Looking for SARS bank, then all SARS uses the following banks: Absa, FNB, Nedbank, Standard Bank, and Capitec.
Please quote the correct beneficiary ID and payment reference number (PRN). Cash deposits to a SARS Customs and Excise bank account at any bank branch is no longer available as a payment option to SARS clients.
Payments via eFiling
Taxpayers are advised to set up a credit push option or use one of SARS’ alternative methods of payment. With a Credit push, the payment is performed by you, the bank account holder. When making a payment to SARS, eFiling will send a payment request to your bank which will reflect the amount that needs to be paid on the relevant bank product. The taxpayer then authorizes this request normally via the relevant bank product. This forms an instruction to the bank to make the payment to SARS.
Credit Push payments are considered to be irrevocable and can only be made if the account holder has the necessary funds. A Credit Push transaction can be canceled only before it is approved. The following banks can be used for eFiling payments: Absa, Bidvest Bank, Capitec Bank, Citibank, FNB, HSBC, Investec, Nedbank, Standard Bank, Standard Chartered, Mercantile Bank, AlBaraka, Sasfin and HBZ.
Payments via SARS MobiApp
Payment is made via your Statement of Account or your Notice of Assessment (ITA34). The principle of making a payment to SARS is the same on both accounts however note the following:
- When making a payment from your Statement of Account (SOA) you may pay an amount determined by you to SARS.
- When making a payment from your Notice of Assessment (ITA34) you must pay the full amount due by you to SARS.
Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT)
Payment may be made via the Internet banking facilities by simply using the standard drop-down listing of pre-loaded beneficiary IDs provided by the bank. All SARS beneficiary IDs are prefixed with the naming convention “SARS- ”. All internet payments must be correctly referenced to ensure that SARS can identify your payment and correctly allocate it to your account. You will not be able to make a payment if your reference is incorrect. The following banks support this method: ABSA, AlBaraka, Access Bank (previously Grobank), Capitec, Discovery Bank, FNB, Grindrod Bank, HSBC, Investec, JP Morgan, Mercantile Bank, Nedbank and Standard Bank.
At a SARS Customs branch
Travelers are allowed to make cash payments at Customs ports of entry and exit. Cash payments from traders are not accepted.
Foreign Payments
Please note: This payment method should only be used by foreign taxpayers where no other payment options or channels are available e.g. where payments using eFiling, internet banking (EFT) or payment at a bank is not available.
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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)
-
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.
-
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.