Vuselela College Bursaries


 1.     STUDENT REQUIREMENTS

The student will need recently certified copies of the following documents to be submitted with the application:

  • RSA birth certificate (preferably unabridged) or ID
  • ID’s of parents and/or guardian (or death certificate if applicable)
  • Salary advice/letter of employment or pension advice or SASSA letter
  • Completed and signed application form

 1.1   FIRST TIME WALK–IN APPLICANT

This is a student who has not applied for NSFAS funding before, through the online process, or NSFAS does not have a record of application for this student.

Step 1: The college official will give the student an application form where all sections of the from should be completed, all required additional documentation attached and the form signed by all relevant parties.

Step 2: The form will be given to the college official who will capture it online using assistive capture and scan the form immediately or at the earliest convenient time.

Step 3: The form will be filed for auditing and metro-file purposes (detailed process outlined in the ppt document)

 1.2   PROVISIONALLY FUNDED STUDENTS AT NSFAS

Students who have applied online in 2018 for the 2019 academic year.

Step 1NSFAS FAO PORTAL: Students who applied online during the November 2018 for 2019 academic year NSFAS have already been evaluated and the funding status of these students is available on the NSFAS portal. A college can either download a list from the portal or query individual ID numbers.

Step 2: NSFAS ASSITIVE CAPTURE SYSTEM: Colleges can use the search application functionality on the application dashboard (assistive capture screen) to check the application status of a student who claims to have applied at NSFAS already.

Step 3: if the student is found on the search application functionality on the application dashboard, then the student will be given the application form, but should only complete signs section 2 & 4 of the form which will then serve as a signed SOP.

Step 4: The form will be filed for auditing and metro-file purposes (detailed process outlined in the ppt document).

1.3   STUDENTS WHO APPLIED AT NSFAS, BUT NO RECORDS FOUND

These are students who have an application reference number but when checked on the search application functionality on the application dashboard, the feedback is that no active application exists for the ID number provided. (if this occurs, it will only be in exceptional circumstances)

Step 1: The college official will give the student an application form where all sections of the from should be filled and signed.

Step 2: The form will be given to the college official who will capture it online using assistive capture.

 Please note, should the college official get an “application with same ID exist already” error during capturing of the application form on the online assistive capture, this must be escalated to NSFAS immediately via the servicedesk@nsfas.org.za and the regional official responsible for that College.

 1.4   RETURNING STUDENTS

NSFAS has already provided a list of students who were funded in 2018 to the Exams Unit in the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET). The Exams Unit will continue to provide the exam data on progression of students. Any discrepancies between College and Exams Unit data will be dealt with through exceptions.

1.5   ASSISTIVE CAPTURING

The process for capturing applications through assistive capture remains the same as for the previous application windows. Communication was sent to TVET Colleges on Friday, 04 January 2019 requesting institutions to advise NSFAS on individuals that should be given login access to the assistive capture system as these would be the only individuals with access to capture on the system. Colleges are urged to test the login credentials before the opening of applications. Should you experience any issues, please email servicedesk@nsfas.org.za give details of the issue and your username only. Our IT Helpdesk team will attend to your query.

For queries please feel free to contact Vuyokazi Mafilika at mafilikav@nsfas.org.za. Kind regards

YOU MAY APPLY IF:

  • You are a South African citizen with a household income of R350 000 per annum or less and have not been approved for NSFAS funding in 2019.
  • You are a South African citizen with a household income of R350 000 per annum or less and have not applied for NSFAS funding before.
  • You are a South African citizen with a household income of R350 000 per annum or less and plan to study at a public university or TVET College in 2020 for the first time and require funding.

DOCUMENTS NEEDED TO APPLY FOR AN NSFAS BURSARY

  • Certified copy of your ID book/birth certificate.
  • Certified copy of ID of parents/guardians or certified copy of death certificate of parents/guardians or affidavit.
  • Certified copy of ED of spouse if student is married.
  • Certified copy of spouse’s death certificate if student is widow/widower.
  • Certified copy of the divorce decree of the student is divorced.
  • Certified copy of latest results.
  • Travel documents (e.g. invoice or affidavit).
  • Accommodation document (e.g. invoice, affidavit or rental agreement).
  • Employment documents – salary advice slips not older than 3 months of both parents or guardians OR SASSA letter OR pension slip if the parents/guardians are pensioners. If the parents/guardians are unemployed, an affidavit is required.
  • A completed and signed consent form, which you may download here and must be filled in with your parent/guardian’s signatures. Applications without a consent form signed by all people whose incomes have been declared in the application will not be accepted and will be considered incomplete.
  • If you have a disability, please download the Disability Annexure A from nsfas.org.za, complete it and submit with your application.
  • The stamps on all certified documents should not be older than 3 months.
  • Please apply online at nsfas.org.za, or contact the Student Support Officer on the campus where you want to study.

Please take note: the college will do a DHET NSFAS means test to see if you qualify for a bursary.

APPLICATIONS

This website provides a service that allows you to APPLY for a course at a specific campus. This does NOT imply that you are registered for the course and a space for you is NOT reserved.

Please make sure you have the following ready before you apply:

  • Valid e-mail address
  • Valid cellphone number
  • Certified copy of birth certificate/identity document
  • Certified copy of most recent academic results
  • Certified copy of proof of residential address of parents/guardian or municipal account
  • Certified copy of identity document of parent/guardian
  • The stamps on all certified documents should not be older than 3 months

Foreign Nationals:

  • Certified copy of your passport
  • Non-RSA qualifications: the onus rests with all international applicants to have their school qualifications evaluated by SAQA before submitting the application form.
  • SAQA can be contacted on the following numbers:

Evaluation of Foreign Qualifications Call Centre – +27 12 431 5070

Helpdesk – 27 86 010 3188

Switchboard – +27 12 431 5000

Fax – +27 12 431 5039

Website – www.saqa.org.za

Once you are in the possession of a valid study permit, valid passport and any necessary visa, you can complete the application form.www.nsfas.org.za

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Sponsored Guide


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.