Nsfas Bursaries for Teaching

By | January 8, 2024

Nsfas Bursaries for Teaching

Nsfas Bursaries for Teaching : NSFAS is the South African government student loan and bursary scheme. We provide loans and bursaries to students at all 25 public universities and 50 public TVET colleges throughout the country.
NSFAS funding has grown from R441 million in 1999 to R8,5 billion in 2013.
nsfas bursaries for teaching

NSFAS Bursary Requirements for Application – Nsfas Bursaries for Teaching

The following basic requirements must be met in order to apply for any of the NSFAS bursaries; applicants must:

  • Be South African citizens
  • Comply with the entry requirements set by the universities of their choice / have proof of registration or acceptance to said university

Once successfully awarded the bursary, students must pass all courses and complete the qualification within the minimum time frame prescribed by the particular university to avoid the risk of having to repay the bursary amount.

In some cases, bursars may be required to report their particular NSFAS bursary exam results in order to continue to receive funding.

All applications will require certified copies of the following:

  • ID document
  • Grade 12 results
  • Parent/guardian’s ID and employment documents (salary slips/pensions slips if applicable/affidavit if unemployed)
  • Proof of university acceptance/registration

NSFAS Bursary Package – Nsfas Bursaries for Teaching

Unless otherwise stated, the bursary fund will allow for a portion of, if not all of, the following study-related costs:

  • Tuition
  • Accommodation
  • Meals
  • Travel
  • Prescribed books/study material

The amounts prescribed for the above-mentioned costs will be dependent on the outcome of the NSFAS Means Test. This test assesses to what extent the student’s family can contribute – mainly through determining the gross annual family income. Students can qualify for varying amounts up to the maximum of R60 000 per year.

1. Funza Lushaka Bursary

The Funza Lushaka bursary is available to individuals who wish to study to become teachers. Read our detailed article for more information and access to the NSFAS online application.

2. Social Work Scholarship

This bursary is available to students who are currently studying Social Work as well as prospective students who wish to enrol and work towards a Social Work degree. The bursaries are conducted through the Department of Social Development.

The bursary package will also cover funds needed for practicals.

How to Apply

Applications can be found on the DSD website from 1 September every year (or visit your regional Department of Social Development office). This particular NSFAS closing date is 31 October.

Contact Details
Ms Vuyelwa Mngadi; tel: (012) 312 7294 / email: VuyelwaM@dsd.gov.za

Ms Kefiloe Bosman; tel: (012) 312 7223 / email: Kefiloeb@dsd.gov.za

Scarce Skills Bursary – Nsfas Bursaries for Teaching

This bursary is funded by the National Skills Fund (NSF) with the purpose of supporting the development of scarce skills in South Africa. Scarce skills include fields such as Engineering, Science, Commerce, IT and Medical. The full list of skills/occupations can be found on the Department of Higher Education document, from page 14.

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In addition to the basics, this bursary also includes a maximum of R150 for Internet access (paid directly to the university) and a R3 300 cash allowance (paid directly to the bursar’s bank account) for books, study equipment and other expenses as needed.

Those who wish to apply for Engineering, Geology or Science degrees must have achieved a minimum of level 6 for Mathematics and Science. Those who wish to apply for Accounting degrees must have achieved a minimum of level 6 for Mathematics.Mathematics Literacy will not be accepted.

How to Apply
The NSFAS Bursary application form for this particular bursary can be found on the Career Wise website and the closing date is 30 May.

Contact Details
Email: nsfburs@careerwise.co.za / info@careerwise.co.za

Tel: 0861 007 787

4. NSFAS Bursary for National Certificate (Vocational) and Certain Report 191 Courses at FET Colleges

Vocational and Further Education and Training (FET) courses are those that offer education and training for students who plan to work towards a specific range of jobs or employment possibilities. In some cases, students may qualify for admission to the University of Technology in order to continue their studies at a higher level. In order to qualify for this bursary, candidates must demonstrate that their potential for academic success with a minimum overall average of 50%.

How to Apply
Visit the NSFAS website or simply visit your nearest FET college to apply. Applications open in October and September each year. For more information have a look HERE.

Contact Details
Tel: 0800 87 22 22

5. Bursary for Students with Disabilities

This bursary programme, conducted through the Department of Higher Education and Training, is applicable to disabled students who wish to study in all fields of study as long as they are accredited higher and further education and training programmes. Candidates must also be academically able and financially needy (as determined by the NSFAS Means Test or at the discretion of the Disability Support Unit).

In terms of defining a disability, it is regarded as a long-term impairment (has lasted or is likely to persist for at least 12 months) that is recurring and substantially limiting. For this programme, chronic diseases are also included as a disability; these include HIV/AIDS, diabetes, asthma, cancer and tuberculosis (TB).

The NSFAS bursary also covers the costs of an assistive device or human support that the student needs in order to improve their quality of life.

NSFAS Contact Details

For any further queries either visit the NSFAS Student Bursaries page, call 0860 067 327 or email info@nsfas.org.za.

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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.