NSFAS Bursary South Africa 2025

The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) offers bursaries to South African students from disadvantaged backgrounds, allowing them to pursue education. NSFAS provides comprehensive support by covering tuition fees, accommodation, study materials, and other essentials. Application for NSFAS bursaries are now open, so take this chance to secure the financial support you need to achieve your educational goals.

This guide will explore NSFAS Bursary South Africa 2025 in detail, giving you a comprehensive detail on how to apply for it, what its requirements are, what expenses are covered, and more. Hence, keep reading to enlighten yourself and learn more about NSFAS Bursary.

About NSFAS

The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) is a public organization that reports directly to the Department of Higher Education and Training. It is an initiative offered by the South African government that is designed to offer financial assistance to undergraduate students, supporting them in covering the costs of tertiary education after completing high school. Founded in 1996, the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) replaced the Tertiary Education Fund of South Africa (TEFSA) in 1999.

NSFAS Bursary South Africa 2025

The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) is a financial aid program funded by the South African government to support low-income households. The NSFAS bursary helps close the gap between financial struggles and education, allowing students to reach their academic and career goals. Here’s what you need to know about the NSFAS Bursary in detail:

What Does the NSFAS Bursary Include?

The NSFAS Bursary provides full funding for several students enrolled in institutions, nationwide, covering various fields of study. Typically, students qualify for support toward a single undergraduate qualification. The following funds will be provided to university and TVET students:

University:

• Accommodation: The fee set by the university, or the equivalent amount for private housing.
• Transport: It costs up to R7,500 per year, covering a distance of no more than 40 km from the institution.
• Living Allowance: A living allowance of up to R15,000 per year.
• Book Allowance: A living allowance of up to R5200 per year.
• An incidental/personal care allowance of up to R2,900 per year for students residing in catered accommodation.

TVET College:

• Accommodation: It covers up to R24,000 per year in urban areas, R18,900 per year in peri-urban areas, and R15,750 per year in rural areas.
• Transport: It is covered up to R7,350 per year.
• Incidental/Personal Care Allowance: An incidental/personal care allowance of up to R2,900 per year.

Funding For Students With Disabilities:

• Accommodation
• Tuition
• Meals
• Transport
• Assistive devices, including hearing aids, wheelchairs, adapted laptops, and more
• Human support, such as scribes, tutors, sign language interpreters, and more

What are the Eligibility Requirements For NSFAS Bursary?

Before applying, applicants must ensure they meet the following minimum entry criteria:

• Applicants must be South African citizens.
• You should be currently studying or planning to study for an undergraduate qualification in 2025.
• Applicant must be studying or planning to study at a public tertiary institution in South Africa, either a TVET college or university.
• You should not have completed any prior qualifications.
• Applicant must belong to at least one of these categories:
  • You are a recipient of the SASSA grant.
  • Your total combined household income must not exceed R350,000 per year.
  • You have a disability and your total combined household income does not exceed R600,000 per year.
  • If you started studying before 2018 and your total combined household income is not more than R122,000 per year.

NSFAS Bursary South Africa 2025: Application Procedure

To apply for NSFAS funding, simply use the NSFAS official platform. The application process is accessible on any device with internet connectivity, including a cellphone, tablet, laptop, or computer. Here’s how you can apply for the NSFAS bursary:

• Visit the official website of NSFAS. Through this website, you will carry out the application process.
• After opening the website, click on the ‘Create an Account’ tab and enter your ID number, first and last name, email address, contact number, and a password of your choice.
• Once your account is created, you can access the ‘Login’ option and log in using your ID number and password.
• Provide all the necessary details and upload the following supporting documents:
  • Your South Africa ID document, which may include any of the following:
    • Green copy ID document (copy)
  • A temporary ID issued by the Department of Home Affairs (DHA)
  • A copy of both sides of your ID card.
  • An unabridged birth certificate.
• For non-SASSA grant applicants: Copies of ID documents for parents, guardians, or spouses.
• Non-SASSA applicants must provide proof of income for themselves, parents, guardians, or spouse, such as a recent payslip (not older than 3 months), UIF letter, employment letter, or retrenchment letter.
• Students identified as vulnerable children by the Department of Social Development are required to complete and sign the Vulnerable Child Declaration Form.
• Students with disabilities are required to complete and sign the Disability Annexure A Form, along with submitting proof of disability and quotation for assistive devices.

If you have previously applied, qualified, and received NSFAS funding, you do not need to reapply each year. You will be automatically funded for the duration of your studies, provided you pass your modules and meet the academic requirements.

Closing Date: 15 December 2024

Final Verdict

To sum up, NSFAS provides financial support to eligible students, ensuring they have access to higher education. To successfully apply for the bursary, read through the instructions mentioned in the guide. Make sure to apply before the deadline, or your application will not be considered.