NSFAS Application 2025

National Student Financial Aid Scheme Guide

What is NSFAS?

The National Student Financial Aid Scheme provides bursaries and loans to South African students from disadvantaged backgrounds to access higher education at public universities and TVET colleges.

2025 Funding Includes:

Full tuition coverage
Accommodation/transport allowance
Living and book allowances
Special support for students with disabilities

Who Qualifies?

Requirements

South African citizen
Household income ≤ R350,000/year
Admitted to public university/TVET
First tertiary qualification

Special Cases

SASSA recipients automatically qualify
Disabled students: income ≤ R600,000
TVET to university transitions

Important Dates

Application Period

Opened: 20 Sept 2024
Closed: 31 Jan 2025

TVET Extension

13-24 Jan 2025
(Trimester/Semester 2)

No late applications accepted – prepare for 2026 cycle if missed

How to Apply

Create Account

Complete Form

Fill in personal, academic and financial details

Upload Documents

Certified ID, proof of income, consent forms

Submit & Track

Get reference number and monitor status

Required Documents

All Applicants

Certified ID copy
NSFAS consent form
Proof of admission/registration

Additional

Income proof (payslips/affidavit)
Disability form (if applicable)
Orphan declaration (if applicable)

Tip: Documents must be certified, clear and in PDF format

2025 Allowances

Type	Amount (ZAR)
Tuition	Full coverage
Accommodation	Up to residence rates
Transport	R7,500/year
Living Allowance	R15,000/year
Books	R5,200/year

Regional Support

Gauteng

UJ/UP Financial Aid Offices
NYDA Johannesburg/Pretoria

Western Cape

UWC/Stellenbosch University
Thusong Centres

KZN (Durban)

UKZN/DUT Financial Aid
Coastal KZN TVET College

Related Information

If you’re planning to study at UNISA, our guide on UNISA Applications 2025 can help you navigate the application process alongside funding, See our Complete Guide.