How To Apply and Get NSFAS Funding For South African Underprivileged Youths

The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) is a South African government programme that provides bursaries and student loans to eligible students to help cover the cost of higher education. Whether you are applying for university or a Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) college, it is essential to understand how to apply correctly, what the eligibility criteria are, and what documentation is required.

This guide walks you through the entire application process in clear steps, and also explains how to track your application, what to do if you are rejected, and key points to know.

Who Is Eligible and Who Is Not

Before you start your application, it is critical to check the eligibility requirements:

Who Can Apply

• South African citizens and permanent residents whose household combined income is no more than R350 000 per year are eligible for the NSFAS bursary.
• For persons with disabilities, the household income threshold is increased to R600 000 per year.
• Applicants who receive grants from SASSA (South African Social Security Agency) automatically meet the financial eligibility requirement.

Who Cannot Apply

Certain categories of students are not eligible. These include:

1. Students already receiving 100 % funding from non-NSFAS sources.
2. Students who already hold an undergraduate qualification and wish to study for a second undergraduate degree.
3. Students who have already earned a certificate qualification and wish to pursue a second certificate.
4. Students enrolled in private higher education institutions (i.e. institutions not publicly funded).
5. Students studying for qualifications that are not approved by the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) or that are not registered by the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA).

By checking these criteria in advance, you avoid wasting time on applications that will be ineligible.

What NSFAS Funding Covers

Understanding what costs NSFAS will cover is crucial to budgeting and planning:

For the Bursary Scheme

If your application is successful as a bursary recipient, NSFAS may cover:

• Registration fees
• Tuition fees and required academic materials
• Living allowance
• Personal care allowance
• Transport or accommodation costs

Do note: living, personal, and transport allowances are not covered under the NSFAS loan scheme.

For the Student Loan Scheme

If your funding is approved under the NSFAS loan route, the coverage is somewhat narrower. It may include:

• Transport or accommodation
• Academic learning materials
• Accommodation costs

Again, living, personal and transport allowances (for personal daily expenses) are not included in the loan funding.

---

Step-by-Step: How to Apply for NSFAS

The application process is relatively straightforward and involves four main steps:

1. Visit the NSFAS Website
   Go to the official NSFAS website to begin your application process.
2. Create a myNSFAS Profile
   If you do not already have one, create an account (profile) on the myNSFAS portal.
3. Complete the Required Information
   Fill out all sections of the online application form, providing accurate personal, academic, household, and guardian or parental information.
4. Submit Your Application
   Once the form is fully completed and you have attached all required documents, submit your application via the portal.

This simple “1-2-3-4” breakdown helps prevent missing steps or leaving the application incomplete.

ALSO APPLY: BIL: Unemployed Learnership Programme 2025-2026 For Unemployed Youths- APPLY NOW

---

Supporting Documents You Must Submit

After applying, NSFAS may request additional documents. You must upload these via your myNSFAS account when needed. Common documents include:

• NSFAS Consent Form: This form allows NSFAS to verify the information submitted with third parties.
• Declaration Form: Applicable to applicants under 34 years old, to verify parental or guardian details.
• Disability Annexure Form: For applicants with disabilities; this must be completed with a medical report.
• Orphan or Vulnerable Child Declaration Form: For applicants under 18 who are orphans or living under vulnerable conditions.

Ensure that these documents are completed, signed where needed, and merged properly into a single file before uploading.

---

Understanding Application Status and Tracking Progress

Once submitted, your application will pass through various stages. You can track this progress via the myNSFAS portal.

Key Statuses You May Encounter

• Application Submitted: Your application has been received and is under review.
• Documents Missing / Under Review: NSFAS may request missing documents or verifying information.
• Verification: Your details (such as parental, guardian, income, and identity) are being checked.
• Awaiting Financial or Academic Data: NSFAS sources and confirms financial or academic information.
• Assessment: Your application is assessed to see if you meet financial and academic eligibility.
• Provisionally Funded: Your application has passed evaluation but is conditional on registration at an institution and fund availability.
• Registration Received: You have officially registered at a higher education institution, and your application is approved.
• Rejected: Your application did not meet the criteria. NSFAS will provide reasons for rejection.

To track your application:

1. Go to the myNSFAS portal on the official website.
2. Log in using your email and password, completing any CAPTCHA if required.
3. Navigate to the “Track Application Progress” or “Application Status” tab.
4. Review the current status and follow any instructions (such as uploading missing documents).

It is wise to check your status regularly, as NSFAS may request additional documentation or corrections.

---

What to Do If Your Application Is Rejected (Appeals Process)

If your application is rejected, do not lose hope. NSFAS allows for appeals under certain circumstances. The process is as follows:

1. Log into your myNSFAS account.
2. Check the reasons given for rejection—there will usually be an explanation or feedback.
3. Prepare a formal appeal, including supporting documents to address the reason(s) your application was denied.
4. Submit the appeal through your NSFAS portal.

Be sure to respond promptly because there may be deadlines for lodging appeals. Also, NSFAS will never ask you to share your password or personal credentials—be cautious of fraud attempts.

---

Final Tips for a Successful Application

• Double-check all personal, academic, and household information for accuracy before submitting.
• Upload documents in the correct format and ensure they are legible.
• Read the eligibility criteria carefully to confirm you do not fall into disallowed categories.
• Monitor your application status regularly and respond swiftly to any document requests.
• Keep your login credentials safe and do not share them with anyone.
• If necessary, prepare an appeal comprehensively with clear justification and evidence.

Apply for NSFAS (CLICK HERE)