Applying to NSFAS can be stressful—especially if you’re unsure what to expect.
That’s why we’ve compiled 10 of the most frequently asked questions about this student financial aid scheme’s application process.
That way, you’ll know exactly what you’re getting into and how to apply.
What is NSFAS?
The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) is a government-funded financial aid scheme for high-achieving academics with low incomes. Its only goal is to help South African students who are struggling financially to obtain the funds they need to attend a public higher education institution or TVET College of their choice.How Does NSFAS Work?
The process for the NSFAS financial aid scheme is quite hectic but not impossible. You’ll have to be fairly academic to qualify (that is, get good marks in school).You’ll also have to go through a screening process done by NSFAS to check whether you qualify for the loan and how much money you’ll actually need.
Once you’ve passed the screening process, an allocated allowance from NSFAS will be sent to your institution to help you fund your studies and other general student costs such as tuition, registration, food, and more.
Here’s everything you need to know about applying to NSFAS:
1. What are the NSFAS Requirements for Students?
NSFAS has set criteria for students looking to apply for a bursary. The requirements for NSFAS can be divided into two categories: academic and general.
Academic requirements
- You must have passed Grades 9 to 12 to get NSFAS funding for a TVET College.
- However, if you’re applying to a university or college, you must get that National Senior Certificate.
- That’s only for the application, though. Once you’ve been approved by NSFAS, you’ll still need to meet all the criteria for admission to the tertiary institution of your choice.
General requirements
Any South African citizen—or a permanent resident looking to attend a public university or TVET College—qualifies for NSFAS funding. With that said, there are certain criteria that NSFAS will look at during the screening process, and you’ll need to fall within one of the following categories:
- A recipient of the SASSA grant: The SASSA, or South African Social Security Agency, is a government organization that provides grants and allowances to disadvantaged groups needing financial aid. These groups include children, the elderly, and those with disabilities.
- Low-income salary earner: This includes individuals living in a household with a combined annual income of less than R350 000 (or 29 166 per month) or those living with disabilities with a combined annual income of less than R600 000 (or R50 000 per month).
- Students who started studying before 2018: To qualify for this category, you must have a combined household income of less than R122 000 per year (or R10 166 per month).
2. Does NSFAS Have an Age Limit?
If you’re in the middle of a career change and looking to return to school but lack funding, we have some great news!
You can definitely be that weird older person in the lecture room. Or, if you’d instead study on your own terms, try your hand at distance learning.
Whatever you decide, don’t let your age stop you from getting that dream job. Especially considering that there is absolutely no age limit for NSFAS funding. This means that, as long as you meet their requirements, you can apply.
3. What are the Institutions that NSFAS Funds?
According to the NSFAS website, it currently funds the following public South African universities:
- Nelson Mandela University (NMU)
- North-West University (NWU)
- Rhodes University (RU)
- Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU)
- Sol Plaatje University (SPU)
- Stellenbosch University (Maties)
- University of Cape Town (UCT)
- University of Fort Hare (UFH)
- University of Johannesburg (UJ)
- University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN)
- University of Limpopo (Turfloop)
- University of Mpumalanga (UMP)
- University of Pretoria (TUKS)
- University of South Africa (UNISA)
- University of the Free State (UFS)
- University of the Western Cape (UWC)
- University of the Witwatersrand (WITS)
- University of Venda (Univen)
- University of Zululand (UniZulu)
- Walter Sisulu University (WSU)
Those who are looking to attend a technical college (TVET) will be happy to know that the student financial aid scheme currently funds 50 South African TVET Colleges.
- Check the NSFAS directory to see if yours is one of them
- NSFAS bursary loan application
4. When Do NSFAS Applications Open?
The dates for NSFAS applications change annually and run in cycles, although they all happen closer to the end of each year.
In previous years, applications generally opened in August or September and closed at the end of November.
However, the dates have now changed and applications are now opening as early as September and closing in January of the following year.
With dates changing year-on-year, staying in the loop is essential, as anything can happen. Check out FundiConnect’s website for regular updates or the NSFAS website and social media pages for any application news.
For next year, applications to NSFAS for 2024 open on 16 September 2025 and close on 31 January 2025.
5. Where Do I Apply for NSFAS?
Students can apply to NSFAS by visiting one of the National Youth Development Agency (NYDA) branches or by registering for an online account with myNSFAS. If you’re a bit confused about how to register, don’t worry; we've got you!
Here’s how to create a myNSFAS account:
