With the NSFAS Payment Dates, the payout happens most at the third Monday of each month but there are also outlying dates throughout the year. Check below
First Semester:
| Cycle 1 – All Campuses | 28 February 2024 |
| Cycle 2 – All Campuses | 07 March 2024 |
| Cycle 3 – All Campuses | 04 April 2024 |
| Cycle 4 – All Campuses | 03 May 2024 |
| Cycle 5 – All Campuses | 06 June 2024 |
Second Semester:
| Cycle 6 – All Campuses | 18 July 2024 |
| Cycle 7 – All Campuses | 01 August 2024 |
| Cycle 8 – All Campuses | 05 September 2024 |
| Cycle 9 – All Campuses | 03 October 2024 |
| Cycle 10 – All Campuses(Final payment for 2025) | 07 November 2024 |
NSFAS Allowance | How much does NSFAS pay to students?
The bursaries not only cover registration and tuition fees, but also make provision for other annual allowances. In 2025, these allowances amount to:
- An Accommodation allowance depending on what is charged by the college or university (private accommodation costs cannot exceed costs of halls of residence or institution-provided hostels).
- A book allowance of R5,200.
- A living allowance of R15,000.
- A personal care allowance of R2,900.
- A Transport allowance of R7,500 (no further than 40km from the place of study).
Who qualifies to apply?
In order to apply for NSFAS online for 2025, you must be a South African citizen, have been accepted for an undergraduate qualification for the first time, and be able to prove an annual household income of no more than R350,000. It should be noted that meeting these criteria is not a guarantee of being accepted for the NSFAS.
What is needed?
You will need to provide certain information, so it is worth getting this prepared in advance. The documentation needed consists of your contact details, ID and birthday certificate of both yourself and the members of your household (such as your spouse, parents or guardians), proof of your income and your household’s income, a Disability Annexure form (if applicable) and a Vulnerable Child Declaration and Consent form (again, if applicable). NSFAS email to send document is: queries@nsfas.org.za
The appeals process.
It goes without saying that due to the NSFAS’ popularity, not everyone who applies will be successful. NSFAS Appeals are set out on the NSFAS website, where candidates are able to review the reasons for the rejection and set out in writing the grounds for their appeal (this should not exceed more than 1,000 characters). The appeal window closes in March each year. There are limited set grounds for NSFAS officials considering an appeal, so it helps to take note of these before starting the appeal process.
Payment dates.
NSFAS allowances are paid monthly. In the 2025 cycle, these are often paid out on the third Monday of each month but there are also outlying dates throughout the year.
How will I get my laptop?
Once you have ordered your laptop online and all the necessary checks have been completed, you will be contacted to collect your laptop on the campus of the institution you are registered at.
Overview of Public Universities in South Africa
Here's an overview of some public universities in South Africa, including general admissions requirements and estimated application periods. Keep in mind, specific program requirements and dates can vary significantly, so it's important to check each university's official website for the most current information.
University of Pretoria
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with minimum scores in specific subjects related to the chosen program; for international students, equivalent qualifications.
- Application Period: Usually opens in March and closes at the end of July for most programs.
University of Cape Town
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with pass levels required for degree study; subject-specific requirements depending on the program.
- Application Period: Application opens in April and closes at the end of July.
Stellenbosch University
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with required marks; some programs have additional testing.
- Application Period: Opens in March and typically closes at the end of June.
University of the Witwatersrand
- Admissions Requirements: Matriculation certificate with university exemption; required scores vary by faculty.
- Application Period: Begins in March and ends on the 30th of September.
University of Johannesburg
- Admissions Requirements: Matric exemption with a minimum APS score; specific subject requirements based on the faculty.
- Application Period: Opens in April and generally closes by the 30th of September.
University of the Free State
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with specific marks for the program applied to; additional requirements for certain courses.
- Application Period: Typically opens in April and closes at the end of August.
University of Venda
- Admissions Requirements: Completion of the National Senior Certificate with an endorsement for diploma or degree studies; specific APS scores needed.
- Application Period: Usually from May to September.
University of Fort Hare
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with university exemption; certain programs may have specific requirements.
- Application Period: Opens around May and closes at the end of September.
University of the Western Cape
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with specific performance levels; additional requirements for certain programs.
- Application Period: Generally from May to September.
North-West University
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with university exemption; program-specific requirements may apply.
- Application Period: Opens in March and usually closes by the end of August.
Rhodes University
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate or equivalent; minimum academic performance in certain subjects.
- Application Period: Applications open in April and close at the end of September.
Nelson Mandela University
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with required scores for chosen programs; portfolio or additional tests for some faculties.
- Application Period: Opens in April, with a deadline at the end of August for most programs.
Cape Peninsula University of Technology
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with specific scores; additional requirements for certain courses.
- Application Period: Opens in May and typically closes by the end of September.
University of Limpopo
- Admissions Requirements: Senior Certificate with endorsement for diploma or degree courses; specific APS scores for different programs.
- Application Period: From April to September.
University of Zululand
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with an endorsement for bachelor’s degree studies; specific score requirements for various programs.
- Application Period: Usually between April and November.
Central University of Technology
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with specific scores for the chosen field of study; additional criteria for certain programs.
- Application Period: Application period generally starts in May and ends in October.
Vaal University of Technology
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with a pass that qualifies for admission to bachelor’s degree, diploma, or higher certificate programs.
- Application Period: Typically from May to September.
Walter Sisulu University
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with required scores for chosen programs; additional criteria for certain faculties.
- Application Period: From April to September.
This list provides a starting point for understanding the admissions landscape across South Africa's diverse higher education institutions. Given the variability in programs and requirements, it's crucial to consult each university's website for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
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