The National Student Financial Aid Scheme

The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) is the government  student bursary and loan scheme that receives its funding budget from, and reports to the Department of Higher Education and Training.

NSFAS Brochure

2019 NSFAS Applications

 

The South African Government is aware most households struggle to pay the hefty academic costs for their kids to complete their desired qualifications. This is why the National Student Financial Aid scheme (NSFAS) is tasked with ensuring that no deserving student is barred from achieving their dreams due to their poor financial background. NSFAS administers funding for potential professionals from poor and working-class families who can't afford study fees on behalf of the Department of Higher Education, Science and Technology.

 

Who qualifies for the NSFAS funding?

• Any South African citizen who is currently studying or plans on studying at a public university or TVET college.
• The combined household income of the applicant who has registered at a public institution from 2018or plans to register in 2020 for the first time must not exceed R350 000 per annum
• The combined household income of an applicant who has registered prior to 2018 must not exceed R122 000 per annum
• The combined household income of persons with disabilities must not exceeding R600 000 per annum

 

Who should not apply?

• Non-South African citizens
• Students that have completed a previous university qualification, unless you are applying for an approved funded Post-graduate qualification
• Students who have already applied, qualified and received funding for 2019. They are automatically funded for the duration of their studies, provided they pass their modules and meet the academic requirements
   

You will need the following supporting documents to apply:

All applicants are required to submit:

• Certified copy of your ID, not older than 3 months

• A signed and completed consent form 

If you are dependent on your parents/guardian/spouse, please provide:

Certified ID copies of parent/s, guardian, spouse not older than 3 months

Proof of income of parent, guardian or spouse (payslip or appointment letter)

If you are self-sufficient (no parent/guardian support) please provide:

• Proof of income (payslip or appointment letter)

• 3yrs IRP5

If you have a disability, please provide

• Completed and signed Annexure A (if your information is not pre-populated on the portal)

If you are an orphan, please provide

• Completed and signed Declaration Form

Other documents required, if applicable:

Retrenchment letter

Death certificate/s

Divorce decree

* Note: If you are a SASSA recipient then no proof of income is required

 

How can you apply?

1. Visit www.nsfas.org.za and create your myNSFAS account
2. After creating the account, log in and Click the Apply tab: fill in your personal/required information and upload your supporting documents (personal information is pre-populated, provide your information is up-to-date at the Department of Home Affairs)
3. Once you have filled in all required information, click on the 'Submit' option to complete your application and note your application Reference number.

 

Once approved for NSFAS funding, the bursary will pay for;

Registration fee, tuition fees, food, study material, personal care allowance, travelling and accommodation where necessary.

 

Don't just apply for yourself, tell your friends to tell their friends to apply too.

 

Below are the NSFAS contact details for more information:

www.nsfas.org.za

Contact Centre Toll Free number: 08000 67327

Facebook: National Student Financial Aid Scheme

Instagram: myNSFAS

Twitter: myNSFAS