How to create an NSFAS account in 5 steps

The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) is a South African government initiative that provides financial assistance to eligible students for post-school education.

If you’re a South African student planning to attend a public university or Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) college, creating an NSFAS account is the first step to accessing financial aid.

How to create an NSFAS account in 5 steps

These are the 5 steps to creating your NSFAS account:

1. Visit the NSFAS Online Application Website: The first step is to go to the official NSFAS online application website. Do not search for the website using general search engines.

Phishing scams can exist, so to ensure you’re on the legitimate NSFAS site, visit the South African Government website (https://www.gov.za/) and search for “NSFAS” from there.

This will lead you to the correct webpage.

2. Locate the Account Creation Section: Once you’re on the NSFAS website, locate the section for creating a new account.

This might be labeled “Sign Up,” “Register,” or “Create Account.”

The specific wording may vary depending on the year’s application process.

3. Provide Your Personal Information: When you enter the account creation section, you’ll be prompted to provide some personal information. This typically includes:

  • Your South African ID number
  • Your full name and surname
  • Your date of birth
  • Your cellphone number
  • A valid email address

4. Choose a Strong Password: Creating a strong password is important for protecting your account information.

5. Complete the Verification Process: Once you’ve filled out the form and chosen a password, you’ll likely need to complete a verification process. This might involve entering a code sent to your cellphone number or email address.

Congratulations, you’ve successfully created your NSFAS account.

What documents do I need to apply for NSFAS funding?

The documents you’ll need to submit for your NSFAS application will vary depending on your individual circumstances.

However, some common documents include:

  1. Proof of South African citizenship (e.g. your ID book)
  2. Your latest academic results
  3. Proof of income for yourself or your parents/guardian

When can I apply for NSFAS funding?

The application window for NSFAS funding normally opens in August each year.

You can find the exact dates and deadlines for the application period on the official NSFAS website.

How do I know if I qualify for NSFAS funding?

The NSFAS website has a helpful eligibility tool that you can use to assess your likelihood of qualifying for funding.

This tool considers factors such as your household income and your chosen field of study.

How long does it take to find out if my NSFAS application is successful?

The NSFAS application process can take several weeks. You’ll be notified of the outcome of your application via email or SMS.

What can I do if I have trouble creating an NSFAS account?

If you encounter difficulties while creating your NSFAS account, you can contact the NSFAS call center for assistance.

The contact details can be found on the NSFAS website.