NSFAS Application 2025 Opening in September

The NSFAS Application for 2025 Academic Year: When Should I Apply for NSFAS 2025?

NSFAS Application 2025 Opening in September: Applications for NSFAS 2025 online

The NSFAS Funding help students who are not able to pay for the costs of their tertiary education to achieve their academic goals and as well obtain a qualification. Therefore, many students are worried about when NSFAS will open Application for 2025 academic year. Here is when NSFAS 2025 bursary applications will open.

The Minister of Higher Education and Training, Dr Nobuhle Nkabane has confirmed that the 2025 NSFAS applications will open in September 2024. Therefore, South African citizens who need financial support for their tertiary education must apply for NSFAS 2025 as soon as application open.

The NSFAS bursary and student loans in South Africa provide assistance to deserving students who are enrolled in approved courses at any of the universities and TVET colleges in South Africa. This financial support consist of money for tuition and registration fees as well as several allowances for food, accommodation and learning materials.

The minister in her speech said that they are working so hard to ensure that the online systems are ready for the NSFAS application 2025 period so that student can apply with ease.

This is what she said:

“We are working overtime to ensure that NSFAS systems are ready for the commencement of the 2025 application season, which is scheduled to start in September this year”.

She continued to harmmer on the importance of efficiency within the NSFAS systems as they are preparing to receive thousands of funding applications in 2025.

See what she said here:

“This is critically important because, in this financial year, NSFAS received approximately 2 million applications for a bursary. Out of this volume, 419 447 were returning students while 297 809 were first-time entering students”.

However, it is important for all applicants to get prepared in order to submit their online application.

Problems Affecting NSFAS

The minister acknowledged that there are ongoing challenges with the NSFAS but have assured students and stakeholders of their commitment to improvement.

NSFAS funding has seen a dramatic rise, disbursing nearly R50 billion this year compared to R21.4 million in 1991. However, the system is not without problems. Data misalignment and delays in processing applications have caused frustration for many.

The Dr. highlighted the appointment of an administrator following the dissolution of the board at NSFAS. Freeman Nomvalo is tasked with governance, management, and administration of NSFAS for 12 months ending in March 2025.

As part of efforts to resolve NSFAS challenges, Former Minister Blade Nzimande dissolved the NSFAS board citing its inability to ensure the financial aid scheme implemented its responsibilities. At the time, Nzimande warned that the non-payment of NSFAS allowances put students at risk of hunger and possible eviction. This has prompted urgent action from the minister.

Minister Nkabane mentioned the department’s commitment to rooting out corruption within NSFAS. These efforts come after the recent dissolution of the NSFAS board due to concerns about its effectiveness.

“Missing Middle” Relief

In order to make larger or more extensive in the higher education system, the department also announced an ultimate funding model in 2023 for students from middle-income families, often referred to as the “missing middle”. This R3.3 billion initiative will provide loans to over 31,000 students, easing the financial burden for those who don’t qualify for NSFAS bursaries.

How to Apply for NSFAS Online Application 2025 Form

To apply for NSFAS bursary, check the steps below