BURSARIES: A bursary is a form of financial assistance given to a student for further study or training. Bursaries may differ in terms of an amount of money and duration. Students are selected according to various criteria set by donors, which could include academic merit and financial need. Some bursaries require that students sign a contract to enter the employment of the donor after graduation.

SCHOLARSHIPS: The scholarship amount is normally based on outstanding academic achievement. Scholarships do not normally require the recipient to repay the scholarship and usually, have no employment conditions attached.
STUDY LOANS: A loan is money borrowed, which must be repaid upon completion of studies. Loans are available from banks and institutions like Eduloan. The NSFAS (National Student Financial Aid Scheme) is a South African Government-funded structure offering assistance to academically deserving and financially needy students. Students may apply for this type of loan at the Financial Aid offices of CUT. Up to 40% of this type of loan can be converted into a bursary, depending on the end-of-year results.
Students can contact Finance via e-mail
Finance enquiries can be done e-mail.
Faculty of Engineering, Built Environment and Information Technology:
tleisa@cut.ac.za and nmbobo@cut.ac.za (Bloemfontein Campus)
mchere@cut.ac.za and mokoenaj@cut.ac.za (Welkom Campus)
Faculty of Management Sciences:
tsebatli@cut.ac.za and amoleme@cut.ac.za (Bloemfontein Campus)
lmusa@cut.ac.za and odumbe@cut.ac.za (Welkom Campus)
Faculty of Humanities:
pkulan@cut.ac.za and litabem@cut.ac.za (Bloemfontein Campus)
nleteane@cut.ac.za and tkhiba@cut.ac.za (Welkom Campus)
Faculty of Health and Environmental Sciences:
tankisomosala@cut.ac.za and mchacha@cut.ac.za
Bursary and Scholarships
Loans (Financial Aid)
NSFAS
- Go to NSFAS webpage for information.
Feenix Student Fundraising Platform
Feenix is an online fundraising platform that connects students to their communities to fundraise towards their outstanding debt.
If a student would like to use the platform, they must make sure they:
- are a South African citizen/asylum seeker/permanent resident/refugee
- have a combined annual household income under R600 000
- are a registered student or have historical debt.
To create your profile, you will have to upload:
- an official fee statement not older than 30 days
- a certified ID copy not older than 6 months
- a profile picture
- your story/biography – tell us about yourself and your dreams (guidelines given on the website).
Visit www.feenix.org to start your fundraising journey.
EDULOAN
For more information on EDULOAN, visit https://www.eduloan.co.za.
On campus assistance Lapeng Student Centre, tel: +27(0)51 4476210 Customer care: 0860 5555 44Uploaded: 23 September 2026
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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.
✅ 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:
- Certified copy of your South African ID or Smart Card.
- Parent(s) or guardian(s) ID documents.
- Proof of income (latest payslips, UIF, or affidavit if unemployed).
- Consent Form signed by your parent(s)/guardian(s) to allow NSFAS to verify income.
- Proof of registration or acceptance at a public institution.
- Academic transcripts (for continuing or postgraduate students).
🖥️ How to Apply for an NSFAS Loan Online
Step-by-Step NSFAS Online Application Process (2025)
-
Visit the NSFAS Website
Go to: https://www.nsfas.org.za
-
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.
-
Login and Start the Application
- After registration, log in to your MyNSFAS account.
- Click on “Apply” to begin a new application.
-
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.
-
Upload Required Documents
- Upload all supporting documents in PDF or JPEG format.
- Each document must be clear and under the size limit specified.
-
Submit Your Application
- Review your application for accuracy.
- Click “Submit” and wait for a confirmation message.
-
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:
- Log into your MyNSFAS account.
- Click on “Track Funding Progress”.
- If rejected, click on “Submit Appeal”.
- Upload any missing or corrected documents.
- Provide a clear explanation or motivation.
📱 NSFAS Contact Information
- Website: https://www.nsfas.org.za
- Email: info@nsfas.org.za
- Toll-Free Number: 08000 67327 (Monday–Friday, 8 AM–5 PM)
- Twitter: @myNSFAS
- Facebook: NSFAS
📝 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.