NSFAS Online Application: How to Apply for NSFAS Funding

    The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) is a DHET entity established by the NSFAS Act 56 of 1999 to provide financial support to eligible South African students studying at public universities and TVET colleges.

    Bursary vs Loan: What NSFAS Offers

    DHET Bursary (Non-repayable)

    • For low-income households (≤ R350,000 per year). Disability applicants assessed up to ≤ R600,000.
    • Covers tuition & registration plus allowances (accommodation/transport, learning materials, living/personal care).
    • Details: NSFAS Bursary Information • Bursary Guidelines 2025 (PDF)

    NSFAS Loan (Missing Middle)

    Who Qualifies? (2025)

    • Citizenship: South African citizen or permanent resident with valid SA ID.
    • Registration: Accepted or registered for an approved undergraduate qualification at a public university or TVET college.
    • Financial: Household income ≤ R350,000 (bursary). Disability applicants: ≤ R600,000. SASSA grant recipients automatically meet financial means testing (still need academic eligibility & registration).
    • Academic progression to keep funding:
      • Universities: pass at least 60% of modules (non-FTEN students).
      • TVET: pass at least 70% of subjects (non-FTEN students).
    • N+ rule: complete within N+1 years (standard duration + 1). For students with disabilities, N+2.

    Source: Bursary Guidelines 2025 (PDF) • How to Apply

    Who should not apply?

    • Students who have already completed a full undergraduate qualification.
    • Students registered at private institutions or for short courses.
    • Applicants exceeding the income thresholds above.

    Documents You Need (incl. 2026 forms)

    • Your SA ID (or unabridged birth certificate) and IDs of parents/guardian/spouse (if applicable).
    • Proof of household income (payslips/IRP5; affidavit if unemployed).
    • Proof of admission/registration at a public university/TVET college.
    • Where applicable:
    • Everyone: download and complete the 2026 Consent Form and (if relevant) the Declaration Form.

    Checklist & forms: NSFAS: How to Apply

    What Does NSFAS Cover?

    Tuition & registration fees (paid to the institution), plus allowances for accommodation/transport, learning materials, and living/personal care. Annual caps are set in the year’s guidelines.

    Details: Bursary Information • Bursary Guidelines 2025 (PDF)

    How to Apply (Step-by-Step)

    1. Create a myNSFAS account: myNSFAS Login/Register
    2. Complete the online form with personal, education, and household details.
    3. Upload supporting documents (clear scans/photos).
    4. Submit your application and keep your reference number.
    5. Track your status on myNSFAS (Application Submitted → Under Review → Approved/Rejected). If rejected, lodge an appeal within 30 days.
    6. Deadlines: Application windows for the next academic year are announced on the How to Apply page—check regularly.

    Allowances & the NSFAS Wallet

    • Tuition & registration are paid to your institution; allowances may be paid via the institution, to your bank, or via the NSFAS Wallet.
    • Wallet USSD: dial *134*176# to access wallet functions.
    • Guide: NSFAS Wallet Guide (PDF)

    Keeping Your Funding

    • Attend classes and academic support (TVET: ≥ 80% attendance).
    • Meet progression rules (Universities: ≥ 60% modules passed; TVET: ≥ 70% subjects passed).
    • Complete within N+1 (or N+2 for students with disabilities).
    • Update NSFAS if your personal details, programme, or other funding changes.

    Source: Bursary Guidelines 2025 (PDF)

    Student Accommodation (Accreditation)

    NSFAS pays accommodation allowances only for accredited accommodation (or where explicit permission is granted). Providers must list properties on the NSFAS accommodation portal and be accredited by NSFAS/institutions.

    Info: NSFAS Student Accommodation

    Quick FAQs

    Do I need to reapply every year?

    If you are already funded, NSFAS generally reassesses you automatically each year based on academic and financial checks. Monitor your myNSFAS account for any required actions. Does NSFAS fund private institutions or short courses?

    No. NSFAS funds approved programmes at public universities and TVET colleges only. What if I fail modules?

    You must meet the minimum pass rates to keep funding: universities 60% of modules passed; TVET 70% of subjects passed, subject to the N+ rule. Is there an age limit?

    No upper age limit applies to the main DHET bursary.

    NSFAS Contacts

    Sources (Official)

    Quick Checklist (2026)

    1. Create/confirm myNSFAS account (email + cellphone ready).
    2. Download & complete: Consent, Declaration (if applicable).
    3. Prepare clear scans: ID, guardians’ IDs, income proof/affidavit, admission/registration proof.
    4. Submit application and keep your reference number.
    5. Track status weekly; if rejected, appeal within 30 days.