Does wits accept Nsfas?

Please click here to access the NSFAS website

The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) is a loan(pre 2018) and bursary scheme operating in terms of Act 56 of 99 and funded by the National Department of Education. WITS DOES NOT ADMINISTER THE SCHEME.

NB: STUDENTS NEED TO ENSURE THAT THEY READ AND UNDERSTAND THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF ALL THE BURSARY CONTRACTS THAT THEY SIGN I.E. CREDIT BALANCES THAT NEED TO BE RETURNED TO NSFAS.

NOTICE TO NSFAS FUNDED STUDENTS

In order to be paid allowances, students funded by NSFAS in 2026 need to complete the accommodation and allowance form which is available on the Financial Aid web page on the Wits website. The DHET guidelines below apply to allowances and accommodation.

Click below for forms:

Please note:
  • NB: NSFAS FUNDED STUDENTS ARE NOT ALLOWED TO BOOK OPM MEALS WITH RESIDENCE LIFE OFFICE.
  • BANKING DETAILS MUST BE CREATED HERE https://self-service.wits.ac.za/
  • ALLOWANCES ARE ONLY PAID TO STUDENT BANK ACCOUNTS

DHET ALLOWANCES RULES FOR 2026

RETURNING STUDENTS (registered 2017 and prior)

Students who were registered at WITS or any other University in 2017 and years prior are not fully funded but capped at R93,400.

  • 2026 Funding NSFAS cap for returning students is R93 400.
    • The capped amount will cover tuition first.
    • Any available balance of the capped amount, the student may decide how to utilise that balance (i.e. for either books, accommodation or living allowance) depending on the remaining balance.
    • Students are advised to source funding to cover costs that are not funded by the capped amount.
  • STIPEND LIVING ALLOWANCE: Up to R15 000 per annum (This applies to students who are accommodated at a self-catering residence and are still within the NSFAS cap)
  • TRANSPORT: Up to R7 500 per annum and R15 000 living allowance (This applies to students who stay at home and are still within the NSFAS cap)
  • BOOKS: Up to R 5 200 per annum (This applies if student is still within the NSFAS cap)
  • LIVING ALLOWANCE(Incidental expenses): Up to R2 900 per annum (This applies students in catering residence that are still within the capped amount)
  • ACCOMMODATION: External Wits accredited accommodation up to R42 000. If in University residence up to the total NSFAS capped amount, if it exceeds the capped amount then the student will be responsible for that amount.
  • If the student does not complete the Allowance form and submit to FASO office, no allowances will be paid.
NEW FTEN (FIRST TIME ENTRANCE) STUDENTS since 2018

Students registered for the first time since 2018(Matriculated in 2017 and after).

  • STIPEND LIVING ALLOWANCE: R15 000 per annum (for students who are accommodated at a self-catering residence and this includes the incidental expenses)
  • TRANSPORT: R 7 500 and R15 000 for living allowance per annum (for students who stay at home)
  • BOOKS: R 5 200 per annum (for learning materials)
  • LIVING ALLOWANCE: R2 900 per year (for students in catering residence, it is for incidental expenses)
  • ACCOMMODATION : External Wits accredited accommodation up to R42 000.University residence (all except for WITS JUNCTION and NOSWALL)
  • If the student does not complete the Allowance form and submit to FASO office, no allowances will be paid.

ACCOMMODATION GUIDE FOR 2026

RETURNING STUDENTS

Students who were registered at WITS or any other University in 2017 and years prior:

  • Students staying in WITS external accredited accommodation will only be considered for accommodation if the student is still within the capped amount.
  • The WITS external accredited accommodation will be up to R42 000 per annum depending on the balance remaining on the capped amount.
  • The student will be required to submit the WITS external accredited accommodation quotation to the Financial Aid Office.
  • If you are in a WITS Residence and you have exceeded the NSFAS capped amount, you will be liable for the difference.
  • If you exceeded the NSFAS capped amount and the difference is funded by a sponsor, please submit the sponsor letter to the Financial Aid Office with the WITS external accredited accommodation quotation.

NB: If your accommodation costs more than the R42 000 you will be liable for the difference.

NEW FTEN (FIRST ENTRANCE) STUDENTS

Students registered for the first time since 2018 (Matriculated in 2017 and after):

  • Students staying in WITS external accredited accommodation will be required to submit a quotation to Financial Aid Office.
  • The WITS external accredited accommodation cap amount is R42 000.

         NB: If your accommodation costs more than the R42 000 you will be liable for the difference.

NB: PLEASE NOTE THAT ONLY WITS ACCREDITED ACCOMMODATION WILL BE CONSIDERED, NSFAS DOES NOT COVER NON-ACCREDITED WITS ACCOMMODATION

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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:

  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.