NSFAS Closing Date 2024

The NSFAS Closing Date is the 21st of January each year at which the learners must submit applications with all completed supporting documents.

NSFAS Account Funding Application:

  1. Register online as a user on myNSFAS or re-register a myNSFAS account
    • Go to www.nsfas.org.za
    • Click on “myNSFAS” tab
    • Click on “Register“
    • Tick the box to allow NSFAS to verify your details
    • Then enter your ID number on the field as it is stated on your South African Identity Document (ID)
    • Type in your full names and surname as per your ID number
    • Type in your current email address
    • Confirm your email address
    • Type in your cellphone number
    • Create a password
    • Confirm password
    • Upload your ID Copy
    • Click on register
    • An OTP will be sent to the email and cell number provided (this OTP expires after 24 hours)
    • Type in the OTP and click submit
    • You have now completed your re-registration
  2. Click the APPLY tab to be directed to the online application form.

Documents needed to apply for NSFAS

Prepare certified copies of the following documents which must not be older than 3 months. Your documents must need to be certified at the South African Police Service or the South African Post Office. If you are under the age of 18 or if you are 18 and older and are STILL DEPENDENT on the combined household income of your parent or legal guardian, then this also applies:

  • A valid copy of your South African ID or unbridged birth certificate. If you are younger than 16 years of age, and do not have a green bar–coded ID or smart ID card, you must submit a certified copy of your unabridged birth certificate.
  • IDs of parents and/or guardian (death certificate if applicable)
  • IDs of each person living in your household
  • Proof of annual household income of your parents or guardian or yourself if employed as a payslip or appointment letter (This is for all types of employment or all forms of income for all members of the household. This includes any income received from SASSA grants, Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF), or any retirement, life, disability or other benefits paid as a lump sum or in monthly payments.)
  • A certified copy of your latest academic transcript or exam results. (If you are currently in Grade 12, you do not need to submit this)
  • University registration documents (if applicable)
  • Travel and Accommodation documents (if applicable)
  • Proof of marital status (if applicable)
  • Download and complete the consent form and fill it in with signatures of all people whose incomes have been declared in the application.
  • If you have a disability, download and complete the Disability Annexure A Form

Manual Application Forms / Offline NSFAS Application:

  • Visit one of the application centers where you will be given a hard copy of the application form to fill in.
  • Use black ink to complete the nsfas application form and write within the blocks with CAPITAL letters.
  • Do not cancel out any text and make sure to write clearly.
  • Have parents/guardian sign the consent form.
  • Have certified copies of the listed supporting documents and attach them to the application form by stapling before submission.
  • Documents must be certified on the front side of the page and should be within 3 months.
  • Sign the completed application form and submit it to one of the NYDA assistants.
  • The application will be attached with a barcode. Wait for the small acknowledgment of the receipt card with the duplicated barcode.

NSFAS Requirements and Financial Eligibility Criteria

  • South African citizen (foreign students do not apply)
  • Applicants who wish to pursue an undergraduate degree at a public university or TVET college with the necessary academic requirements
  • Previous applicants who already have an application reference number should not apply
  • NOT a grant recipient of any NSFAS funding for the current academic year (only unfunded students)

For postgraduate studies, only students of one of the following below field of study are accepted:

  • B Tech – Architecture / Architectural Technology
  • B Tech – Biokinetics, Biomedical Technology/Biotechnology
  • Postgraduate Certificate in Education
  • Postgraduate Diploma in Accounting
  • Bachelor of Laws/LLB

For a TVET college bursary nsfas application:

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  • Registered at a public South African TVET college
  • Registered for the National Certificate (vocational)
  • Registered for certain Report 191 (NATED) programmes such as N1-N6 in engineering and N4-N6 in all other fields.

 

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:

  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.

 

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