Hey there, future changemakers and dream chasers! 👋 Ready to unlock an incredible opportunity to fund your studies? We’re diving deep into one of South Africa’s most vital student funding programmes: the National Student Financial Aid Scheme – famously known as NSFAS!
If you’re aiming to kickstart or continue your studies in 2025 at a public university or TVET college but worry about the costs, then this is for YOU. The NSFAS application period for 2025 is well underway, and with the closing date fast approaching, you absolutely can’t afford to miss out!
What is the NSFAS Bursary?
Think of NSFAS as your academic superhero, swooping in to make higher education accessible to talented South African students who might not otherwise be able to afford it. It’s a government-funded bursary designed to cover your essential study costs, ensuring you can focus on your books instead of your bank balance. NSFAS plays a crucial role in helping countless students achieve their dreams and contribute to building a better South Africa.
Who Can Apply?
Wondering if you qualify for this life-changing support? Here’s the lowdown:
- You must be a South African citizen or a permanent resident.
- You need to be registered or planning to register for an approved qualification at a public university or TVET college in South Africa for the 2025 academic year.
- Your household’s annual income must meet the NSFAS financial eligibility criteria (currently, your combined household income should be R350,000 or less per annum. For students with disabilities, this threshold is R600,000).
- If you’re already studying, you must meet the academic progression requirements for your chosen qualification.
- First-time university entrants must have an average pass mark.
What Does It Cover?
NSFAS isn’t just about tuition fees – it’s a comprehensive bursary that aims to support your entire academic journey! While specific allowances can vary, generally, it covers:
- Tuition Fees: The full cost of your university or TVET college tuition.
- Accommodation: Funding for approved university/TVET residence or accredited private accommodation.
- Learning Materials: An allowance for textbooks, stationery, and other study materials.
- Living Allowance: A stipend to help with daily living expenses.
- Transport Allowance: For students living at home, a travel allowance may be provided.
- Personal Care Allowance: A small allowance to cover personal necessities.
How to Apply?
Getting your NSFAS application in is simpler than you might think! Here’s a quick guide:
- Gather Your Documents: You’ll typically need your South African ID, your parents’ or guardians’ IDs, proof of income (for you, your parents, and/or guardians), and a consent form for NSFAS to verify your financial information.
- Register/Log In: Head over to the official myNSFAS portal. If you’re a new applicant, you’ll need to register. If you’ve applied before, simply log in to your account.
- Complete the Application: Follow the prompts to fill in all your personal, academic, and financial details accurately. Double-check everything before submitting!
- Submit and Track: Once submitted, make sure you keep your application reference number. You can use this to track the status of your application directly on the myNSFAS portal.
Ready to start your application? Visit the official NSFAS website:
So, if this sounds like the perfect bursary to power your 2025 academic journey, what are you waiting for? Don’t let this opportunity slip away – apply before the closing date and set yourself up for success! Keep exploring more incredible funding opportunities right here on Bursaries Room!

