NSFAS bursary provides assistance to students wanting to further their education by covering the costs of studies for certain qualifications at any public university or college institution in South Africa. This helps to reduce the burden of student debt for deserving students. Eligible Students must complete the NSFAS online application using the online application form portal in order to receive funds to assist with their tuition fee and cost of study. Read more about the application process and application dates in this article.
NSFAS Requirements and Financial Eligibility Criteria
- South African citizen (foreign students do not apply)
- Applicants who wish to pursue an undergraduate degree at a public university or TVET college with the necessary academic requirements
- Previous applicants who already have an application reference number should not apply
- NOT a grant recipient of any NSFAS funding for the current academic year (only unfunded students)
How to apply for NSFAS Online
1. Register online as a user on myNSFAS or re-register a myNSFAS account
§ Go to www.nsfas.org.za
§ Click on “myNSFAS” tab
§ Click on “Register“
§ Tick the box to allow NSFAS to verify your details
§ Then enter your ID number on the field as it is stated on your South African Identity Document (ID)
§ Type in your full names and surname as per your ID number
§ Type in your current email address
§ Confirm your email address
§ Type in your cellphone number
§ Create a password
§ Confirm password
§ Upload your ID Copy
§ Click on register
§ An OTP will be sent to the email and cell number provided (this OTP expires after 24 hours)
§ Type in the OTP and click submit
§ You have now completed your re-registration
2. Click the APPLY tab to be directed to the online application form.
Documents needed to apply for NSFAS
Prepare certified copies of the following documents which must not be older than 3 months. Your documents must need to be certified at the South African Police Service or the South African Post Office. If you are under the age of 18 or if you are 18 and older and are STILL DEPENDENT on the combined household income of your parent or legal guardian, then this also applies:
- A valid copy of your South African ID or unbridged birth certificate. If you are younger than 16 years of age, and do not have a green bar–coded ID or smart ID card, you must submit a certified copy of your unabridged birth certificate.
- IDs of parents and/or guardian (death certificate if applicable)
- IDs of each person living in your household
- Proof of annual household income of your parents or guardian or yourself if employed as a payslip or appointment letter (This is for all types of employment or all forms of income for all members of the household. This includes any income received from SASSA grants, Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF), or any retirement, life, disability , or other benefits paid as a lump sum or in monthly payments.)