Is NSFAS A Bursary or Loan 2025

Is NSFAS A Bursary or Loan 2025, NSFAS A Bursary or Loan

When it comes to financing higher education, South African students often turn to NSFAS (National Student Financial Aid Scheme). However, there is sometimes confusion about whether NSFAS provides bursaries or loans. NSFAS primarily provides financial aid to South African students who are unable to afford to attend a university or college. It is a government-funded organization that works to open up higher education to people from underprivileged backgrounds. Although NSFAS offers financial assistance, it’s vital to remember that it also serves as a lending program.

READ HERE: NSFAS Bursary Requirements 2025-2026

NSFAS Bursaries Vs. NSFAS Loans

An unrepayable form of financial assistance is a bursary. The NSFAS grants bursaries to qualified students, so if you match the requirements, you can get financing without having to repay it. These bursaries pay for a variety of expenses related to your education, including tuition, housing, books, and living expenses.

However, For eligible students, NSFAS also offers loans in addition to bursaries. A loan, as opposed to a bursary, is a sum of money that you must pay back once your studies are over. To lessen the financial load on students, NSFAS loans often have low-interest rates and flexible payback schedules. Once you start working and meet certain income criteria, the loan payback process starts, making sure that repayment is simple and cheap.

SEE ALSO: NSFAS Wallet 2025-2026

 NSFAS New Applicant Requirement

Students who apply for the new scheme must meet the following interim criteria:

• Annual household income between R350,000 and R600,000
• applicant must agree to study at either TVET College or a public university for either undergraduate or postgraduate studies.
• Can apply in years 1, 2, 3 or 4.
• you should sign a loan agreement if they qualify for a loan.
• A completed Consent Form is a mandatory requirement for a loan application, to validate information from third parties.

Repayment Options for NSFAS Loans 2025

If you have received NSFAS loans, repayment is a crucial aspect to consider. NSFAS offers various repayment options designed to accommodate different financial situations. These options include

• income-contingent repayment plans,

which considers your income level when determining the repayment amount. It is important to familiarize yourself with the specific terms and conditions of your NSFAS loan and stay updated on the repayment process.

Who Must Apply For NSFAS Loan In 2025

Applicants who have been rejected for a 2024 bursary based on a household income of more than R350,000, must pre-qualify for a loan if their family income is less than R600,000.

How to Apply For NSFAS 2025

Follow the steps below to apply online for NSFAS;

• Create a profile:

Create a myNSFAS account via this link: https://my.nsfas.org.za/ or download the NSFAS App on Google Play or App Store. Your ID number will be your username.

• Apply now:

Click on the “Apply’ tab to update your personal information and upload your application supporting documents, as indicated.

• Complete:

Submit your application.

READ: www.nsfas.org.za Applys 2025-2026

NSFAS Contact

For all other queries regarding students:

• Tel No.: 08000 67327
• Email:info@nsfas.org.za
• Physical Address
• The Halyard, 4 Christiaan Barnard St, Cape Town City Centre, Cape Town, 8001

By understanding the nature of NSFAS funding and the combination of bursaries and loans available, you can make informed decisions about your educational funding options. Visit NSFAS’s Official website here. Hope the provided information is helpful.

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