Do You Renew NSFAS Every Year?

No. Once your application has been approved for NSFAS funding, the funding covers you until you complete your qualification, provided you continue to meet the academic progression criteria. When applying for the NSFAS for the first time, students must complete a thorough application process that involves supplying information about their finances, academic credentials, and personal information. If their application is accepted, they will be granted NSFAS money for the length of their studies. Funding is frequently offered throughout the duration of the student’s program, whether it be a three-year bachelor’s degree or a one-year certificate program.

READ: How Many Months Does NSFAS Pay?

What Does NSFAS Bursary Cover?

NSFAS support will cover the following fees: registration fees, tuition fees, study material expenditures, meal allowance, incidental/personal care, and lodging or transportation.

UNIVERSITY

Accommodation: As per the actual costs charged by the university (costs for private accommodation must not exceed costs for university residence)
Transport (up to 40 km from the institution) R7 500 per annum
Living allowance R15, 000 per annum
Book allowances R5200 per annum
Incidental/personal care allowance of R2900 per annum for students in catered residences

TVET –

Accommodation in an urban area is R24,000 per annum
Accommodation in a peri-urban area is R18,900 per annum
Accommodation in a rural area is R15,750 per annum
Transport (up to 40 km from the institution) R7,350 per annum
Transport R7000 per annum
Incidental/personal care allowance R2900 per annum

READ: How Much Is NSFAS Allowance 2024-2025?

NSFAS Eligibility Criteria 2024/2025

To qualify for NSFAS funding 2024/2025, you must meet certain eligibility criteria. The eligibility criteria are provided below;

You must be a South African citizen
You must be studying or intend on studying towards an undergraduate qualification in 2024
You must be studying or intend on studying a public tertiary institution within South Africa (University or TVET College)
You must have satisfactory academic records
You must NOT have completed any previous qualifications
You must be in a state of financial need
You must fit into at least one of the following categories:

you are an SASSA grant recipient
you have a total combined household income of NOT more than R350 000 per annum
you are living with a disability AND have a total combined household income NOT more than R600 000 per annum
you started studying before 2018 and have a total combined household income of NOT more than R122 000 per annum.

How To Apply For NSFAS

Follow the steps below to apply for NSFAS ;

Visit the NSFAS portal at https://www.nsfas.org.za/
Select the “Create an account” tab where you will be required to fill in your ID number, first and last name, email address, contact number and your selected password
You will then be required to validate your account and the information you have provided
After creating your account, you will be able to select the “Login” tab and log in by filling in your ID number and password.
Fill in all the required information and upload your supporting documents.

A certified copy of your ID document or birth certificate
Proof of income for yourself and your parents or guardians, such as salary slips or an affidavit
A certified copy of your latest academic results or a statement of results
A letter of acceptance from the tertiary institution you will be attending
A completed and signed NSFAS bursary application form