Did you know that more than 1.2 million South African students are supported each year by the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS)?
Thanks to this government bursary program, students from low-income families can now pursue higher education without worrying about paying for tuition and other educational expenses.
NSFAS provides financial aid to students attending public universities and TVET colleges. Tuition, housing, transportation, and study materials are all covered under the scheme. It is just what you need to realize their academic goals.
This guide will cover everything you need to know if you intend to apply for the NSFAS bursary in 2025, from eligibility requirements and the application process to the advantages and possible difficulties of obtaining financing.
Staying updated with the most recent NSFAS regulations will help you to prepare efficiently, whether you’re a repeat recipient or a first-time applicant.
Keep reading to learn how NSFAS 2025 can help you further your education and what you must do to submit a successful application.
You should also subscribe now to southafricabursaries.co.za if you’d like to receive the most recent information about South African bursaries so you don’t miss any major announcements or deadlines.
What is the NSFAS Bursary?
Under the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET), the government’s National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) provides financial aid to underprivileged South African students who want to pursue higher education.
It aims to ensure that low-income students can enroll in TVET schools and universities without having to worry about paying for tuition and other educational expenses.
In 1999, NSFAS was created to replace the Tertiary Education Fund of South Africa (TEFSA). At first, it offered loans that students needed to pay back once their studies were over.
But in 2017, during the government of former President Jacob Zuma, the program changed to provide free higher education to eligible students. From there, most financial aid programs were turned into full bursaries that don’t need to be repaid.
NSFAS covers a lot of different expenses that make it very helpful for its applicants:
● Tuition fees
● Accommodation or transport
● Study materials
● Meal allowances
Thousands of students depend on this award to help them cover their school expenses and fulfill their academic and professional ambitions.
NSFAS Bursary Eligibility Criteria for 2025
In order to determine who is eligible for NSFAS in 2025, it is important that you understand the eligibility requirements.
NSFAS funding is intended especially to support South African students who are economically disadvantaged and enrolled in public universities and technical and vocational education and training (TVET) schools.
To qualify for NSFAS funding in 2025, you must meet the following requirements:
● You have to be a citizen or a permanent resident of South Africa.
● Your household income must be R350,000 or less per year (general applicants).
● If you receive a SASSA grant, you automatically qualify.
● You must be accepted or enrolled in a public TVET college or university.
● If you’re a first-year student, you have to pass at least 50% of your modules to achieve the requirements for academic progression.
NSFAS does not fund:
● Postgraduate degrees (except for select qualifications like the PGCE, PGDip in Accounting, and LLB after a degree).
● Students at private institutions (only public universities and TVET colleges are supported).
● Students who already hold a degree (unless applying for an NSFAS-funded postgraduate qualification).
If you meet these NSFAS eligibility criteria for 2025, you can proceed with your application and secure funding for your studies.
NSFAS Bursary Funding: What’s Covered in 2025?
When applying for NSFAS funding in 2025, you need to understand the overall nature of the bursary.
Although NSFAS helps a lot, students may still need extra money for their personal expenses because it is not a full-cost scholarship.
- Tuition Fees
● NSFAS covers 100% of tuition fees for students enrolled at public universities and TVET colleges if they meet their academic progression requirements.
- Accommodation
● University students: Up to R45,000 per year for accredited housing.
● TVET college students: Up to R33,000 per year, depending on the institution’s accommodation policy.
- Allowances
NSFAS provides various allowances to help students with essential costs:
● Living Allowance: R1,650 per month for daily expenses.
● Transport Allowance: R7,500 per year (for students living within 40 km of their campus).
● Learning Materials: R5,200 per year for textbooks, laptops, or other study resources.
● Personal Care Allowance: R2,900 per year (for students in catered residences).
- Disability Support
● Students with disabilities receive extra funding for assistive devices and learning support.
While major living and academic expenses are covered by NSFAS financing in 2025, students may require additional funding for personal expenses that are not covered by the bursary.
Step-by-Step Guide to Applying for NSFAS in 2025
If you’re planning to apply for NSFAS in 2025, you must follow the correct steps and submit your application on time. The NSFAS application window usually runs from September to December 2024, but www.nsfas.org.za will confirm the precise dates.
Follow these steps to complete your NSFAS application 2025 successfully:
- Create a myNSFAS Account: Visit my.nsfas.org.za and register with your ID number, email, and phone number.
- Fill in Personal and Academic Details: Provide your personal information, academic details, and household financial status accurately.
- Upload Required Documents:
○ South African ID document (or birth certificate if under 16).
○ Proof of household income (payslips, affidavit, or SASSA letter).
○ Consent form signed by parents/guardians.
○ Disability Annexure Form (if applicable).
- Submit and Track Your Application: After submission, track your NSFAS application status through the myNSFAS portal.
Here are some tips you must follow during your application:
● To prevent last-minute problems, apply early.
● To avoid delays, make sure all the information is correct.
● You can apply as soon as applications open and avoid waiting for your matric results.
Please visit southafricabursaries.co.za/how-to-apply for a complete application guide.
NSFAS 2025 Application Dates and Deadlines
To avoid losing out on funding, you need to stay informed about the official application dates for NSFAS in 2025.
The application period for the 2025 National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) was open from September 20, 2024, until midnight on December 15, 2024.
The application dates may change due to NSFAS, so it’s important for you to check www.nsfas.org.za frequently.
You should also follow NSFAS on social media to stay informed about important announcements, reminders, and any possible extensions.
Since late applications are rarely accepted, it is best to apply as early as possible. The sooner you apply, the better your chances of avoiding delays or missing out on funding for your 2025 studies.
Why Choose the NSFAS Bursary?
The NSFAS bursary offers financial assistance to people who are most in need. It is a great option for your studies in 2025 for the following reasons:
- Free Education – No Repayment Needed
One of the biggest benefits of NSFAS is that it does not have to be paid back as long as you meet the academic requirements. Before 2018, NSFAS provided loans, but now it is a full bursary. This means you can study without the burden of student debt.
- Helps Students from Rural and Poor Communities
NSFAS supports students who come from townships, rural areas, and disadvantaged backgrounds. Many students in South Africa struggle to afford tuition, transport, and living costs, but NSFAS covers these expenses, making education more accessible.
- Covers Important Career Fields
The bursary gives priority to students who study in high-demand fields such as engineering, teaching, healthcare, and other scarce-skill professions. This means you have a higher chance of finding a stable and well-paying job after graduation.
- Reduces Poverty and Creates Opportunities
By helping students from low-income families, NSFAS reduces inequality and creates a better future for young South Africans. Education allows graduates to find jobs, support their families, and contribute to the country’s economy.
- Provides Financial Relief for Students and Families
Without NSFAS, many students would struggle to afford textbooks, transport, or even food while studying. The bursary covers tuition fees, accommodation, study materials, and living allowances to make it easier for you to focus on your education.
Challenges of the NSFAS Bursary Program
For many students, the NSFAS bursary is an excellent opportunity, but it also has drawbacks and restrictions.
In 2025, you can encounter some of the following NSFAS issues:
- Delays in Funding: The late delivery of payments is one of the largest NSFAS restrictions. It was challenging for many students to concentrate on their studies in previous years due to delays in getting their tuition, housing, and allowances. Unpaid housing payments even resulted in the eviction of several students from their residences.
- Limited Coverage: Only students attending public universities and TVET colleges are eligible for NSFAS funding. You need to find other sources of funding if you intend to attend a private university. Except for a few courses like the Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) and certain medical programs, it also excludes the majority of postgraduate programs.
- High Academic Pressure: To continue receiving NSFAS funding, students must meet strict academic requirements. The N+2 rule means NSFAS will only fund a student for the official duration of their qualification plus two extra years. If you fail too many modules, you could lose funding before completing your degree.
- The ‘Missing Middle’ Problem: Students whose household income is R350,000 or less annually (or R600,000 for students with disabilities) are eligible for NSFAS. Students whose families make somewhat more than this amount, however, are not eligible for NSFAS and can find it difficult to pay for tuition without loans or other forms of financial aid.
- Mismanagement and Financial Issues: NSFAS has faced criticism for irregular spending, with reports of over R522 million in irregular expenditure in 2020. Some students receive incorrect payments, while others wait months for their allowances to be processed.
Even though NSFAS offers great financial aid, you still need to be aware, apply as soon as possible, and have backup financial plans in case of delays or problems.
NSFAS Bursary vs. Other South African Bursaries
In South Africa, there are numerous bursary possibilities, but they differ in terms of qualifications, funding, and eligibility.
You may also consider applying for corporate and private bursaries, even though NSFAS is the most accessible government grant.
This is how NSFAS stacks up against alternative funding sources:
- NSFAS vs. Corporate Bursaries
Corporate bursaries are frequently field-specific (e.g. engineering, banking), while NSFAS funds a wide range of qualifications at public universities. Corporate bursaries also usually cover full tuition, accommodation, and a stipend, but they require students to work for the company after graduation.
NSFAS does not require you to make any repayments or fulfill any work commitments.
- NSFAS vs. Government Bursaries
The Funza Lushaka Bursary, for instance, funds only teaching students, while NSFAS covers most university and TVET courses.
Funza Lushaka requires their graduates to teach in public schools after completing their studies, but NSFAS has no work obligations.
- NSFAS vs. Private Bursaries
Private bursaries, like the Moshal Scholarship Program, concentrate on academic achievement and leadership potential, but NSFAS is based on financial need. Private bursaries usually offer mentorship, networking, and career support, while NSFAS primarily provides financial assistance.
Comparison Table
| Feature | NSFAS | Corporate Bursaries | Private Bursaries |
| Funding | Covers tuition, allowances, accommodation | Full funding, extras like laptops | Varies; some cover full costs |
| Eligibility | Based on financial need | Based on field of study & academic merit | Usually merit-based |
| Repayment | No repayment required | Work-back agreement | No repayment, but high competition |
When choosing a bursary, you need to consider the eligibility criteria, benefits, and obligations to find the best option for your studies.
How to Make the Most of Your NSFAS Bursary
NSFAS funding can be very helpful for you as a student, but managing it well is also just as important if you want to avoid financial stress.
Below are some tips to help you maximize your NSFAS bursary in 2025:
- Apply Early
The NSFAS application window is open for several months, but applying early reduces stress and gives you time to correct any errors. They don’t normally accept late applications, so don’t wait until the last minute.
- Maintain Your Academic Performance
If you want to continue receiving NSFAS funding, you must pass at least 50% of your courses. If you fail too many courses, you may lose your funding, so stay focused and seek help if you think you need it.
- Budget Wisely
NSFAS will give you allowances for food, transport, and study materials, but you still need to spend the money responsibly. You can create a monthly budget to avoid running out of money before your next allowance.
- Look for Additional Funding
Your funding may not cover all your expenses, especially if you need extra materials or off-campus accommodation. If you find yourself in this situation, you can consider applying for additional bursaries or part-time work to supplement your finances.
- Stay Updated on NSFAS Announcements
You should follow NSFAS on social media (X, Facebook, Instagram) and visit www.nsfas.org.za for important updates.
You can also check southafricabursaries.co.za for guidance on NSFAS and other funding options.
How to Get Help with NSFAS
If you have questions about your NSFAS application, funding, or allowances, you can reach out to NSFAS through the following channels:
- Contact NSFAS Directly
● Phone: 0800 067 327 (toll-free)
● Email: info@nsfas.org.za
● Website: www.nsfas.org.za
- Social Media Updates
You can stay informed about important NSFAS announcements by following them on social media:
● X (Twitter): @myNSFAS
● Facebook: NSFAS
● Instagram: @myNSFAS
- Visit Your Campus Financial Aid Office
Most public universities and TVET colleges have NSFAS support offices where you can get in-person assistance. You can check with your institution’s financial aid desk for guidance.
Frequently Asked Questions About NSFAS 2025
Here are answers to some common questions about the NSFAS bursary for 2025:
● When does NSFAS open for 2025?
The NSFAS application period for 2025 was open until December 15, 2024. There was no separate January 2025 application window for new applicants.
● Does NSFAS fund second degrees?
No, NSFAS does not fund second degrees. But certain postgraduate diplomas, like PGCE and LLB (postgraduate route), may be covered.
● What if I fail a year?
NSFAS follows the N+2 rule, meaning you can get funding for your degree duration plus two extra years. However, you must meet the academic progression rule, usually passing at least 50% of your modules.
● How do I check my NSFAS status?
Log in to your myNSFAS account at my.nsfas.org.za to track your application or funding status.
● Can I study abroad with NSFAS?
No, NSFAS only funds students at public universities and TVET colleges in South Africa. Private institutions and international studies are not eligible.
The NSFAS bursary has helped thousands of South African students by providing them with tuition, accommodation, and essential allowances. By covering the costs of higher education, NSFAS provides educational opportunities for students who might otherwise struggle to afford university or TVET college studies.
If you meet the eligibility requirements, don’t waste time at all. You must apply early and ensure that all your details are correct to improve your chances of securing funding.
Remember that late applications are not usually accepted, so it’s best to apply as soon as the window opens.
One of the most effective means of creating a better future is education. Apply for NSFAS now to take charge of your academic career and avoid letting financial difficulties stop you.
Visit southafricabursaries.co.za right now for more thorough instructions, bursary updates, and step-by-step application advice.
