I received a statement, the last payment I made does not reflect on my account statement?
All direct deposits and transfers are made into our FNB bank account. Kindly ensure that you use your ID number as a reference number. Payments made by you into your NSFAS account will reflect within 72 days of making the payment. For ways to make payments email collections@nsfas.org.za
I am now working and would like to start paying my loan account?
Repayments are based on your annual salary. If you earn R30 000 per year, you will have to pay 3% of your salary. This increase is equal to an additional 1% for every R6 600 you earn above R30 000 per annum. The maximum rate that you will pay is 8% when you earn R59 300. For ways to make repayments, email collections @nsfas.org.za
When do I start paying my student loan account?
Repayment of your NSFAS study loan is only due once you have secured employment. If you received a study loan in 2017 and prior, an interest holiday of 12 months post exit date is applicable to student loan accounts. Send confirmation of employment to debtors@nsfas.org.za. Repayments are based on your annual salary. If you earn R30 000 per year, you will have to pay 3% of your salary. This increase is equal to an additional 1% for every R6 600 you earn above R30 000 per annum. The maximum rate that you will pay is 8% when you earn R59 300 per year.
How is the interest calculated on my loan?
The current interest rate for this financial year is 4.2%. NSFAS financial year runs from April 01 to March 31, the following year. A debtor’s status as studying or not studying is determined by the date of exit as captured in the system. The NSFAS interest rate is pegged at 80% of the repo rate and fluctuates in line with changes to the repo rate.
What will happen to loans owed to NSFAS by students who have already graduated?
NSFAS has not received any commitment by government at this stage to write of any outstanding student debts. The free education pronouncement was clear that it will be effective starting from the 2018 academic year. As far as we are concerned, previous loans will still need to be paid back by those who benefited.
I have a refund due; how do I claim back my money?
To claim a refund, you will need to fill out a refund form. The form must be stamped at the bank and completed with a valid bank account, registered under your ID number. Email the form to refunds@nsfas.org.za. Kindly note that your refund will be paid out within 21 days of having received the verified refund form. Should you require further assistance in this regard, please submit a query through NSFAS Connect.
How do you ensure that students pay back the money?
Students sign a legally binding loan agreement contract to repay their loans. NSFAS also works with third party organisations (e.g SARS to track down NSFAS beneficiaries who are employed and earning more than R30 000 per year and make payment arrangements.
How much of the loan repayment assists in funding other students?
Every cent of a loan repayment goes towards helping other students with funding.
How much time do students have to pay back their loans?
No, time limit is given for repayment, since this is determined by the salary of the debtor, and his or her ability to repay. Those who are unemployed are not expected to repay.
No time limit is given for repayment, since this is determined by the salary of the debtor, and his or her ability to repay. Those who are unemployed are not expected to repay.
Those who are unemployed are not expected to repay but must inform NSFAS whenever their employment status changes.
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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)
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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
- Review your application for accuracy.
- Click “Submit” and wait for a confirmation message.
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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.