How to Apply for NSFAS? Understanding Eligibility and Application Procedures

The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) is a student bursary and loan scheme offered by the South African government designed to make higher education accessible to students from low-income households. Through NSFAS, students can receive financial support to cover tuition fees, accommodation, food, books, and travel costs.

So, if you are a public university or TVET college student and need financial assistance, understanding how to apply for NSFAS is essential. Gaining these insights can be your first step towards achieving your educational goals.

In this article, we will walk you through the NSFAS application process, eligibility criteria, and key details to secure the funding you need. 

Who Should Apply For NSFAS?

The NSFAS is designed to give financial support to students in the form of bursaries to help them study at their desired Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) colleges and public universities. However, while applying for NSFAS, you must know whether you are eligible or not. Hence, while you learn how to apply for NSFAS, you must understand who qualifies for NSFAS. This will help you determine if this scheme is the right fit for your educational needs.

You can apply for NSFAS if you fulfil the following requirements:

• You must be a South African citizen.
• You should have a strong academic record. 
• You must have applied or plan to apply to a public university or TVET college for an accredited qualification.
• If you aim to study at a TVET college, you must have passed Grades 9, 10, 11, or 12. For university studies, you must pass Grade 12. 
• For applicants with disabilities, the combined household income should not exceed R600,000 per year.
• If you receive a South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) grant or come from a household with a combined income of no more than R350,000 per year, you qualify to apply. 
• The scheme also supports orphans and children with unemployed parents.

Who Should Not Apply For NSFAS?

It is important to know that not everyone is eligible for NSFAS funding. Hence, as you understand how to apply for NSFAS, you must know the criteria that could disqualify you. Knowing these exclusions will help you determine if NSFAS is the right option for you or if you need to consider other financial aid alternatives. So, let us take a look at who should not apply for NSFAS:

• Students with Completed Qualifications: Those who have finished a qualification, unless applying for a funded post-graduate qualification.
• Previous NSFAS Recipients: If the student has already received NSFAS funding in past years and continues in the same sector without changing institutions.
• Current NSFAS Recipients: If the student already receives funding for their current studies and is not switching between TVET colleges and universities.

What Does NSFAS Funding Cover?

NSFAS funding is designed to reduce the financial burden of higher education. As a result, students can focus on their studies without worrying about the cost of education. This funding offers coverage for various educational expenses, starting from the registration fees to expenses until you graduate. 

So, while you learn how to apply for NSFAS, you should know what it covers. Here is what NSFAS funding includes:

• Registration fees
• Tuition fees

Apart from this, the learners will also get allowances for the following: 

• Learning Materials
• Personal care
• Accommodation or transport
• Living allowance, including food and incidental expenses

What are the Documents Required To Apply For NSFAS?

As you understand how to apply for NSFAS, you must know the key documents you must submit to ensure your application is processed efficiently. Here, we have highlighted the required documents for the NSFAS funding application:

For All Applicants

• A clear copy of your South African ID
• A written consent form from your parent(s), guardian, or spouse to use their personal information for validation and verification.

If Dependent on Parents, Guardian Or Spouse

• Copies of the ID of your parent(s), guardian, or spouse.
• Proof of income from your parent(s), guardian, or spouse, such as a payslip or appointment letter.

If Self-Sufficient

• Recent proof of income, such as a payslip or appointment letter.
• A copy of your IRP5 form from the past year.

For Students with Disabilities

• A completed and signed Disability Annexure A Form 

For Vulnerable Students

• A Vulnerable Child Declaration and Consent Form signed and completed by Vulnerable Child Declaration and Consent Form:

Other Documents (if applicable)

• Retrenchment Letter
• Death certificates of deceased family members.
• Divorce Decree:

How to Create a myNSFAS Account?

myNSFAS is an online portal for the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) in South Africa. Creating a myNSFAS is a crucial step in applying for NSFAS funding since it allows you to manage your application and track your funding status. However, before you learn how to apply for NSFAS and create a myNSFAS account, make sure you have the following:

• Email address 
• Cellphone number
• South African ID number

 Here, we have outlined the steps you must follow to set up your myNSFAS account. 

• Visit the official website of NSFAS
• Click on ‘myNSFAS’ tab on the navigation bar
• Select ‘Register’
• Provide consent for NSFAS to verify your details with third-party agencies by clicking the appropriate tick box.
• Check the accuracy of all details and update any information if necessary.
• Complete all required fields and click the ‘Submit’ bar
• You will receive a One-Time Pin (OTP) on the cellphone number and email address you provided.
• Enter the OTP and click on ‘Submit.’
• You will receive a confirmation message indicating that your profile has been created.
• You can now log in to your myNSFAS account.

Steps To Complete NSFAS Online Application Process

Completing the NSFAS online application will help you secure your financial assistance for your higher education. Here, we have provided a step-by-step guide on how to apply for NSFAS 2024 to help you submit your application seamlessly:

• Step 1: Go to the official website of NSFAS
• Step 2: On the homepage, select the “NSFAS account” button.
• Step 3: If you are a first-time user, register by entering your email address and creating a password.
• Step 4: Log in to your account and fill in your personal information, including contact details and academic history
• Step 5: Upload your ID, proof of household income, and academic transcripts
• Step 6: Review all information for accuracy and submit your NSFAS application.
• Step 7: After submission, an Application Reference Number will be sent to your email and cellphone.
• Step 8: Log in to your myNSFAS account to monitor the status of your application.

Also, explore the best bursaries in South Africa. 

NSFAS Application Process Timeline

The NSFAS bursary application season for the 2024 academic year officially began on 21 November 2023 and closed on 31 January 2024. During this period, students could submit their applications for financial assistance. 

However, for those looking to learn how to apply for NSFAS for the next academic year, it is important to stay informed about important dates and deadlines. Students can regularly check the official NSFAS website for updates on application opening and closing dates for the upcoming academic cycle. This will ensure you do not miss any important information or deadlines for future applications.

NSFAS Contact Detail

For assistance with your NSFAS application or any related queries, you can contact the NSFAS Virtual Contact Centre through the following channels:

• Email: info@nsfas.org.za
• Facebook: National Student Financial Aid Scheme
• Twitter: @myNSFAS
• Instagram: @myNSFAS
• WhatsApp: +27 63 093 5671
• USSD: 12067327#

However, if you have queries regarding payments and balances, you can reach out to:

• Tel No.: 08000 67327
• Email: collections@nsfas.org.za

Conclusion

Understanding the NSFAS application process is essential for South African students seeking financial assistance to pursue higher education. By knowing who qualifies for NSFAS funding, the benefits it provides, and the necessary documentation, you can confidently handle the application process. However, remember to create a myNSFAS account as a first step to managing your application efficiently. Although the application season for the 2024 academic year has ended, staying informed through the official NSFAS website will ensure you are ready for future opportunities. Through our article, we believe that you have acquired the necessary information to understand how to apply for NSFAS and to move forward with your NSFAS application. 

Explore and gain valuable insights into different educational topics by visiting Regenesys’ Reginsights page.

How to Apply for NSFAS? – FAQs