NSFAS Approved List Update January 2026
NSFAS Approved List Update  January 2026 : Kindly be informed that NSFAS has started communicating with applicants, regarding the outcomes of the 2026 applications. Our office has been capturing all received applications throughout the December period. If you have applied, you will receive communication from NSFAS regarding your application. PLEASE make sure that you have not changed the cellphone number that you gave us in your application form.
NSFAS Approved List Update  January 2026
Check Whether Your University or College NSFAS Approve List Update 2026 is Out
University of Cape Town NSFAS Approved List
University of Fort Hare NSFAS Approved List
University of the Free State NSFAS Approved List
University of KwaZulu-Natal NSFAS Approved List
University of Limpopo NSFAS Approved List
North-West University NSFAS Approved List
University of Pretoria NSFAS Approved List
Rhodes University NSFAS Approved List
University of Stellenbosch NSFAS Approved List
University of the Western Cape NSFAS Approved List
University of the Witwatersrand NSFAS Approved List
Mpumalanga University NSFAS Approved List
Sol Plaatje University NSFAS Approved List
Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences NSFAS Approved List
University of Johannesburg NSFAS Approved List
Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University NSFAS Approved List
University of South Africa NSFAS Approved List
University of Venda NSFAS Approved List
Walter Sisulu University NSFAS Approved List
University of Zululand NSFAS Approved List
Cape Peninsula University of Technology NSFAS Approved List
Central University of Technology NSFAS Approved List
Durban University of Technology NSFAS Approved List
Mangosuthu University of Technology NSFAS Approved List
Tshwane University of Technology NSFAS Approved List
Vaal University of Technology NSFAS Approved List
NSFAS Approved Student List For TVET Colleges In SA
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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.
đ 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.
â 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).
đ 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 youâre 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.
đ 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).
đĽď¸ 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 âMyNSFASâ and register your profile.
- Youâll 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 âApplyâ 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 âSubmitâ 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.
đď¸ 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.
đ¸ 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).
đ NSFAS Loan Repayment
Repayments are:
- Income-contingent â 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.
đ 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 âTrack Funding Progressâ.
- If rejected, click on âSubmit Appealâ.
- Upload any missing or corrected documents.
- Provide a clear explanation or motivation.
đą NSFAS Contact Information
- Website: https://www.nsfas.org.za
- Email: info@nsfas.org.za
- Toll-Free Number: 08000 67327 (MondayâFriday, 8 AMâ5 PM)
- Twitter: @myNSFAS
- Facebook: NSFAS
đ Final Tips Before Applying
- Apply early to avoid system overload near the deadline.
- Use your own email and cellphone number (do not use someone elseâs).
- 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 dreamsâwithout the burden of immediate financial pressure.