Applications for a PhD, research masters, course transfer and/or centrally managed scholarships are submitted through the Graduate Research Admission and Scholarship Application portal.
Prior to starting your application, we strongly encourage you to review our Application Submission Guide, which details all required supporting documentation and provides further useful information on our Graduate Research Admission and Scholarship Application portal.
Key submission and outcome dates
International applications | Enrolment period | |
R1 | open 1 September to 31 March | July – December of the current year |
R3 | open 1 April to 31 August | January – June of the following year |
For new students: Applications for admission can take up to six weeks to be processed, and will usually be assessed after scholarship results have been released.
For new and currently enrolled students: Scholarship outcomes are released approximately six weeks after the scholarship round has closed.
Applying with us
Congratulations on taking the first steps in applying to undertake your research degree with us!
Below is everything you need to know when applying for:
- doctorates (PhD – including internal and external transfers);
- research masters;
- centrally managed scholarships;
- Monash University Malaysia;
- re-admission;
- joint research awards; and
- higher doctorates.
PhD, research masters, course transfers and centrally managed scholarships
Applying is a simple three step process.
1. Check your eligibility
Admission into a Monash graduate research degree is dependant upon meeting the entry requirements specific to the course for which you are applying.
Entry requirements
All graduate research degrees have minimum academic entry requirements which must be met by all applicants. Some courses have additional requirements which are outlined in the relevant course entry in the Monash University handbook.
The minimum academic entry requirements differ depending on the graduate research degree:
English language proficiency
All graduate research degrees require sound English language skills. It is important you understand what English language proficiency requirements are applicable, noting that certain faculties have higher requirements. Should you be required to undertake an English language proficiency test, ensure you check which tests are accepted by Monash.
2. Submit an expression of interest
Prior to applying for a graduate research degree, you will need to submit an expression of interest (EOI) to the relevant faculty or academic unit.*
Each faculty has a different EOI process so please read any instruction provide carefully and make sure you are aware of any applicable closing dates, particularly if you are applying for a scholarship.
Art, Design and Architecture │ Arts │ Business and Economics │ Education │ Engineering │ Information Technology │ Law │ Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences │ Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences │ Science│Monash Sustainable Development Institute (MSDI)│Monash University Accident Research Centre (MUARC)
If your EOI is successful, the faculty will issue you with an Invitation to Apply.
*Not all applicants are required to submit an EOI, please refer to the application guide for further information.
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Sponsored Guide
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)
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Visit the NSFAS Website
Go to: https://www.nsfas.org.za
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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.
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Login and Start the Application
- After registration, log in to your MyNSFAS account.
- Click on “Apply” to begin a new application.
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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.
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Upload Required Documents
- Upload all supporting documents in PDF or JPEG format.
- Each document must be clear and under the size limit specified.
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Submit Your Application
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Track Your Application
- Log in regularly to check your application status.
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🗓️ 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.