NSFAS application 2025/2026: Deadline, requirements, qualifications
The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) has helped students with limited financial access realize their dreams. To ensure more students get funding for their education, here is everything you need to know about the NSFAS application for 2025.
Source: Original
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The National Student Financial Aid Scheme offers subsidized financial aid to students from poor and working-class backgrounds who attend public institutions of higher learning. Currently, 50 TVET colleges and 26 public universities are considered.
NSFAS application 2025
The NSFAS provides financial assistance to eligible South African students from disadvantaged backgrounds to fund their higher education. To apply for 2025, you must submit the required documents online through the NSFAS portal.
NSFAS application 2025 opening date
The opening date for NSFAS applications for 2025 is typically announced in advance by the scheme. For recent years, applications have opened around September 28 and remain open for several months.
Source: UGC
NSFAS application form
The NSFAS application form can be accessed and completed online via the NSFAS website: www.nsfas.org.za. Alternatively, you can visit an NSFAS office or designated locations to obtain a hard copy. Ensure you fill in all required sections and upload the necessary documents.
NSFAS contact details
You can contact NSFAS through the following means:
- Toll-Free Number: 0800 067 327
- Email: info@nsfas.org.za
- WhatsApp: 061 309 0628
- Twitter: @myNSFAS
NSFAS closing date for 2025
The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) 2025 applications officially closed on December 15, 2024. However, for TVET College students, NSFAS reopened applications from January 13 to January 24, 2025.
Is the NSFAS application extended?
The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) has not announced any extensions for the 2025/26 application cycle. The application period for the 2025 academic year concluded on December 15, 2024.
Additionally, NSFAS has indicated that there will be no special application window in January 2025.
In previous years, NSFAS has occasionally extended application deadlines. For instance, the deadline was extended to January 21 in a past cycle. However, for the 2025/26 cycle, no such extension has been announced.
Source: UGC
Who qualifies for the NASFAS grant?
Every applicant must meet certain requirements failure to which they will not be considered for financial aid. They include;
- A citizen of South Africa
- A permanent resident in possession of a valid Permanent Residency Permit from the Department of Home Affairs
- First-time and returning students at a public university or TVET college
- Recipients of the SASSA grant, but the Covid-19 SASSA grant is not considered
- Students from families earning a total of no more than R600,000 a year.
- People with disabilities whose total family income is no more than R600,000 a year.
Does child grant affect NSFAS?
Receiving a child support grant does not negatively affect your NSFAS eligibility. If your family is reliant on SASSA grants, this can strengthen your application as it demonstrates financial need. NSFAS prioritizes students from low-income households.
Requirements for NSFAS 2025 application
Students must attach supporting documents that prove their eligibility for the NSFAS applications. The documents help the National Student Financial Aid Scheme determine who qualifies for the grant. These NSFAS documents needed for application include;
- A copy of your identification card; For the Smart ID cards, the student should attach a copy of both sides.
- A temporary ID from the Department of Home Affairs
- Legal guardian(s), spouse(s), or parent(s) identification copies are required for non-SASSA applicants.
- Students need to provide proof of income. This can include a payslip from the last three months, a UIF letter, an appointment letter, or a retrenchment letter for themselves or their parents, legal guardians, or partners.
Source: UGC
How do I apply for NSFAS 2025 online?
The process can be done in the comfort of your home or office using a smartphone, tablet or computer. The NSFAS online applications are made through the myNSFAS.org.za online application portal. Here are the simple steps on how to apply for NSFAS.
- Go to www.nsfas.org.za on your computer or phone browser the select myNSFAS
- Create a myNSFAS account
- Go to the application tab, then enter the required details
- Upload the necessary documents
- Select the submit button
- After making your submission, you will receive a reference number as proof that the application has been submitted successfully.
Note: For students without internet or the necessary gadgets, go to the nearest National Youth Development Agency (NYDA) or Thusong Centre and follow the above steps.
How much is the NSFAS allowance per month?
For 2024, NSFAS allowances included:
- Meal Allowance: Around R1,650 per month.
- Accommodation Allowance: Up to R4,500, depending on the institution.
- Transport Allowance: Around R750 per month for students living off-campus.
- For 2025, the amounts may increase slightly based on inflation and policy changes, so check the official NSFAS guidelines for updates.
South African students have several post-secondary education options regardless of income. Many students will benefit from the National Student Financial Aid Scheme in the future. Use the extension to make your NSFAS application before the second deadline.
Briefly.co.za published the application dates for leading South African universities. If you recently completed your secondary education, the next step is to find a higher learning institution where you can pursue your dream course.
The universities have varying academic years and open the application window at different times. Knowing when the process needs to be done will help you plan and also avoid missing the chances of getting into your dream university. Check the University applications date article for the extensive list.
Source: Briefly News
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