Education is a vital element in any individual’s life, serving as a stepping stone to numerous opportunities. However, the financial burden of higher education can pose a significant challenge for many. Thanks to the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS), disadvantaged South African students have the opportunity to further their education.

The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) is an initiative by the South African government to provide financial assistance to students from poor and working-class families. NSFAS offers bursaries and loans to students enrolled at all 26 public universities and 50 TVET colleges in South Africa. This article will walk you through the process of applying for NSFAS funding in 2025.

READ: NSFAS Form 2025-2026 PDF Download

The application season for NSFAS begins on November 21, 2024, and ends on January 31, 2025. Interested students are advised to submit their applications now before the closing date as the application portal is currently open and accepting applications from eligible students for the 2024 academic year.

Who Is Eligible to Apply for NSFAS 2025-2026

To apply for NSFAS (National Student Financial Aid Scheme), you must meet the following criteria:

• All SASSA grant recipients
• Must have email and cell phone number
• Be a South African citizen with a valid ID number
• Be a first-time entering university or TVET college student
• Household income must not exceed R350,000 per annum
• Must meet the academic requirements for admission to a university or TVET college
• For persons living with disabilities, household income should not exceed R600 000 per annum

READ: NSFAS for 2025 Application

Required Documents for NSFAS Online Application 2025-2026

Below are the needed supporting documents for your NSFAS online application for 2025

Students with disabilities must provide:

• A completed and signed Disability Annexure A Form

Students recognised as vulnerable children must provide:

An applicant who is recognised as a vulnerable child by the Department of Social Development must provide and Vulnerable Child Declaration form completed by a social worker

Other documents that may be required, if applicable:

• Retrenchment letter
•  Death certificate/s
• Divorce Decree
• Proof of legal guardianship
• Marriage certificate
• other documents may be required for appeal purposes,….eg retrenchment letter.

How to Apply for NSFAS Online 2025-2026

The National Students Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) Online Application process for 2025 is very easy, simple and accurate. To Apply for NSFAS Online 2024, kindly follow the steps outlined below:

• 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: Create NSFAS Portal Account

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

Applying for NSFAS funding in 2025 is a crucial step towards achieving your academic goals. The process, accessible via www.nsfas.org.za, is straightforward and user-friendly. With this guide, you should be able to navigate the application process seamlessly.

Invest in your future today by applying for NSFAS funding. Remember, education is not just a right; it’s your ticket to a brighter future. www.nsfas.org.za apply 2025-2026

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