Next NSFAS Application Cycle: How to Make Sure You’re Fully Prepared

If you’re planning to apply for NSFAS funding in the upcoming application cycle, preparation is key. The National Student Financial Aid Scheme supports thousands of South African students with funding for tuition, accommodation, and more—but only if you meet the requirements and submit a complete, error-free application.

Next NSFAS Application Cycle: How to Make Sure You’re Fully Prepared

This guide will help you prepare step-by-step so you can give yourself the best chance of success.

1. Understand What NSFAS Covers

NSFAS provides funding for:

• Tuition fees
• Registration fees
• Accommodation (at accredited residences)
• Learning materials
• Transport (up to R7,500 per year for students living more than 40km from campus)
• Living allowance (R15,000 per year for most university students)
• Incidental/personal care allowance (R3,045 per year for TVET students)

Note: NSFAS only covers public universities and TVET colleges—not private institutions.

2. Know the Application Dates

While NSFAS usually opens applications in the last quarter of the year (October–November), always confirm exact dates on the official website.

Tip: Set a reminder to check for updates weekly during September and October so you don’t miss the announcement.

3. Gather All Required Documents

You’ll need:

• Certified copy of your South African ID or birth certificate
• ID copies of your parents/guardians or spouse
• Proof of income (payslips, SASSA confirmation, affidavit if unemployed)
• Your own contact details (email and cellphone number)
• Consent form signed by your parents/guardians if you are a minor or dependent

If you’re a:

• SASSA beneficiary, no income documents are needed
• Student with a disability, you’ll also need a Disability Annexure A Form
• Child from a child-headed household, you’ll need an affidavit by a social worker or principal

4. Create or Update Your myNSFAS Profile

Visit myNSFAS and either:

• Register a new account with your ID number, email, and cellphone number, or
• Log in to your existing account and update your information

Make sure:

• Your cellphone number and email are active and accessible
• You use a strong password
• You double-check your ID number and names match your official documents

Related: How to Recover Your myNSFAS Username Without Creating a New Account

5. Double-Check Eligibility Criteria

To qualify, you must:

• Be a South African citizen
• Plan to study at a public university or TVET college
• Come from a household earning less than R350,000 per year (or R600,000 if living with a disability)
• Be a first-time entering student, or a returning student who meets academic progression

Note: NSFAS does not fund second degrees or postgraduate qualifications, with limited exceptions (e.g., PGCE, PGDA).

6. Submit Your Application Early

Once applications open:

1. Log in to your myNSFAS account
2. Click “Apply” and complete each section carefully
3. Upload your documents in the required format (PDF, JPEG, PNG)
4. Submit and keep your application reference number safe

7. Track Your Application Status

After submitting:

• Log in regularly to track your application
• NSFAS will update your status with stages like: Application Received, Validation, Funding Eligibility, Awaiting Academic Results, Provisionally Funded, etc.

8. Fix Common Errors Quickly

If NSFAS requests additional documents or corrections:

• Don’t delay—upload or correct them within the deadline
• Missed updates can lead to automatic rejection

9. Ask for Help If Needed

If you’re stuck, reach out to:

• NSFAS contact centre: 08000 67327
• Email: [email protected]
• Your school or college’s financial aid office
• NYDA (National Youth Development Agency) walk-in centres

10. Prepare Plan B Options

Even if you apply early, approval is not guaranteed. Consider:

• Applying for other bursaries or scholarships
• Exploring TVET colleges as more funding is available there
• Asking institutions about payment plans or partial bursaries

Final Tips

• Stay organized—create a folder for all NSFAS-related documents
• Use your own email and cellphone number to avoid communication issues
• Don’t wait for the deadline—submit early

By following this guide, you’ll be fully prepared when the next application cycle opens. It’s your future—make every document and decision count.