Students can access their NSFAS account and application status through the myNSFAS student portal.
NSFAS Application 2024
The NSFAS application for 2024 is now closed.
Students can check the NSFAS website for updates on the 2025 application process.
NSFAS Contact Details
For more information about NSFAS funding or to apply for funding, please contact:
National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS)
Tel: 0860 067 327
Email: info@nsfas.org.za