UCT Financial Aid

The UCT Financial Aid is funding based on approved costs of study. The approved cost of the study is set annually by NSFAS. 

The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) is the primary source of funding for financially disadvantaged students in South Africa. It covers tuition fees, living expenses, and a book allowance. You can apply through the NSFAS website. The application window for 2024 usually closes at the end of January.

The university has committed significant funds for financial aid packages to support financially needy students and has details of outside organizations that also provide financial assistance.

NSFAS no longer provides full-cost funding for those staying in university residences or private accommodation. NSFAS set a R45 000 cap on accommodation costs. Students are encouraged to apply to other funders to help meet the shortfall in NSFAS funding.

NSFAS will allocate funding to eligible students based on their approved cost of study; this does not include cover for clubs and societies or any penalties.

Applicants must check their MyNSFAS portal for the outcome of their application. NSFAS will advise Universities of applicants and returning students funding eligibility status.

The registration (cost of study) costs will be submitted to NSFAS for eligible students after registration. NSFAS will only confirm the actual funding amount once registration cost data is received and processed by NSFAS.

UCT Eligibility criteria for Financial Aid

UCT will receive from NSFAS the relevant application information confirming eligibility for funding.

All NSFAS applications are checked against the following eligibility criteria:

  • Citizens and permanent residents of South Africa 
  • First undergraduate qualification
  • Financial eligibility
  • If the student was registered at a tertiary institution before, and the number of years of registration to apply the N+1 rule.

Note: The post-degree law programme is no longer funded (LAWP01, as well as the PGCE, PGDA programmes).

Can I appeal the NSFAS ineligible decision?

NSFAS normally opens an appeal process for applicants on the MyNSFAS portal. Please ensure that you follow the correct procedure, and it is therefore important that you regularly monitor your application status.

NSFAS Bursary

The Bursary funding includes requirements that must be fulfilled by recipients. These include but are not limited to:

  • Academic pass and progression requirements for renewal of funding.
  • Funding limited to the minimum duration of programme plus 1 extra year for undergraduate study. All years of study will be counted irrespective of the funding source for those years of study.

Further information on NSFAS funding is available at www.nsfas.org.za

Can I hold other awards along with the NSFAS?

Funds are limited, and we encourage students to look for other sources of funding to cover their costs, especially the NSFAS funding shortfall for accommodation. You are obliged to inform UCT of any other financial assistance or sponsorship that you receive.

Is UCT & NSFAS financial assistance renewable?

Yes, funded students are automatically considered for renewal for the next academic year based on academic performance each year and the number of years of study. Student will not be funded for longer than the minimum duration of the programme plus 1 year.

Who can I contact for financial assistance?

Prospective and current undergraduate students may contact the Student Financial Aid Office on:
Tel: +27 (0)21 650 3545
Email: financialaid@uct.ac.za

Prospective and current postgraduate students may contact the Postgraduate Centre and Funding Office on:
Tel: +27 (0)21 650 2206
Email: pgfunding@uct.ac.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.