Apply today – Its as easy as 1, 2, 3!
1 Create your myNSFAS account
2 Click the Apply tab: update your information and upload your supporting documents
3 Submit your application
Applications for the NSFAS funding of the 2024 academic year are now open. You will need the following to complete your funding application.
Ensure that you have your own
- Valid email address and cellphone number (Note that this new number must be UNIQUE and accessible by you at all times).
- Valid South African ID
You will need the following supporting documents:
All applicants
• Certified copy of your ID, not older than 3 months
• A signed and completed consent form
If you are a SASSA recipient, please provide:
• Certified copy of your ID, not older than 3 months
• A signed and completed consent form
If you are dependent on your parents/guardian/spouse, please provide:
• Certified ID copies of parent/s, guardian, spouse not older than 3 months
• Proof of income of parent, guardian or spouse (payslip or appointment letter)
If you are self-sufficient and employed please provide:
• Proof of income (payslip or appointment letter)
• 3yrs IRP5
If you have a disability, please provide:
• Completed and signed Disability Annexure A (if your information is not pre-populated on the portal)
If you are an orphan please provide:
• Orphan Declaration and Consent Form (excluding consent form)
Other documents required, if applicable:
• Retrenchment letter
• Death certificate/s
• Divorce decree
Where to apply:
CLICK HERE for a list of applications centres where you will be able to apply for NSFAS online.
When to apply:
Applications are open and close on November 30.
Click here to create your myNSFAS account to apply
Why you must apply
Once approved for NSFAS funding, the bursary will pay for; Registration fee, tuition fees, food, study material, personal care allowance and travelling and accommodation where necessary.
The DHEST Bursary Scheme
Fully subsidised free higher education and training for poor and working class South Africans.
Do you Wish to study or are already studying at a public university or TVET college and come from a family with an income of 350k or less? Then STOP and read this:
You qualify for a government bursary offered via the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS)
What is NSFAS?
NSFAS is a government entity under the Department of Higher Education, Science and Technology established according to the NSFAS Act (Act 56 of 1999) to provide financial support to disadvantaged students who wish to further their studies at public universities or TVET colleges.
What does the bursary cover?
UNIVERSITY
- Accommodation
As per the actual costs charged by the university (costs for private accommodation must not exceed costs for university residence) - Transport (up to 40 km from institution) R10 000 per annum
- Living allowance R14 400 per annum
- Book allowances R5000 per annum
- Incidental/personal care allowance R2750 per annum
TVET
- Accommodation in an urban area R24,000 per annum
- Accommodation in an peri-urban area R18,000 per annum
- Accommodation in an rural area R15000 per annum
- Transport (up to 40 km from institution) R10 000 per annum
- Transport R7000 per annum
- Incidental/personal care allowance R2750 per annum
Who qualifies for NSFAS funding?
- All South African citizens
- All SASSA grant recipients qualifies for funding
- Applicants whose combined household income is not more than R350 000 per annum
- Person with disability: Combined household income must not be more than R600 000 per annum
- Students who started studying before 2024 whose household income is not more than R122 000 per annum.
Who should not apply?
- Students that have completed a previous qualification.
- Students with a combined household income of more than R350 000 per annum.
- Students who have already applied, qualified and received funding. They are automatically funded for the duration of their studies provided they pass their modules and meet the academic requirements.
- Foreign students (any student who is not a South African citizen).
Applying for NSFAS study assistance
Please note that financial assistance is only considered for students who have been accepted at a higher learning institution and meet all the requirements to study towards higher education.