Are NSFAS Applications Open For 2025

Thousands of South African students rely on the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) to finance their higher education goals each year. NSFAS plays an important role in providing that admirable students, regardless of financial situation, have access to higher education. As the year 2025 approaches, many expected students want to know if NSFAS applications for the next academic year are available. In this write-up, we will look at the most recent NSFAS application updates for 2025.

READ HERE: Register With NSFAS

Commencement Date For NSFAS 2025

NSFAS typically follows a well-defined application cycle that aligns with the institutional academic calendar in South Africa. The application dates for NSFAS are provided below;

Opening of Applications: The NSFAS application portal for the 2025 academic year opens on 28 September. Expected candidates may begin to submit their applications from this date.

Application Closing Date: The closing date for NSFAS applications is usually a few months after the opening date. Therefore the application portal closes on January 2025.

NSFAS Qualification Criteria 2025

Before applying for NSFAS funds, ensure that you meet the following requirements;

Must be a citizen of South Africa / permanent citizen dweller
Combined gross household income should not be more than R350 000 per year
Combined gross household income (persons living with disabilities) should not be more than R600 000 per year
SASSA recipients automatically qualify for financial eligibility
Must have email and cell phone number.

How To Put In An Application For NSFAS Funding

Follow the steps below to complete the NSFAS application;

Visit the official website of NSFAS at: www.nsfas.org.za
Click on the ‘myNSFAS’ tab.
Create a myNSFAS account
Click on the ‘APPLY’ tab and complete the sections on the screen
Upload required supporting documents where applicable
Click on ‘Submit’.

Required Documents to Apply For NSFAS

The following legal papers must be submitted to support the NSFAS application;

Copy of student ID / Birth certificate
Copy of parent/s or guardian/ spouse ID
Smart card: both sides of the card required
Proof of income (where applicable)
Persons living with disability (Disability Annexure A form)
A candidate who is recognized as a vulnerable child by the Department of Social Development must provide a completed Vulnerable Child Declaration form completed by a social worker
A candidate who has indicated that s/he has no family member details and or abridged birth certificate must complete the Declaration: Non-SASSA.

NSFAS Contact Details