What Is NSFAS?
The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) provides financial assistance to eligible South African students at public universities and TVET colleges. It’s funded by the Department of Higher Education and Training and covers:
- Tuition fees
- Accommodation (on-campus & off-campus)
- Living allowances
- Learning materials allowance
- Transport & communication allowances
Official NSFAS site: https://www.nsfas.org.za/
2025 Application Dates & Portal
- University Funding
- Open: 20 September 2024
- Close: 31 January 2025
- TVET College Funding
- Trimester 1: 15–26 January 2025
- Trimester 2: 12–23 May 2025
- Semester 2: 14–31 July 2025
- Trimester 3: 8–19 September 2025
Apply online via https://my.nsfas.org.za/
Eligibility Criteria
- RSA citizen or permanent resident
- Household income ≤ R350 000 p.a. (or R350 001–R600 000 for loan scheme)
- Registered/intending to register at public university/TVET
- First-time undergraduate applicants only
- Recipients of SASSA grants automatically qualify
Full criteria: NSFAS Eligibility
NSFAS Funding Breakdown
- Tuition Fees: Paid directly to institution.
- Accommodation:
- On-campus hostels or approved private housing.
- Up to R39 000 p.a. for on-campus; R69 000 p.a. for off-campus.
- Application via institution’s residence office.
- Living Allowance: R24 000 p.a., disbursed monthly.
- Learning Materials: R6 000 p.a. for books & stationery.
- Transport & Communication: Up to R7 500 p.a. (including data bundles & travel).
Detailed bursary guide: Download PDF
How Funds Are Disbursed
- NSFAS approves your application.
- Funds for tuition & allowances are transferred directly to institution monthly.
- Living allowance paid into your bank account each month.
- Accommodation allowances paid to residence provider or your landlord.
Track your application & disbursements on the myNSFAS portal.
Appeals & Late Submissions
If your application was declined or you missed the deadline:
- Submit an appeal via the myNSFAS Appeals tab.
- Appeals window: usually opens within two weeks after closing date.
- Provide new documents (e.g., revised income affidavit) when appealing.
NSFAS Frequently Asked Questions
Contact & Support
- Call Center: 0800 067 327
- Email: [email protected]
- Chatbot: Live Chat
- Head Office:
2nd Floor, House Vincent,
10 Brodie Road, Wynberg, Cape Town, 7700 - Social Media: