How to apply for NSFAS?
NSFAS is a government entity under the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET). According to the NSFAS Act (Act 56 of 1999), it is established to provide financial support to disadvantaged students who wish to further their studies at public universities or TVET colleges.
Who qualifies to apply – NSFAS Requirements?
You qualify to apply for NSFAS if:
- You are a South African Citizen.
- Your combined annual household income does not exceed R350 000 per year.
- You are applying to study at a public university or TVET College for a formal qualification.
- You have a disability, and your combined annual household income does not exceed R600 000 per year.
- You’re a SASSA grant recipient.
- You need to have passed Grade 9 to 12 to receive NSFAS funding to study at a TVET College.
- You need to have passed Grade 12 to receive NSFAS funding to study at a university.
If approved for NSFAS funding, you’ll be required to meet the University or TVET College’s academic admission requirements before NSFAS allocates any funding for you.
How to apply for NSFAS?
Follow the following steps:
- Go to www.nsfas.org.za and click myNSFAS.
- Create a myNSFAS account.
- Click the Apply tab and answer questions on the screen.
- Upload the required supporting documents, then click submit.
After you click submit, your application reference will appear on your screen. The reference number will also be sent to your cellphone number and the email address you provided. Remember that you can apply online via cellphone, tablet, laptop or computer.
Which documents are needed to apply for NSFAS?
- Your South African ID document/card or birth certificate.
- The ID of parents/spouse/guardian or death certificate where applicable.
- Your pay advice/letter of employment/pension advice stating income. (If applicable and must not be older than three months)
- Vulnerable children must provide a completed and signed Vulnerable Child Declaration and Consent Form, which can be downloaded at www.nsfas.org.za.
- Applicants with a disability must provide Disability Annexure A Form, which can be downloaded from www.nsfas.org.za.
- SASSA slips are not required, and SASSA grant should not be included as a household income.
Who is not supposed to apply?
- Individuals who have finished a previous undergraduate qualification.
- Students who have already applied and received funding in previous years.
- Students with a combined household income of more than R350 000 per year
- Students who are looking for funding for short courses
- Non-South African students.
How to check your NSFAS application status?
- Go to www.nsfas.org.za
- Log into your myNSFAS account.
- Click Trace Funding Progress.
NB: If you have received a request to submit outstanding supporting documents, you are required to log into your myNSFAS account and submit the supporting documents online.
Application closing dates.
Visit www.nsfas.org.za to check the closing dates for NSFAS funding applications.
Contact us:
For all other queries regarding students:
Tel: 08000 67327
Email: info@nsfas.org.za
For queries regarding payments and balances:
Tel: 08000 67327
Email: collections@nsfas.org.za
For general queries relating to accounts:
Email: queries@nsfas.org.za