NSFAS Online Application

The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) is a government entity in South Africa that provides financial assistance to eligible students pursuing higher education at public universities and Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) colleges. Established to promote access to post-school education and training, NSFAS aims to support students from low-income households, enabling them to obtain qualifications that contribute to personal and national development.

Funding is allocated based on financial need, academic performance, and other criteria, with a focus on approved qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework (NQF). For the 2026 academic year, the application process remains simple and follows the same steps outlined below.

NSFAS Online Application

Table of Contents

Checking Your Application Status

If you have already submitted an application, follow these steps to track it:

  • Visit the myNSFAS portal: https://my.nsfas.org.za.
  • Log in using your username (ID number) and password. If you don’t have an account, create one by clicking “Create Account” and providing your ID number, name, surname, cellphone number, and email address.
  • Once logged in, navigate to the “Track Application Progress” or “Application Status” section.

Common status updates include:

  • Application Submitted: Your application has been received.
  • Documents Missing: Upload the required supporting documents (e.g., ID copies, proof of income, academic results).
  • Under Review: NSFAS is evaluating your eligibility.
  • Provisionally Funded: Funding is approved pending final verification (e.g., academic admission).
  • Approved or Rejected: Final decision; if rejected, you can appeal within 30 days.

If your status is “Awaiting Academic Results” or similar, it may mean NSFAS is waiting for your institution to confirm enrollment or results. For urgent issues like funding shortfalls or document uploads, check recent NSFAS statements on their site.

Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for NSFAS funding, applicants must meet both financial and academic requirements, along with general conditions. Here’s an overview:

General Eligibility

  • Be a South African citizen or permanent resident with a valid South African ID.
  • Be registered or intending to register at a public university or TVET college for an approved qualification.
  • Not be enrolled in a qualification that exceeds the N+ rule (the minimum completion time plus additional terms, with extensions for students with disabilities).
  • Not receive full funding from another bursary or scholarship; partial overlaps may require adjustments.
  • Agree to the terms of the NSFAS Bursary Agreement.

Financial Eligibility

  • Recipients of South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) grants (excluding child support grants) are automatically financially eligible.
  • For non-SASSA recipients, the combined gross annual household income must not exceed R350,000 (or R600,000 for persons with disabilities).
  • Household income includes earnings from parents, guardians, spouses, or the student if applicable. Independent adult learners may be assessed separately.
  • NSFAS verifies income through third-party data sources, requiring consent forms for validation.

Academic Eligibility

  • For first-time entering students: Meet the institution’s admission requirements.
  • For continuing students: Achieve a minimum pass rate in course credits (aligned with institutional progression policies).
  • TVET-specific: Pass a required number of subjects for progression in NC(V) or Report 191 programs.
  • Funding is discontinued if academic criteria are not met, with options for appeals in extenuating circumstances (e.g., illness, family death, or disability-related issues).

Students with disabilities must provide a medical report detailing their condition and needs. Funding is not available for qualifications not accredited by relevant bodies like the Council on Higher Education or for students exceeding funding limits.

How to Apply

Applications are submitted online through the myNSFAS portal, ensuring a paperless and efficient process. The system is accessible via the NSFAS website or mobile app.

  • Visit the official NSFAS website (www.nsfas.org.za) and create a myNSFAS account using your South African ID number, valid email address, and cellphone number.
  • Log in and complete the online application form, providing accurate personal, academic, and financial details. The system validates information against databases like the Department of Home Affairs.
  • Upload required supporting documents as prompted by the system, based on your circumstances.
  • Review and submit the application.
  • Track your status on the portal; notifications are sent via SMS and email if additional information is needed.
  • If rejected, you can appeal through the portal with supporting evidence. Apply as early as possible to allow time for processing and verification.

Required Supporting Documents

If prompted to upload documents for your application:

  • Certified copy of your ID or birth certificate.
  • Certified copies of parents’/guardians’ IDs (or death certificates if deceased).
  • Proof of income (payslips, affidavits for unemployed, SASSA grant letters).
  • Academic results (matric certificate or latest results).
  • Proof of university/TVET acceptance (if applicable).
  • For disabilities: Completed Disability Annexure Form and medical report.
  • Consent Form (signed by parents/guardians to verify income via third parties like SARS).
  • If under 18 and orphaned/vulnerable: Orphan or Vulnerable Child Declaration Form.
  • Other: Retrenchment letters, divorce decrees, marriage certificates, or proof of guardianship if relevant.

Documents must typically be certified and no older than 3-6 months.

Appeals Process for Rejected Applications

If your application was rejected:

  • Log into myNSFAS.
  • View the rejection reason (e.g., exceeding income threshold, academic ineligibility).
  • Submit an appeal with supporting evidence within 30 days of the decision.
  • Common appeal grounds: Changed financial circumstances, incorrect data, or new documents.

Additional Notes

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are some common questions about NSFAS, based on official guidelines:

  • Who can apply for NSFAS funding? All South African citizens and permanent residents can apply. For bursaries, the combined household income must not exceed R350,000 per annum before deductions (or R600,000 for persons with disabilities). For loans, income must be over R350,000 and below R600,000 per annum.
  • Who must re-apply for funding? Returning university students, those moving through NSFAS academic pathways, or students changing institution types (e.g., from TVET to university) must re-apply and meet academic eligibility requirements. Students who deregister or drop out and wish to resume studies must also re-apply during the application period.
  • Who cannot apply for a bursary? Students with full funding from other sources, those pursuing a second undergraduate or certificate qualification, or students at private institutions or in non-approved programs cannot apply for bursaries.
  • Does NSFAS fund postgraduate programs? Bursaries primarily support undergraduate studies, but loans are available for both undergraduate and postgraduate programs, with a focus on STEM (70%) and humanities/social sciences (30%). Students must maintain a 60% pass rate, and high performance (above 70%) may convert 50% of the loan to a bursary.
  • What supporting documents are required? Common documents include the NSFAS Consent Form, Declaration Form (for non-SASSA applicants), Orphan and Vulnerable Child Declaration Form (if applicable), Disability Annexure Form with a medical report, proof of guardianship, and income proofs. SASSA recipients may require fewer documents.
  • How do I track my application status? Log into the myNSFAS portal to check your status. Notifications about updates or required actions are sent via SMS and email.
  • What if my application is rejected? You can appeal the decision through the myNSFAS portal by submitting supporting evidence for reconsideration, such as in cases of financial or academic extenuating circumstances.
  • How are allowances disbursed? Allowances for living expenses, learning materials, and transport are paid directly to students via bank accounts or other approved methods, while tuition and accommodation fees are paid to institutions or providers.