The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) helps South African students from low-income households access higher education by covering the cost of tuition, accommodation, transport, and other essential needs. This step-by-step guide explains the full process—from checking your eligibility to receiving your funds and maintaining your funding throughout your studies.
1. Check Your Eligibility
Before applying, confirm that you meet the NSFAS funding requirements:
✅ South African Citizenship
You must have a valid South African ID or birth certificate.
✅ Financial Criteria
- Combined annual household income must be R350,000 or less.
- For students with disabilities, the threshold is R600,000.
✅ Institutional Enrollment
You must be registered or accepted to study at a public university or TVET college.
✅ SASSA Beneficiaries
If you receive a SASSA grant, you automatically qualify—no proof of income is required.
2. Apply for NSFAS Funding
🗓 Application Period: Opens in September and closes in January for the following academic year.
How to Apply
- Go to: www.nsfas.org.za
- Create a myNSFAS account: Use your ID number, email address, and cellphone number.
- Log in and complete the online application form.
- Upload required documents:
- Certified copy of ID or birth certificate
- Proof of household income (payslips, affidavit)
- Academic records (if applicable)
- Medical certificate (for students with disabilities)
- Submit the application and save your reference number.
3. Application Review & Verification
Once submitted, NSFAS will:
- Verify your income, academic info, and institution enrollment.
- Request additional documents if needed—check your email or portal regularly.
- Assess academic eligibility based on your course requirements.
4. Receive Your Application Outcome
NSFAS will notify you of your application status via:
- SMS
- myNSFAS portal
Outcomes:
- ✅ Approved: Funding is confirmed.
- 🟡 Provisionally Approved: More documents may be needed.
- ❌ Declined: You may submit an appeal.
5. Sign the NSFAS Bursary Agreement (NBA)
If approved, you must sign your NSFAS Bursary Agreement (NBA) to activate your funding.
- You’ll receive a link via SMS to sign electronically.
- First-time applicants must sign the NBA.
- Continuing students typically don’t need to re-sign unless terms change.
6. Disbursement of Funds
Once the NBA is signed, NSFAS begins paying for your academic costs:
| Item | Payment Method |
|---|---|
| Tuition Fees | Paid directly to the institution |
| Accommodation | Paid to the institution or landlord (if approved) |
| Books & Materials | Annual allowance paid to your NSFAS Wallet |
| Meals | Monthly allowance paid to your NSFAS Wallet |
| Transport | Monthly allowance for off-campus students |
| Personal Care (TVET only) | Small monthly allowance for basic necessities |
7. Monitor Academic Progress
To keep your funding, you must:
- University students: Pass at least 50% of your modules annually.
- TVET students: Progress according to the institution’s academic standards.
📌 Failing to meet performance criteria may lead to funding suspension, but you can appeal with valid justification.
8. Manage Your NSFAS Wallet
Your NSFAS Wallet is used for receiving and managing monthly allowances.
Setup and Use:
- You’ll receive an SMS with activation instructions.
- You can withdraw funds at participating merchants or ATMs.
- Use your Wallet to pay for essentials like meals, transport, or books.
9. Understand Repayment Terms (If Applicable)
NSFAS funding is primarily a bursary. However, repayment may apply if:
- You fail to meet academic performance conditions.
- You drop out or violate bursary terms.
Repayment starts when:
- You begin earning R30,000 or more per month.
- Payments are automatically deducted via your employer.
10. Appeal Process
If your application is rejected or your funding is revoked:
- Log in to your myNSFAS account.
- Submit your appeal with valid documentation (e.g., death certificate of guardian, academic improvement plan).
- Monitor updates via email or portal.
Conclusion
NSFAS plays a vital role in making higher education accessible for South Africans from low-income backgrounds. By following the process outlined above, you can apply successfully, stay funded, and work toward your educational goals with financial security.
📢 Stay Informed
Regularly check the NSFAS website and your portal for updates, deadlines, and notifications.