NSFAS stands for National Student Financial Aid Scheme. NSFAS provide financial assistance to eligible students who might not be able to pay their fees. NSFAS was first known as a loan; however, They convert it to a Bursary during the years.

NSFAS APPLICATION

NSFAS applications are opened every year on the 1st of August and are closed on the 31st of November. Students are encouraged to apply earlier to avoid uncertainties and be processed faster to register to colleges and universities at the beginning of the year.

HOW TO CHECK YOUR APPLICATION STATUS FOR NSFAS

1. You log in to the NSFAS student portal: if you want to check right now, click on this link https://my.nsfas.org.za/
2. Log in with your username and password.
3. Check your application: that easy

HOW TO APPLY ONLINE FOR NSFAS FUNDING

1. You first need a working email address.
2. Download the consent form: click on the link if you want to download it right now https://my.nsfas.org.za/mynsfas/static/downloads/applicationFrom2019_CONSENT.pdf Complete the consent form, sign it, and your parent/guardian must sign as well.
3. Once you download the form, you now can apply. To apply, click on the following link  http://www.nsfas.org.za/.
4. Register on the website. Enter your username and password
5. Ensure you remember the password you create as you will be using it to check your application status.
6. You are required to create a complicated password that should contain upper case, lower case letters, numbers, and special symbols.
7. If your username has been used by someone else, you will have to use another username, maybe add numbers after your name.
8. After that, you will be registered to the website, and you can continue with your application.

10.Scan the required documents and click on the document tab and add them 

NB: make sure the documents are clear for your application to go smooth and receive feedback at the earliest

WHAT DOES NSFAS COVER 

1. University/college registration
2. Book allowance
3. Transport and food allowance
4. Personal care allowance
5. Students with disability receive extra funding for supporting devices

NSFAS FUNDING ELIGIBILITY

A lot of people have the misconception that NSFAS funds everyone who applies; however, NSFAS is like any other bursaries out there there, have their own requirements.

1. You are a South African citizen and have a valid South African ID
2. You can apply if your household income combined is less than R350 000 per year
3. If you are living with a disability, your household income must not exceed R600 000 per year
4. NSFAS only cover courses from TVET colleges and universities, which are degrees and diplomas (does not cover short courses)
5. NSFAS also does not cover tuition fees for private intuitions

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS WHEN APPLYING FOR NSFAS

1. Certified copy of an ID or birth certificate of the student
2. Certified copy of parent/guardian ID 
3. A completed consent form from the NSFAS website
4. Proof of an income
5. If a parent/guardian is deceased, submit a copy of a death certificate, and it should be certified 

NB: Certified documents should not be older than three months