NSFAS Application | How to apply to NSFAS

NSFAS, the National Student Financial Aid Scheme, is a helping hand from the South African government for students aiming to reach their academic goals.

Established in 1991, NSFAS has been consistently supporting students financially, playing a vital role in empowering South Africa both socially and economically.

The NSFAS funding program is here to support learners facing financial struggles and aiming to pursue tertiary studies.

It encourages learners to apply, especially those eyeing UNISA (University of South Africa).

If you’re selected for UNISA, you’ll get financial support covering tuition fees, books, study materials, and personal care.

For other South African public universities or TVET colleges, you can expect support for accommodation, living expenses, learning materials, and personal care.

If you have a disability, additional support includes tuition fees, assistive devices, accommodation, meals, and transport.

NSFAS Requirements and Financial Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for NSFAS funding, you need to:

• Be a citizen of South Africa.
• Be pursuing or planning to pursue studies at a South African public university or TVET college.
• Have parents or guardians with an annual income less than R350,000.
• Preference is given to learners from needy families or those receiving SASSA grants.
• Learners with a disability and an annual family income of less than R600,000 are also prioritized.

Once qualified, funding supports learners until they complete their chosen qualification—no need to reapply if you’re already getting support and continuing your studies.

How to Apply for NSFAS Online

Applying for NSFAS is straightforward:

1. Register or re-register on myNSFAS at www.nsfas.org.za.
2. Click the “myNSFAS” tab, then choose “Register.”
3. Verify your details; enter your ID, name, email, and cellphone number.
4. Create and confirm your password, upload your ID copy, and click “register.”
5. Receive an OTP (one-time pin) on your email and cellphone, enter it, and click “submit.”
6. Complete your re-registration and proceed to the online application form under the “APPLY” tab.

Documents Needed to Apply for NSFAS

Prepare certified copies (not older than three months) of the following documents:

• South African ID or unabridged birth certificate.
• IDs of parents and guardians, with a death certificate if applicable.
• IDs of everyone in your household.
• Proof of annual household income (payslip or appointment letter).
• Latest academic transcript or exam results.
• University registration documents (if applicable).
• Travel and accommodation documents (if applicable).
• Proof of marital status (if applicable).
• The consent form and Disability Annexure A Form, if applicable.
• The Vulnerable Child Declaration form is for recognized vulnerable children.

NSFAS Closing Date

Act quickly, as NSFAS applications for 2024 close on January 31, 2024.

Checking NSFAS Application Status for 2023

Keep tabs on your application status by logging into the myNSFAS portal at https://my.nsfas.org.za/.

Contact Details

• Post: Private Bag X1, Plumstead 7801, South Africa
• Address: 10 Brodie Road, House Vincent 2nd Floor, Wynberg, Cape Town 7700
• Tel: 0860 067 327
• Email: info@nsfas.org.za
• Twitter: @myNSFAS