Studies can be expensive, but that does not mean that you should put your dreams on hold. NSFAS (The National Student Financial Aid Scheme) is a bursary scheme that helps South African students who are disadvantaged and working-class financially to pursue their studies towards a successful future. NSFAS fully subsidises higher education and training in public universities and TVET colleges. The National Student Financial Aid Scheme identifies students who qualify and gives them bursaries for the studies they have applied for. NSFAS also collects past loans from past student to finance new students. So, many of their funds go back into the good of students’ futures rather than profit. Read below for the requirements you need to qualify for an NSFAS bursary.
NSFAS Application Requirements:
Firstly, keep checking for important dates as not to miss an application. You can check for dates on the NSFAS website www.nsfas.org.za. (Applications are closed for 2021 but keep an eye open for 2022 applications which should open around October-November)
- You need to be a South African citizen.
· You need to earn a combined annual household income of less than R350 000 annually.
· If you have already registered with a combined annual household income of not more than R122 000 annually.
· If you are a SASSA grant recipient who has registered for the first time at a public university or TVET College.
- If you are a SASSA grant recipient currently studying at a TVET college or public university and has registered before this year for different qualifications.
- You need to have a valid Matric certificate.
- You need to have passed Grades 9 and 10 to qualify for financial aid to study at a TVET college.
- You need to have a valid ID document.
- You need to have proof of acceptance from the institute of higher learning where you have applied to. (public university or TVET College)
- You need to provide documents of proof of income for either parent, guardians, or proof of deceased where applicable.
- You need to provide ID documentation for parents or guardians.
- You need to be able to write and communicate in the English language.
NB Only South African applicants qualify to apply tor the NSFAS bursary fund.
It is very easy to apply online with these easy steps:
- Go to the following website: https://my.nsfas.org.za/mynsfas/selfservice.html Click on Register (You will need your ID number, cell phone number and an email address.)
- Fill in a username and password.
- Click on Register.
- You will now be able to sign in with your username and password.
- You will then be required to fill in the information and upload electronic copies of all the relevant documents. Do not forget to check that all fields are filled in.
- Once your documents are submitted, click submit, and you will receive a reference number. You will be able to check the status of your application every time you log in to MyNSFAS.
Your university campus or college campus also has offices where you can go and apply. Just make sure that you have the correct documentation with you.
Further information
When applying, the National Student Financial Aid Scheme will give you the option of applying for DHET funding (fully subsidised funding). You will need to complete the consent forms as it is compulsory. NSFAS will also clear credit checks on the paperwork that you have submitted. Only students who have been accepted into their elected study program will qualify for a bursary fund.
We wish you the best of luck in your studies and your bright future. To find out when applications are open, visit https://www.nsfas.org.za/content/index.html.