The application deadline for Simon Fraser University (SFU) in Canada varies depending on the program and the semester you are applying for. However, the general deadlines are as follows:
- Fall (September) 2024: March 1, 2024 – April 15, 2024
- Spring (January) 2024: August 1, 2023 – September 15, 2023
- Summer (May) 2024: December 1, 2023 – January 15, 2024
These deadlines are for domestic applicants. International applicants should refer to the specific deadlines for their program.
Please note that these are just the general deadlines. It is always best to check with the specific program you are interested in to confirm the deadline.
Tips for applying to SFU:
- Start planning early and gather all of the required documents well in advance of the deadline.
- Make sure your application is complete and error-free.
- Proofread your application carefully before submitting it.
- Submit your application by the deadline.
- Check your application status regularly.
Timeline
October 1, 2023 | Application Opens |
---|---|
January 3, 2024 | Self-reported Grades (SRG) portal open |
January to April 2024 | Conditional offers given on a rolling basis |
January 31, 2024 | Application closes |
January 31, 2024 | Deadline to complete your Student Transcript Service (STS) form, giving SFU access to your grades |
Feburary 7, 2024 | Applicants to the Beedie School of Business must complete all items requested on the To-Do List |
February 28, 2024 | Document deadline for all other programs |
March 31, 2024 | Self-Reported Grades portal closes |
Late-April to May | SFU will receive your official interim transcript to ensure your SRG information is accurate. We will reach out to any students who are missing requirements or transcript information |
Mid-July to August | SFU will receive final transcripts and confirm conditional offers. Students must have graduated high school and satisfied all admission requirements. Students will receive an email (not a letter) to their SFU email address when their previously conditional offer is finalized. |
Evaluation
Requirements:
- High school graduation
- Competence in English Language and Quantitative & Analytical Skills
- Minimum 5 approved grade 12 courses for admission (including program-specific requirements)
SFU will remove one grade 12 course from the evaluation if you present six or more approved courses as follows:
- If you present six or more approved List A courses, SFU will remove the lowest, non-required List A course
- If you present five or fewer List A courses, your lowest List B course will be removed.
All approved grade 11 and 12 courses will be used in the admission evaluation.
A greater emphasis is placed on List A courses in the evaluation as they are indicators of success for that particular program.
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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
-
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.
-
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.
-
Upload Required Documents
- Upload all supporting documents in PDF or JPEG format.
- Each document must be clear and under the size limit specified.
-
Submit Your Application
- Review your application for accuracy.
- Click “Submit” and wait for a confirmation message.
-
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.