The NSFAS closing date for 2025 has been officially set for 15 December 2025 at 24h00 midnight. All prospective applicants must complete and submit their applications before this deadline to be considered for financial assistance.
Since applications opened on 20 September 2025, NSFAS has already received hundreds of thousands of submissions, making timely application critical for securing funding.
NSFAS closing date for 2025: Application Statistics to Date
- Bursary applications received: 738 117
- Loan applications received: 48 097
- Provisionally approved bursary applications: 543 357
- Provisionally approved loan applications: 12 210
These figures highlight the high demand for NSFAS funding and the importance of applying well before the closing date.
How to Apply Before the Closing Date
To ensure a successful NSFAS application, students must follow the official steps:
- Create a myNSFAS account on the official portal.
- Complete all required personal and academic information accurately.
- Submit your application with the correct supporting documents.
Who Is Eligible to Apply
Applicants qualify for a NSFAS bursary if they meet the following requirements:
- Must be a South African citizen.
- Must plan to study in 2025 or already be enrolled at a public university or TVET college.
- Must be a SASSA grant recipient, or
- Have a combined household income not exceeding R350 000 per year, or
- Be a person with a disability with a household income not exceeding R600 000 per year.
- Must have an active email account and a working cellphone number.
Why the Closing Date Matters
Late applications will not be accepted. Students who miss the deadline risk losing out on bursary or loan funding for the 2025 academic year.
Applicants are strongly encouraged to apply early, confirm that all documents are submitted, and track their status via their myNSFAS profile.
FAQs on NSFAS Closing Date for 2025
1. What is the NSFAS closing date for 2025?
The NSFAS application cycle closes on 15 December 2025 at midnight.
2. Can I apply for NSFAS after the closing date?
No. Late applications are not accepted under any circumstances.
3. When did NSFAS applications for 2025 open?
Applications opened on 20 September 2025.
4. Who qualifies to apply for NSFAS funding?
South African citizens enrolled or planning to study at a public university or TVET college who meet the income and eligibility requirements.
5. Does NSFAS fund students with disabilities?
Yes. Students with disabilities qualify if their combined household income does not exceed R600 000 per year.
6. What do I need to apply before the closing date?
You need a valid email, cellphone number, completed myNSFAS profile, and all required supporting documents.
7. How many students have applied so far for NSFAS 2025?
Over 738 000 bursary and 48 000 loan applications have been received, with many already provisionally approved.