How to apply for NSFAS in 2025: A step-by-step guide

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If you’re planning to study at a public university or TVET college in South Africa in 2025 and need financial assistance, applying for the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) could be your first step towards achieving your academic goals. NSFAS provides bursaries to eligible South African students who can’t afford higher education. This guide will walk you through the process of how to apply for NSFAS in 2025, from eligibility to submitting your application, so you can take on the new academic year with confidence.

ALSO READ: When Do NSFAS Applications Open for 2026?

Who qualifies for NSFAS in 2025?

Before starting your application, it’s important to understand whether you meet the NSFAS eligibility criteria. According to NSFAS guidelines, to qualify for funding in 2025, you must:

Be a South African citizen.
Intend to study at a public university or TVET college.
Come from a household with a combined annual income of R350,000 or less.
Be a SASSA grant recipient (automatically qualifies).
Have passed Grade 12 (for university) or meet TVET admission requirements.

Students with disabilities or students who started studying before 2018 and still fall under the old NSFAS loan system may also qualify under special conditions. Make sure to review the latest updates on the official NSFAS website.

Step 1: Gather all your required documents

Having your documents ready before you begin the online application will save you time and prevent delays. Here’s what you’ll need:

A certified copy of your South African ID or birth certificate.
ID copies of your parents, guardians, or spouse.
Proof of household income (e.g., recent payslips or affidavit if unemployed).
Your own cellphone number and a valid email address.
Academic records if you’re already studying.
A consent form signed by your parents/guardians allowing NSFAS to verify income with SARS.
If applicable, proof of disability and a completed Disability Annexure A form.

Make sure all documents are clear and legible. Uploading blurry or incomplete documents could result in your application being rejected or delayed.

Step 2: Create a myNSFAS account

All NSFAS applications must be submitted online via the myNSFAS portal. If you’re applying for the first time, you’ll need to create an account:

Visit the myNSFAS website.
Click on “Register.”
Provide your ID number, full name, and a working cellphone number and email address.
Create a secure password.
Agree to the terms and conditions.
Verify your cellphone number and email using the OTP (one-time pin) sent to you.

Once your account is active, you can log in and start your application.

Step 3: Complete your online application

Once logged into your myNSFAS account:

Click on “Apply.”
Fill in your personal information, academic details, and household income.
Upload all required documents.
Carefully review all your information to ensure it’s accurate.
Click “Submit.”

You’ll receive a reference number confirming that your application has been successfully submitted. Keep this number for your records.

Step 4: Track your application status

After submitting your application, you can track your progress via the myNSFAS portal. Log in regularly to check for updates or respond to any requests for additional documents.

Application statuses may include:

Application submitted
Filtering – system checks for duplicates and completeness.
Validation – third-party checks with the Department of Home Affairs and SARS.
Evaluation – assessing academic and financial eligibility.
Funding eligible – your application is approved.
Funding not eligible – reasons will be provided.
Awaiting academic results/registration – pending final acceptance at your institution.

Step 5: Accept your funding and register at your institution

Once you receive confirmation that your NSFAS application was successful, you’ll need to:

Accept the terms and conditions of the bursary agreement (usually done online).
Register at the university or TVET college where you’ve been accepted.
NSFAS will pay your tuition and registration fees directly to the institution.
You’ll also receive allowances for books, food, accommodation, and transport, depending on your institution’s policy.

Important application dates for 2025

These dates may change, so it’s essential to monitor the official NSFAS website or their social media pages for announcements.

Applying for NSFAS in 2025 doesn’t have to be a daunting process. With the right preparation and a step-by-step approach, you can increase your chances of securing financial support for your studies. Remember to start early, double-check your documents, and stay informed throughout the process. Whether you’re fresh out of high school or continuing your studies, NSFAS can be your key to a brighter, more affordable academic future.