With a great free PDF to Word converter, you can transform those PDF documents into Microsoft Word files effortlessly while keeping the original formatting.
The best PDF to Word converter is Investintech Free Online PDF to Word Converter, which allows you to convert as many documents as you like, with no limits on page count and no watermarks on the finished documents. However, it’s not your only option, so we’ve also rounded up our top picks of the best tools around, so you can choose the one that’s right for you.
PDFs, or portable document format files, were developed to make it easier to share documents between different computers and operating systems with minimal editing or modification. Unfortunately, while these documents are easier to share and print, they’re also hard to edit without a specialist software.
This limitation makes PDF to Word converters an extremely vital tool in any work setting. As the PDF format became mainstream, interoperability with Microsoft Word, the leading word processing application, grew tremendously. Luckily, a slew of reliable PDF to Word converters were developed, and we tested the top free ones to gather the best of the bunch in one place.
Here are our top picks for the best free PDF to Word converters. Each of these has specific strengths and key selling propositions, so we’ll leave it up to you to decide which is the most ideal for your needs. And, if you need to keep your PDFs in their current format, also check out our guide to the best free PDF editors.
The best PDF to Word converter overall is: Adobe Acrobat DC
If you want to make the most of PDFs, Adobe Acrobat DC is unquestionably the best tool for the job. It allows you to create PDFs from scratch, edit them natively, convert them to just about any format. You can do this on any desktop or mobile device, and easily collaborate with others through the Adobe Document Cloud. It’s not free like the options below, but it’s more affordable than you might expect with various plans available.
1. Investintech Free Online PDF to Word Converter
A completely free PDF to Word converter with no limitations
SPECIFICATIONS
Operating system: Windows, macOS, Linux (in browser)TODAY’S BEST DEALS
REASONS TO BUY
+No page limits+Maintains original formatting+Preserves images and text+Works with native and scanned PDFs
Investintech free PDF to Word converter runs entirely in your browser, avoiding the need to download additional software, and unlike many online-only tools, there’s no need to register for an account or submit an email address. Simply browse for the PDF on your computer (or drag and drop it), and let the web app do the work. Once it’s finished, your converted PDF will be ready to download as a DOCX file.
There are no limits on the number of pages you can convert, or how many times you can use it in a day, as there are with some other tools, and the results are very impressive. Both images and text are preserved, and even complex formatting is retained almost perfectly. If your original PDF used any custom fonts, you may need to spend a little time tweaking the text a little, but any work should be minimal.
Better yet, Investintech Free Online PDF to Word Converter can convert both native PDFs and scanned documents thanks to OCR, making it ideal for digitizing handouts from conferences or lectures. If you’re looking for a fast and easy way to turn PDFs into editable Word documents, this is the only tool you need.
2. WPS PDF to Word Converter
An accurate and impressive free PDF to Word converter
SPECIFICATIONS
Operating system: Windows, AndroidTODAY’S BEST DEALS
REASONS TO BUY
+Splits and merges documents+Batch conversion+Maintains original layout
REASONS TO AVOID
-Five-page limit
WPS PDF to Word Converter is great for quickly converting from PDF to Word, even if you have batches of documents and want to retain your original formatting. It works on Windows, has an Android app, and has an online converter as well. In our test on Windows 10, images, tables, colors, and even non-standard fonts were preserved in documents created using this product, as was the layout and spacing.
One pain point that people often face is splitting and then merging different sections of a PDF document into one file. With the WPS PDF converter, you can choose the pages you want to convert, order them however you wish, and export a new document in a number of different formats, all with your original formatting and layout intact.
3. Wondershare PDFElement
A full PDF conversion suite in one neatly designed package
SPECIFICATIONS
Operating system: Windows, macOS, iOS, AndroidTODAY’S BEST DEALS
REASONS TO BUY
+Great for image-rich PDFs+Supports multiple file types+Document protection
REASONS TO AVOID
-Five-page limit
With this free PDF to Word converter, you can create, convert, edit, and even sign PDF documents. It works on Windows and Mac and has a full-feature word processor much like MS Word that gives you a great deal of control over the documents, text, and images you want to manipulate. You can insert comments anywhere in your file, have someone else review and sign the document once it is ready, and easily share it with collaborators.
There were a few interesting advanced features with this product as well. For example, you can protect specific sections of your document so that only recipients who have the required permissions can see that information, and you can even download an app for iOS and Android to work on your PDF conversions on the go.
4. Nitro PDF to Word Converter
Great for text, but not a good choice for image-heavy documents
SPECIFICATIONS
Operating system: WindowsTODAY’S BEST DEALS
REASONS TO BUY
+Easy to learn and use+Creates, edits and converts+Review and annotate documents
REASONS TO AVOID
-Only five conversions per month
With Nitro PDF converter, you can upload batches of files, but your converted files are emailed to you so you need to provide an email address to receive your documents. Also, it is only available as a 14-day trial, and you are restricted to five conversions per month. This is a pretty tight limit that seriously restricts the usefulness of the product, in addition to the fact that it only works on Windows.
This free PDF converter converts text accurately but images are sometimes distorted in the output file. Other potential problems include random spaces or unexpected line breaks appearing in your final document. However, these issues are pretty minor and can be corrected manually unless you have large batches of files to convert at a time.
5. UniPDF
Works well with simple documents, but struggles with formatting
SPECIFICATIONS
Operating system: WindowsTODAY’S BEST DEALS
REASONS TO BUY
+Images preserved quite well+Small, lightweight app
REASONS TO AVOID
-Some text formatting lost-Three-page limit
This free PDF to Word converter was designed for Windows and saves you from issues related to long upload or download times that are commonly seen with various online tools. Since the application works right from your personal terminal, you do not have to trust your documents or information with a third party, which is important if you work with sensitive data.
UniPDF’s conversion accuracy leaves much to be desired, though. In some cases, the converted text can be dramatically different in size compared to the original, and columns sometimes run into each other. Accordingly, UniPDF is best for users who have only the simplest of documents to convert to Word.
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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.