How to apply for NSFAS for 2025

National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) has officially opened applications for their bursary/study loan programme for the 2025 academic year. If you are in matric or already in university and are looking for a financial aid to fund your studies, this might be the perfect opportunity for you. The NSFAS Applications are open until 15 December 2024. 

National Student Financial Aid Scheme 2025 Online Application

NSFAS was established in 1996 in response to the need for financial assistance for students from disadvantaged backgrounds. The scheme is primarily funded by the South African government, with additional contributions from various sources. NSFAS has helped thousands of South African students to access and complete tertiary education, contributing to the country's development and skills base. They are a leading and sustainable financial aid scheme that enables access to quality higher education for all South Africans.

How to apply for National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) for 2025

Follow the step by step guide below on how to apply for NSFAS online for 2025:

1. Visit the NSFAS Website 
2. Create a myNSFAS profile
3. Complete all required information
4. Upload required documents
5. Submit your application

NB: If you have applied before. enter your ID number and password to login to your NSFAS account to apply for the 2025 academic year. 

National Student Financial Aid Scheme Requirements for 2025 (NSFAS BURSARY):

• You must be in Matric or passed Matric
• You must be a South African citizen.
• You must be a previously disadvantaged individual 
• You must be living with a disability
• You must have applied OR been accepted OR currently studying at a public higher education institution. 
• Your family combined income should not be more than R350 000 per annum
•  For persons living with disabilities, the combined household income is capped at R600 000 per annum
• SASSA Grant Recipients automatically qualify for NSFAS  

National Student Financial Aid Scheme Requirements for 2025 (NSFAS STUDY LOAN):

• You must be in Matric or passed Matric
• You must be a South African citizen.
• You must be a previously disadvantaged individual 
• You must be living with a disability
• You must have applied OR been accepted OR currently studying at a public higher education institution. 
• Your family combined income should be between R350 001 and R600 000 per annum. 
•  For persons living with disabilities, the combined household income is capped at R600 000 per annum

National Student Financial Aid Scheme Covers the following expenses for 2025:

• Tuition fees
• Learning Material 
• Registration fee
• Living Allowance
• Personal Care Allowance 
• Transport
• Accommodation

NOTE: Living/Personal and Transport allowances are not part of the NSFAS loan scheme funding.

To apply successfully for the NSFAS Bursary/Study Loan you need to upload the following required documents for the 2025 applications:  

• Certified copy of your ID document.
• Certified copies of your parents or guardians ID document  
• Proof of parents or guardians household income (latest payslips if employed)
• Proof of Disability (fill in the disability annexure)
• Declaration Form
• Consent Form 
• Orphan and Vulnerable Child Declaration Form

CLOSING DATE:

The closing date for the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) for the 2025 academic year is the 15th of December 2024. This means that all applications must be submitted by this date to be considered for funding in the following year. Applications received after 15 December 2024 will not be considered for NSFAS funding. 

NSFAS Frequently Asked Questions

• Who can not apply for NSFAS?

Students who have received 100% study funding from non-NSFAS sources.

Student who already has obtained an undergraduate qualification and wants to study for a second undergraduate qualification.

Student who has achieved a certificate qualification and wants to study for a second certificate qualification.

Students studying at a private institution.

Students enrolled for qualifications that are not approved by DHET and/or SAQA accredited.

• What is the maximum age to apply for NSFAS?

There is no specific maximum age limit for applying for NSFAS. However, the eligibility criteria for NSFAS funding may vary depending on factors such as your academic performance, family income, and whether you're a first-time student. It's important to note that NSFAS primarily focuses on supporting students who are pursuing their first undergraduate degree. 

• Can a Grade 11 apply for NSFAS?
   

No, Grade 11 students cannot apply for NSFAS. NSFAS is specifically designed to provide financial assistance for tertiary education, which typically starts after completing high school (Grade 12). Grade 11 students should focus on completing their high school education and preparing for their matric exams. Once they have successfully completed Grade 12 and gained admission to a tertiary institution, they can then apply for NSFAS to support their studies.

• Can NSFAS fund you for 5 years?

NSFAS typically funds students for the duration of their approved study programme. This means that if your approved programme takes five years to complete, NSFAS can potentially fund you for all five years. Again NSFAS can fund you for 5 years if you have failed one or two academic year depending on the number of years you are doing your course (diploma: 3 years/degree: 4 years).

• Do you pay back NSFAS?

NSFAS is now divided into two; There is NSFAS Bursary and NSFAS Study Loan. Those who get NSFAS Bursary do not need to pay back NSFAS. Those who get NSFAS Study Loan should pay back NSFAS. It's important to note that the eligibility criteria for both the bursary and study loan may vary, and students may be assessed based on their financial need and other factors. 

• Does NSFAS fund Bed?
   

Yes, NSFAS does fund Bachelor of Education (BEd) study programmes. NSFAS aims to support students pursuing various tertiary qualifications, including those in the education field. This means that eligible students pursuing a BEd degree can potentially receive financial assistance from NSFAS to cover their tuition fees, accommodation, and other study-related expenses.

NSFAS 2025 Applications are currently open! Act fast and submit your NSFAS application Now! Remember late applications will not be allowed. Over the years, NSFAS has evolved and expanded its services to meet the changing needs of students. For more information regarding the NSFAS Funding visit the National Student Financial Aid Scheme website.