How can I get Nsfas

By | January 2, 2024

How can I get Nsfas

How can I get Nsfas : We have produced an infographic for quick reference on how to get an NSFAS Loan. As well as who, how and how much goes into an NSFAS Loan.

73,7%: The collective bumber of courses passed by all students receiving NSFAS funding.

Amount paid out to students:

2000 – R513m
2005 – R1, 217m
2007 – R1, 791m
2008 – R2, 375m
2009 – R3, 154m

NSFAS are giving six times the amount of loans they were ten years ago.

Number of students in higher education assisted:
2009 – 138 235
2008 – 118 445
2007 – 113 617
2006 – 108 416
2005 – 106 852
2004 – 98 810
2003 – 96 555
2002 – 86 149
2001 – 80 516
2000 – 72 037

NSFAS have assisted over a million students in the last ten years.

Demographics of recipients 2007 -2009:
45% – Male
55% – Female
93% – African
7% – Other

What funding do you need?

Study Loan:
Apply, Apply at the educational institution where you plan to study.
Some institutions will issue you with study & financial application forms. Fill in both.

Pay Back, You only start repaying once you start earning a salary. Repayments are based on the salary you earn,starting at 3% of your annual salary.

Who is eligible,
– SA Citizens
– Registered at a SA University or University of Technology
– An undergraduate, studying for 1st Higher Ed qualification
– Studying for a 2nd Higher Ed qualification if neccesary for profession eg. LLB
– Able to demonstrate potential for academic success
– In need of financial assistance

Bursary:
Funza Lushaka Bursary, Full-cost bursaries are available to enable eligible students to complete a full teaching qualification in an area of national priority. Recipients will be required to teach at a public school for the same number of years that they receive the bursary.

Social Work, Bursaries for those interested in studying Social Work are provided by the Dept of Social Development. The student applies for the bursary at the Provincial Department’s offices. These bursaries have a work back condition.

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National Skills Fund, Bursaries from the National Skills Fund are available for students with a study focus in a scarce skills area.

FET College Bursaries, Bursaries for the National Certificate (Vocational) and for certain NATED courses at FET Colleges are available for qualifying students. Students must apply for funding through the FET College’s Student Support Services.

Infographic published by Argo, Copyright reserved 2011.
Visit www.sastudy.co.za for more.
General NSFAS enquiries contact info@nsfas.org.za
Information sourced from http://www.nsfas.org.za/loan-and-bursary.htm

Double click the image to save and enlarge or right click, and select ‘save as’ to download the PDF version. Feel free to share and distribute our infographics. Do not remove the copyright or Argo/SA Study watermarks.

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Complete Guide to NSFAS Online Loan Application for South African Students (2025)

If you are a South African student looking to pursue higher education but are facing financial difficulties, the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) is one of the most accessible funding options available. NSFAS provides financial aid in the form of bursaries and loans to qualifying students at public universities and TVET colleges in South Africa.

This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about the NSFAS loan application process, from eligibility requirements to application steps and frequently asked questions.


📌 What is NSFAS?

The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) is a government-funded financial aid scheme aimed at helping students from low- and middle-income households to access tertiary education without the burden of upfront fees.

NSFAS offers both bursaries and income-contingent loans:

  • Bursaries: For eligible students who meet academic and household income criteria (especially for TVET and university students).
  • Loans: For students who do not meet all bursary criteria or who are pursuing postgraduate qualifications not funded under bursary schemes.
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✅ Who Qualifies for an NSFAS Loan?

To qualify for an NSFAS loan (especially for postgraduate students or programs not funded under the bursary system), you must:

  • Be a South African citizen.
  • Be financially needy, with a household income of less than R350,000 per year.
  • Have a valid South African ID.
  • Be enrolled or accepted to study at a public university or TVET college.
  • Not be funded through another bursary program that covers all expenses.
  • Maintain satisfactory academic progress (returning students).

📚 Courses Funded by NSFAS

NSFAS primarily funds undergraduate qualifications, but certain postgraduate programs (e.g., PGCE, postgraduate diplomas in education, and professional courses like LLB) may be considered under the NSFAS loan scheme, not bursaries.

If you’re studying:

  • Undergraduate degree or diploma: You are likely eligible for a full NSFAS bursary.
  • Postgraduate study: You may qualify for a loan, depending on the course and funding availability.

📄 Required Documents for NSFAS Application

When applying, make sure you have the following documents scanned and ready:

  1. Certified copy of your South African ID or Smart Card.
  2. Parent(s) or guardian(s) ID documents.
  3. Proof of income (latest payslips, UIF, or affidavit if unemployed).
  4. Consent Form signed by your parent(s)/guardian(s) to allow NSFAS to verify income.
  5. Proof of registration or acceptance at a public institution.
  6. Academic transcripts (for continuing or postgraduate students).

🖥️ How to Apply for an NSFAS Loan Online

Step-by-Step NSFAS Online Application Process (2025)

  1. Visit the NSFAS Website

    Go to: https://www.nsfas.org.za

  2. Create an Account

    • Click on “MyNSFAS” and register your profile.
    • You’ll need a valid email address and South African cellphone number.
    • Choose a strong password and verify your account via email or SMS.
  3. Login and Start the Application

    • After registration, log in to your MyNSFAS account.
    • Click on “Apply” to begin a new application.
  4. Fill in Your Personal Details

    • Input your ID number, name, surname, and other details exactly as they appear on your ID.
    • Provide household income information and living arrangements.
  5. Upload Required Documents

    • Upload all supporting documents in PDF or JPEG format.
    • Each document must be clear and under the size limit specified.
  6. Submit Your Application

    • Review your application for accuracy.
    • Click “Submit” and wait for a confirmation message.
  7. Track Your Application

    • Log in regularly to check your application status.
    • You will be notified via SMS and email at each stage of the process.

🗓️ Important NSFAS Dates (2025)

  • Application Opening Date: September 1, 2025
  • Application Deadline: January 31, 2026
  • Appeals Period: February 2026 (if rejected)
  • Disbursement: After registration and approval

Note: Dates are subject to change; always confirm on the official NSFAS website.


💸 What Does the NSFAS Loan Cover?

NSFAS funding typically includes:

  • Tuition fees
  • Registration fees
  • Accommodation (if living away from home)
  • Meals and transport
  • Learning materials (e.g., textbooks)

For loans, repayment is only required once you start working and earn above a threshold (around R30,000 annually, but subject to change).


🔄 NSFAS Loan Repayment

Repayments are:

  • Income-contingent – you only repay when you can afford to.
  • Administered by DHET (Department of Higher Education and Training).
  • Interest-bearing, but interest rates are low and favorable.

You can also apply for a partial loan conversion to a bursary if you perform well academically.


🔁 How to Appeal a Rejected NSFAS Application

If your application is rejected, you may submit an appeal via your MyNSFAS portal:

  1. Log into your MyNSFAS account.
  2. Click on “Track Funding Progress”.
  3. If rejected, click on “Submit Appeal”.
  4. Upload any missing or corrected documents.
  5. Provide a clear explanation or motivation.

📱 NSFAS Contact Information


📝 Final Tips Before Applying

  • Apply early to avoid system overload near the deadline.
  • Use your own email and cellphone number (do not use someone else’s).
  • Double-check that all your documents are certified and legible.
  • Keep a copy of your submission confirmation for reference.

By following this guide, you can confidently apply for NSFAS funding and move one step closer to achieving your academic and career dreams—without the burden of immediate financial pressure.