NSFAS Application Guide & Tips – How to Apply for NSFAS 2025
Important: MyInfoHub is an independent information site and is not affiliated with NSFAS, SASSA or any government department. Always use official NSFAS channels for NSFAS applications and personal data: https://www.nsfas.org.za.
This comprehensive guide walks you through the entire NSFAS application process for 2025 — from eligibility checks to uploading documents, avoiding common mistakes, understanding deadlines, and what happens after you submit. It’s written to help applicants (university & TVET) complete their application correctly and reduce delays.
2026 NFSAS Application Dates Announced by Minister
Watch Minister Buti Manamela’s 15 September 2025 briefing on the NSFAS 2026 application opening date and the readiness of universities, TVET, and CET colleges for the upcoming academic year.
Quick overview — who should read this
This page is for:
First-time applicants for NSFAS (university or TVET)
Returning applicants who need to reapply for 2025 funding
Parents and guardians helping applicants gather documents
Students who need to appeal or correct application errors
Why apply to NSFAS?
NSFAS (National Student Financial Aid Scheme) funds eligible South African students at public universities and TVET colleges to cover tuition, registration, accommodation, study materials, transport and living allowances — depending on the funding model. For many applicants, NSFAS is the only route to higher education affordability.
Am I eligible for NSFAS 2025?
Eligibility rules may change slightly year-to-year. Typical criteria include:
South African citizen (or other categories accepted by NSFAS) with a valid ID
Accepted at or applying to a public university or TVET college
Household income below the NSFAS threshold R350,000 per annum and for persons living with disabilities, the combined household income is capped at R600 000 pa.
If you receive a SASSA grant, you automatically meet the financial requirements
Academic admission to the institution (meets course entry requirements)
If you are receiving another full bursary or a salary that covers tuition, this may affect eligibility. Check the official rules at nsfas.org.za.
Who can not apply?
A student who has earned a certificate and intends to enroll for a second certificate program.
Students attending private colleges or universities.
Any student who has already completed an undergraduate degree and wants to pursue another undergraduate qualification.
Students registered for courses that are not approved by DHET or accredited by SAQA.
Students whose full study costs are already covered by funding sources other than NSFAS.
Key deadlines & timeline (2025 application cycle)
Exact opening and closing dates vary each year. Typical timeline (example):
Document submission window: Immediately after application — submit documents ASAP.
Registration and funding confirmation: Before the academic registration deadline at your institution.
Action:https://www.nsfas.org.za and check regularly for official opening/closing notices.
Before you apply — checklist
Prepare the following before starting the online application to avoid interruptions:
Valid ID or birth certificate
Verified cellphone number (OTP will be used)
Email address (preferably your own)
Proof of household income (payslips, affidavits, UIF, SARS docs)
Proof of registration or acceptance letter from your chosen institution (if available)
Clear, legible scanned copies or photos of documents (PDF/JPG/PNG)
Step-by-step: How to apply online for NSFAS 2025
Step 1 — Open the official portal
Type the official address directly in your browser (do not click links in social messages): https://www.nsfas.org.za. From the homepage choose the 2025 application link or the “Apply” section.
Step 2 — Register an account (if required)
Click “Apply / Register” and complete the registration form.
Provide a valid cellphone number and email address — you will receive an OTP.
Create a secure password (use letters, numbers and a symbol).
Save your login details and reference number in a safe place.
Step 3 — Complete the application form
Carefully complete all fields — accurate names, ID number and contact details are essential. If you make a mistake, correct it before submitting to avoid delays.
Step 4 — Upload supporting documents
Typical documents requested:
Certified ID copy
Proof of household income (payslips, affidavits, UIF, SARS documents)
Proof of registration or acceptance letter from the institution
Proof of residence (utility bill or affidavit)
Use clear scans — ensure text is readable. Follow file type and size rules on the portal.
Step 5 — Submit and keep reference
After submission, copy the application reference number and screenshot the confirmation page. This reference is useful for tracking and institutional queries.
Step 6 — Follow up and monitor status
Check your MyNSFAS portal regularly for status updates or document requests. Respond promptly to any document requests to avoid rejection for “incomplete application”.
Detailed documents guide — what NSFAS expects
Exact document lists vary by applicant type. Below are commonly required items and tips:
Certified ID / Birth certificate
Provide a certified copy of your ID or official birth certificate. Certification must be by a commissioner of oaths or other authorised official — check the portal for acceptable certifiers.
Proof of household income
NSFAS uses household income to determine financial need. Acceptable documents include:
Latest payslips for employed household members
Affidavits for unemployed or informal income
SARS tax documents where applicable (IT3, IRP5)
UIF statements if relevant
If household income cannot be evidenced, a sworn affidavit from a commissioner of oaths may be accepted — follow NSFAS instructions exactly.
Death certificate / Support documents
If a parent/guardian is deceased or missing, upload a certified death certificate or relevant affidavit. This can affect household income calculations.
Proof of registration (institution invoice)
Many institutions require a registration invoice or admission letter as proof of placement before they accept NSFAS funding. If you don’t have it at the time of application, follow NSFAS instructions for conditional or late submissions.
Special cases — TVET, postgraduate, disability, refugees
TVET students
TVET funding may have different allowance disbursement schedules (termly/trimester). Confirm with your college what proof they require and how allowances will be paid.
Students with disabilities
Submit medical proof or a disability assessment as required — NSFAS has separate thresholds and allowances for disabled students.
NSFAS rules for non-citizens vary — check the official site and contact the institution’s funding office for guidance.
Common application mistakes & how to avoid them
Poor document quality: Use clear scans; avoid cut-off pages.
Mismatched names/IDs: Ensure names match Home Affairs ID exactly.
Wrong cellphone number: Use your active SIM and ensure it is RICA registered.
Late uploads: Upload documents immediately — portals close per academic timelines.
Duplicate applications: Do not create multiple accounts or repeat multiple submissions—this causes system conflicts.
After you submit — what happens next?
Once submitted:
NSFAS and your institution verify documents and admission status.
If more documents are required the portal will show “Documents Required” — respond quickly.
If approved, NSFAS will confirm registration funding and allowances; the institution usually handles registration funding with NSFAS.
Keep evidence of all uploads and portal screenshots.
Appeals & Re-application
If your application is declined or marked ineligible:
Read the decline reason on MyNSFAS carefully.
Gather supporting evidence that addresses the stated reason.
Submit an appeal or re-application via the process shown in your portal or institution portal — appeals are free.
Keep all reference numbers and correspondence.
Do not pay anyone to assist with appeals — anyone requesting payment for appeals is a scam.
The role of your institution (university / TVET)
Your institution must confirm registration with NSFAS and often administers allowances or facilitates payments. Keep the institution’s Student Funding Office informed and provide your NSFAS reference when requested.
Avoid scams during the application process
Scammers exploit impatient applicants. Protect yourself by following these rules:
Only use the official NSFAS site: https://www.nsfas.org.za
Never pay for an application or appeal
Do not give OTPs, passwords or bank details to anyone
Verify social media accounts from the official site before following instructions on X/Facebook
How to take good photos/scans for NSFAS documents (step-by-step)
Place the document on a flat, well-lit surface.
Use a plain background and avoid shadows on the document.
Hold your phone parallel to the page and fill the frame with the document only.
Ensure all text is legible — zoom and crop to remove unnecessary background.
Save as PDF or high-quality JPG and check file size rules on the portal.
FAQ — NSFAS Application 2025 (Expanded)
When does NSFAS open for 2025 applications?
NSFAS normally opens applications in the months before the academic year (check https://www.nsfas.org.za for official dates). Subscribe to institutional mailing lists for updates.
Can I apply if I’m not yet accepted at a university?
Some applicants apply before official acceptance; however, final funding often requires confirmation of registration. Check the portal for conditional application rules.
How do I certify documents?
Documents must be certified by a commissioner of oaths, police station official, magistrate or other authorised individual. Check the portal for accepted certifiers and validity periods.
My family income is informal — what proof is accepted?
NSFAS accepts sworn affidavits from a commissioner of oaths and other evidence like letters from employers, community leaders, or municipal records — follow NSFAS document guidance.
Can I update my application after submission?
Yes — if the portal allows changes. If not, contact your institution’s Student Funding Office for guidance and to attach supplementary documents.
NSFAS Contact / Student Support (see official site)
Your institution’s Student Funding Office — use their official contact details
Disclaimer: This is a general guidance page produced by MyInfoHub. We are not affiliated with NSFAS or any government department. For official application steps, policies, deadlines and decisions always use the NSFAS website and your institution’s official communications.