NSFAS Application 2024-2025 | Steps on How to Apply for NSFAS Bursary

NSFAS Application 2024-2025 | Steps on How to Apply for NSFAS Bursary

All applications for student funding must be submitted via the NSFAS website

All students with a household income of R350000 or less are encouraged to apply for possible funding for the academic year. ALL applications must be submitted via the NSFAS website: www.nsfas.org.za

CLICK HERE FOR THE NSFAS ONLINE APPLICATION PROCEDURE

Please note the following important information:

• The deadline for NSFAS funding is 30 November . No late applications will be accepted. For more information on the application process or to apply, please visit www.nsfas.org.za or call 086 006 7327.
• The closing date for applications for other funding opportunities will be communicated at a later stage. Please note, however, that ALL applications for funding must be submitted via the NSFAS website: www.nsfas.org.za

What is NSFAS?

The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) is a statutory body, funded primarily by the South African National Department of Education and Training, which provides study loans to academically able but financially needy students who wish to study at one of South Africa’s public higher education institutions.

What is a NSFAS loan?

A NSFAS loan is an award that a student can receive from NSFAS upon applying and qualifying for such loan. This loan has to be repaid with interest (interest of each year is linked to the national inflation rate). A maximum award size is determined for each year by NSFAS. A portion of this award can be converted into a bursary based on academic performance. The size of this bursary is determined by the number of modules which the student has passed. A 100% pass rate will result in a 40% bursary rebate on this NSFAS loan.

NSFAS loan criteria

You may apply for a NSFAS loan if you are

• a South African student studying at a public South African higher education institution.
• an undergraduate student studying towards a first higher education qualification.
• studying towards a postgraduate qualification which is a requirement to practise in a chosen profession (eg Postgraduate Certificate in Education).
• studying towards any postgraduate qualification except the MBA, the MBL, the DBA or the DBL.
• able to demonstrate potential for academic success and that you are financially needy.

Application process
(including historic debt loans and postgraduate loans)

• Applications: Apply online at www.nsfas.org.za or complete the application form and submit it to student@nsfas.org.za
• Appeals: Students whose NSFAS application was unsuccessful may appeal the outcome of their application by completing the appeals form and submitting it to student@nsfas.org.za

Before proceeding to apply online, students must have the following documents at their disposal. 

• Certified copy of ID document /passport of student / mother / father /guardian / wife /husband
• Original / certified copy of pay- slips / pension slip for both parents/guardian /spouse (these should not be older than three (3) months)
• In the case of deceased parents, attach certified death Certificates
• If parents are divorced, attach a copy of the decree of divorce
• If parents / guardian / spouse are self-employed, attach a copy of the latest financial statement
• If parents are unemployed, attach sworn affidavits accompanied by a report from a social worker , religious leader /traditional leader or Council
• An amount for income must be provided on all affidavits
• If parents are separated, attach pay-slips of both and an official letter from the social worker or religious leader confirming the separation
• Certified copy of previous degree or diploma certificate
• If you are currently in in-service training, attach pay – slip or provide the University with proof from your employer stating whether your study leave is paid or unpaid
• ID copies / birth certificates or letters from school of other family members
• Proof of registration for sibling at other tertiary institutions

Now that you know the required documents, lets proceed to how you Can apply for the University of Pretoria UP NSFAS Online 

In order to access the NSFAS Online application form, students will have to create a Mynsfas Account. Below are steps on how to create an account and apply online.

NSFAS Online Application | A step by Step Guide

Please note:

• Your application form must be fully and correctly completed.
• You must submit all the required documentation as part of your application.
• You must submit your application before the closing date as published on the NSFAS website: www.nsfas.org.za

What is a NSFAS bursary?

A variety of NSFAS bursaries exist, each with its own criteria. A NSFAS bursary is an award that a student receives upon application for such funding. This bursary award does not have to be repaid. However, if the student does not adhere to the bursary conditions, the bursary will be converted to a loan. This loan will have to be repaid with interest.

Please visit the undergraduate bursary page for individual bursary criteria.

For more information on NSFAS loans and bursaries, please visit the NSFAS website: www.nsfas.org.za

Apply for NSFAS Online

First, you’ll need to visit the NSFAS website and register to make an account. Once you’ve done that, you’ll be able to fill out the online application form.

• This process can take about 30 minutes
• You’ll need to have certified scanned copies of the following documents:
  • Identity Document/Birth Certificate
  • Matric Certificate
  • Latest Academic Results
  • Proof of parents’ income (if they are employed)
  • Death Certificate/s (if parents are dead)
  • Doctor’s Certificate (if permanently disabled)

For a list of all documents that may be required Click
here.

So there you have it: how to apply for NSFAS online.

Click here to read more about what NSFAS is.
Click here to read about NSFAS’s new Student Centered Model.