Queen’s University Scholarship

This article provides all the available Queen’s University Scholarships and ways to apply them.

Some scholarships and awards require students to apply to the Student Awards Office or their faculty. To apply for the majority of these awards, students should submit a resume and letter explaining how they meet the selection criteria for the specific award. 

Students who are currently registered at Queen’s University can apply for the following awards. Students will be notified by either the Student Awards Office or their faculty if they have been selected for an award. 

  • Please review the specific details of each award for application instructions, deadlines, and how to apply 
  • You will be notified by either the Student Awards office or your faculty if you have been selected for an award
  • As a Queen’s student, you have lots of options for financial aid.

Scholarships & Bursaries

Below are the Queen’s University Scholarship available , click to explore:

Financial Definitions

Money talk can take on a language of its own. This glossary will help you decipher some of the student financial assistance terminology.

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Award

  • Is non-repayable – an amount of money you receive to assist you in financing your education that you do not have to pay back.
  • Award is a general term used to describe a scholarship or bursary. In some cases, the term award is used when there is a blend of academic, financial need and/or other criteria associated with the terms of the award.
  • All Queen’s admission awards will be deposited in your student account by mid-August.

Bursary

  • Is non-repayable – an amount of money you receive to assist you in financing your education that you do not have to pay back.
  • Based on an assessment of your financial need.

Admission Scholarship

  • Is non-repayable – an amount of money you receive to recognize your academic achievement.
  • Based on academic excellence (your high school grades). Sometimes also referred to as a merit-based award.
  • In some cases, there may be other criteria such as involvement in school and community.

Grant

  • Governments, companies and organizations offer grants to students who meet certain conditions, such as financial need, academic skill, or special ability.
  • Not a loan! An amount of money you do not have to pay back.

Loan

  • Money you receive that must be paid back, usually over a period of time.
  • Loans under government student assistance programs are interest-free while you are a full-time student and are based on financial need. You will begin to repay loans when you cease to be a full-time student. Some provinces/territories within Canada may have programs which reduce the amount of repayable loans.
  • A student line of credit is a loan from a financial institution (ie. commercial bank). You pay only the interest while you are in school. You begin repayment of the principal after you have graduated. Unlike government student loans, a student line of credit is not based on financial need. To qualify, you usually require a co-signer (eg. parent or guardian). You can apply for a student line of credit at most major Canadian banks.

Renewable Awards

  • Is non-repayable
  • Renewable scholarships and awards are available to students as they enter the University.  These awards are available to the recipients in future years as long as the renewal criteria are satisfied during each year of study at Queen’s.

RESP

  • A Registered Education Savings Plan (RESP) is a special savings plan that many families have used to save for their child’s post-secondary education.

Work Study Program

  • Provides students with demonstrated financial need, priority for certain part-time jobs on campus and for jobs with not-for-profit organizations.

 


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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.