NSFAS 2025 Applications Are Now Open

The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) is now accepting applications for 2025. NSFAS provides financial assistance to students pursuing higher education in the form of bursaries. Applications typically open towards the end of the year, with deadlines extending into the following year.

NSFAS is managed by a board that directs its operations, with oversight from Dr. Blade Nzimande, the Minister of Higher Education, Science, and Innovation. The bursaries offered by NSFAS go beyond covering tuition fees; they also cover registration, accommodation, transportation, and book allowances, distributed via the NSFAS bank account as part of their new direct payment system.

NSFAS Eligibility Requirements

To qualify for NSFAS funding, your household income must be R350,000 or less per year. For students living with disabilities, the income threshold is R600,000 per year.

What NSFAS Funding Covers

NSFAS bursaries cover more than just tuition. Students also receive assistance with registration, accommodation, transport, and books. If you live in self-catering accommodation, you may also receive a monthly living allowance.

NSFAS supports students studying at any of South Africa’s 26 public universities or 50 TVET colleges. If your application is successful, you will receive funding for the duration of your qualification, provided you meet academic requirements.

How To Apply for NSFAS

Students must submit their applications online via the myNSFAS portal. The process is straightforward, but it is important to provide accurate information. NSFAS verifies your financial eligibility by conducting checks with government databases. If discrepancies are found, your funding may be withdrawn, and legal action could be taken.

To apply, you’ll need to create a myNSFAS account, provide your ID and other personal information, and upload required documents before the closing date. Make sure to regularly check your application status and submit any additional documents requested by NSFAS.

How to Check Your NSFAS Status

After submitting your application, it’s crucial to check your NSFAS status frequently. This will keep you informed of any additional steps you need to take, such as submitting documents. Once your admission status has been validated, your NSFAS status will be updated.

Creating and Logging into a myNSFAS Account

To begin your NSFAS application journey, you’ll need to create a myNSFAS account on the NSFAS website. This account allows you to apply, monitor your status, and manage your bursary. For account security, never share your login details.

NSFAS Mastercard and Payment Providers

NSFAS has partnered with four financial service providers for its new payment system. These companies are responsible for distributing allowances via the NSFAS Mastercard:

• Tenet Technologies covers students from institutions like the University of Pretoria, CPUT, and Wits.

• Coinvest manages payments for students at UCT, Rhodes University, and Stellenbosch University.

• Norraco serves students at UWC, University of Johannesburg, and other institutions.

• Ezaga handles payments for DUT, TUT, and others.

Students can collect their physical and virtual NSFAS Mastercard from their respective institutions. The Mastercard offers benefits like tap-to-pay, online purchasing, and financial responsibility education.

Where to Withdraw NSFAS Allowances

Students can withdraw their NSFAS allowances from the below Stores:

• Nedbank ATMs
• Pick n Pay
• Shoprite
• Checkers
• Boxer
• Usave stores

Contact NSFAS

For further Information, Contact NSFAS through their toll-free number: 08 000 67327.