The Namibia Students Financial Assistance Fund is pleased to announce the commencement of the 2026 applications.
Applications commenced on 29th November 2024 for Undergraduates, Postgraduates, and Vocational applicants to study at local and SADC/International recognized institutions with accredited programs.
Kindly note: All applicants are therefore advised to adhere to the terms and conditions for applying for financial assistance as stated in this notice to ensure compliance with set requirements.
- NSFAF provides financial assistance to eligible students mainly in the form of loans, while grants are available for the (a) top ten performers and (b) two best-performers in Grade 12 per region, per gender, who meet NSFAF funding criteria and as ranked by Directorate of National Examination and Assessment.
- No student should be considered for NSFAF funding if he/she has already benefited from a programme at the same level of qualification framework.
- A student may only receive financial assistance from the Fund to study at any two qualification levels (i.e. Diploma, Bachelor’s Degree, Honour’s Degree, Master’s Degree, or Doctoral Degree). Funding for a third qualification level shall only be permissible if a debtor has settled previous debts. This is necessary to allow the opportunity for other students to benefit from the allocated student funding and also in case of a loan to avoid over-indebting the students.
- A student who is already a beneficiary but failed/passed a previous academic year but applied for funding the following year to pursue a different programme will not be funded for the new program. NSFAF shall nullify the award upon identifying such a case.
- An applicant, who fails to submit all required documents before the closing date of the application period, will be rejected.
- ALL APPLICANTS SHOULD TAKE NOTE OF THE REQUIREMENTS BELOW FOR FUNDING: UNDERGRADUATE, VOCATIONAL AND POSTGRADUATE
6.1 FUNDING REQUIREMENTS FOR UNDERGRADUATE DEGREE PROGRAMMES AT LOCAL INSTITUTION
- Applicants should have obtained 25 points in Grade 12, in Five (5) subjects with a minimum of an E symbol in English. English will form part of the five subjects to be counted; or
- Applicants should have obtained a Diploma at NQF Level 6 at an accredited Institution of Higher Learning provided the applicant has a minimum of 22 points in five subjects in Grade 12.
- Applicants whose own/or spouse’s income is less than N$ 300,000 if employed or married
- Applicants whose parental income is less than N$500,000
6.2 FUNDING REQUIREMENTS FOR UNDERGRADUATE DIPLOMA PROGRAMMES AT LOCAL INSTITUTIONS
- Applicants should have obtained 22 points in Grade 12, in Five (5) subjects with a minimum of an F symbol in English. English will form part of the five subjects to be counted.
- Applicants whose own/or spouse’s income is less than N$ 300,000 if employed or married
- Applicants whose parental income is less than N$500,000
6.3 FUNDING REQUIREMENTS FOR UNDERGRADUATE THROUGH MATURE AGE (APPLICABLE FOR PUBLIC INSTITUTIONS ONLY)
- must be 23 years of age and older;
- Has a Grade 10 certificate, with five (5) years minimum working experience; or
- Has a Grade 12 certificate with three (3) years minimum working experience;
- Has the ability to top up should funding be insufficient for the intended course of study;
- Provide proof of admission at mature age level from the institution of higher learning including the mature age entry test results.
- Applicants whose own/or spouse’s income is less than N$ 300,000 if employed or married
- Applicants whose parental income is less than N$500,000
6.4 FUNDING REQUIREMENTS FOR UNDERGRADUATE STUDIES AT INTERNATIONAL INSTITUTIONS
- Applicants should have obtained 35 points(in grade 12) in five subjects (including English) with an E in English to qualify for funding to study international medicine and engineering.
- For other fields of study, applicants should have obtained 30 points(in grade 12) in five subjects (including English) with an E in English to qualify for funding.
- Applicants whose own/or spouse’s income is less than N$ 300,000 if employed or married
- Applicants whose parental income is less than N$500,000
- FUNDING REQUIREMENTS FOR VOCATIONAL EDUCATION TRAINING (VET) FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE
7.1 REQUIREMENTS FOR GOVERNMENT OR SOE-OWNED VTCS
- Applicant should be admitted at a Public Vocation Training Center
- Applicants whose own/or spouse’s income is less than N$ 300,000 if employed or married
- Applicants whose parental income is less than N$500,000
7.2 REQUIREMENTS FOR PRIVATELY OWNED VTCS
- Obtain a minimum of 20 points in Grade 12 in six (6) subjects with a Symbol F in English;
- Obtained admission at an approved VTC in Namibia studying towards minimum NQF Level 1 and Maximum NQF Level 6 qualification;
- Applicants whose own/or spouse’s income is less than N$ 300,000 if employed or married
- Applicants whose parental income is less than N$500,000
7.3 INTERNATIONAL REQUIREMENTS FOR VET TRAINEES
- Must have obtained 25 points in grade 12, in five subjects, with at least symbol F in English;
- Applicants whose own/or spouse’s income is less than N$ 300,000 if employed or married
- Applicants whose parental income is less than N$500,000
DOCUMENTS TO BE ATTACHED WHEN APPLYING FOR UNDERGRADUATE PROGRAMMES
a) Certified copy by the Commissioner of Oath, of the Full birth certificate,
b) Certified copy by the Commissioner of Oath, of a Namibian Identification (ID),
c) Certified copy/copies by the Commissioner of Oath, of School Leaving Certificate(s) [Grade 11/12 or equivalent, (statement of results for applicants who completed in 2023); Grade 10 certificate for mature age entry only
d) Certified copy by the Commissioner of Oath, of the mother’s ID or Death certificate, or a Declaration made with the Namibian Police made by any remaining parent/guardian;
e) Certified copy by the Commissioner of Oath, of the father’s ID/ Death certificate, or a Declaration made with the Namibian Police made by any remaining parent/guardian; Certified copy of your payslip or with the company stamp if the applicant is employed or a declaration of unemployment;
f) Parents/guardians’ certified copy of their payslip or with the company stamp or a declaration if they are unemployed.
h) In case the applicant is married, provide the Spouse’s ID and payslip instead of the parents;
i) For applicants through the Mature Age Entry Scheme (Public Institutions Only)
- Certified copy by the Commissioner of Oath of proof of mature age admission letter and test results from a Public Institution, (For applicants through mature age)
- Copy of work experience, (applicant applying through Mature Age entry, 3 years for grade 12 certificate holder and 5 years for grade 10 certificate holder);
- Certified copy by the Commissioner of the Oath of evaluation from Namibia Qualifications Authority (NQA) for all foreign qualifications (including grade 12 certificates).
- Certified copy by the Commissioner of Oath of a diploma on NQF level 6 for applicants applying with 22 points in 5 subjects intending to do a bachelor’s degree (local institutions only),
- FUNDING REQUIREMENTS FOR POSTGRADUATE PROGRAMMES
- Applicants studying towards Priority field of studies (as listed on the NSFAF website)
- Admitted for post-graduate Diploma/ Honours, Masters and PhD programmes or Research-based postgraduate study;
- Applicants already have prior undergraduate qualifications (Bachelor degree level 7, Honours level 8, or Master level 9), or have completed their studies but waiting for the graduation to be officially conferred; (academic records written obtained)
- The applicant must have been admitted or enrolled to study on a full-time, part-time or distance mode at an approved local or international institution of higher education;
- Preference will be given to the students studying at Local Institutions and within SADC.
- Applicants whose own/or spouse’s income is less than N$ 300,000 if employed or married
- Applicants whose parental income is less than N$500,000.
- Contact Recovery@nsfaf.na for debt clearance.
DOCUMENTS TO BE ATTACHED WHEN APPLYING FOR POSTGRADUATE STUDIES’ FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE:
a) Certified copy by the Commissioner of Oath, of the Full birth certificate,
b) Certified copy by the Commissioner of Oath of a Namibian Identification (ID),
c) Certified copy by the Commissioner of Oath of a Bachelor’s degree at least on NQF level 7, if studying towards an honours degree, or a copy of a master’s degree if studying towards a PhD. If certificates are not issued by the Institution at the time of application, attach academic records, indicating the certificate has been obtained;
d) A copy of the mother’s ID/ Death certificate, certified by the Commissioner of Oath or a Declaration made with the Namibian Police made by any remaining parent/guardian;
e) A copy of the father’s ID/ Death certificate, certified by the Commissioner of Oath or a Declaration made with the Namibian Police by any remaining parent/guardian;
f) In case the applicant is married, provide the Spouse’s ID and payslip instead of the parents;
g) A certified copy of your payslip or with the company stamp (if employed); or a Declaration made with the Namibian Police of unemployment
h) A copy of the evaluation from the Namibia Qualifications Authority (NQA), certified by the Namibian Police, for all foreign qualifications.
CLICK HERE TO APPLY (NSFAF 2026 APPLICATION)
The deadline for applications is 29 February 2025.
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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.