Understanding NSFAS requirements is essential for students who wish to secure funding for their studies in 2025.
The National Student Financial Aid Scheme provides both bursaries and loans, each with specific eligibility criteria, reapplication rules, and required documentation.
NSFAS Requirements: Who Can Apply
- Bursary applicants: South African citizens or permanent residents with a combined household income not exceeding R350 000 per annum before deductions.
- Loan applicants: South African citizens or permanent residents with a combined household income above R350 000 and below R600 000 per annum before deductions.
- Persons with disabilities: Combined household income must not exceed R600 000 per annum before deductions.
Who Must Reapply
- Returning and university students progressing through NSFAS academic pathways must reapply and meet continuing academic eligibility requirements.
- Students moving between institution types (for example, from TVET college to university or vice versa).
- Students who deregister or drop out and wish to resume studies in future academic years.
Who Cannot Apply for a Bursary
- Students fully funded (100%) by non-NSFAS sources.
- Students who already obtained an undergraduate qualification and want to pursue a second one.
- Students who completed a certificate and want to study a second certificate.
- Students enrolled at private institutions.
- Students studying programmes not approved by DHET or not accredited by SAQA.
Who Can Apply for a Loan
- Open to both undergraduate and postgraduate programmes.
- Funding allocation: 70% STEM programmes and 30% Humanities/Social programmes.
- Household income above R350 000 but not exceeding R600 000 per annum.
- Students must maintain at least a 60% pass rate for continued funding.
- Students who achieve above 70% academic performance throughout the programme may qualify for a 50% bursary conversion.
Required Supporting Documents
Applicants must provide accurate supporting documents when applying:
- NSFAS Declaration Form – completed by the school principal or a social worker (non-SASSA applicants only).
- Orphan and Vulnerable Child Declaration Form – for applicants under 18 years, completed by a social worker (non-SASSA applicants only).
- NSFAS Consent Form – completed by the applicant and/or parent, guardian, or spouse (SASSA applicants are exempt).
- Proof of Guardianship – if a legal guardian is declared, court-issued proof is required.
- NSFAS Declaration Form for non-court–appointed guardians – must be submitted in place of legal proof.
- Disability Annexure Form – completed by a certified medical doctor or suitably qualified professional to confirm disability status and support requirements.
FAQs on NSFAS Requirements
1. What are the income limits for NSFAS bursaries and loans?
Bursaries are capped at R350 000 household income per annum, while loans cover income between R350 001 and R600 000.
2. Do persons with disabilities have different NSFAS requirements?
Yes. For applicants with disabilities, the combined household income must not exceed R600 000 per annum.
3. Can postgraduate students apply for NSFAS?
Yes. Postgraduate students can apply for NSFAS loans if their household income falls within the loan threshold.
4. Do I need to reapply for NSFAS every year?
Yes. Continuing students must reapply and meet academic eligibility criteria to maintain funding.
5. Does NSFAS fund private colleges?
No. NSFAS only funds students studying at public universities and TVET colleges.
6. What happens if my grades drop below 60%?
Students who do not maintain at least a 60% pass rate may lose continued NSFAS funding.
7. Can a student with a previous qualification apply for NSFAS?
No. Students who already hold an undergraduate or certificate qualification cannot apply for NSFAS bursary funding.