How Many Years Does NSFAS Cover 2025

The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) is a South African government initiative that assists financially disadvantaged students in gaining entrance to and completing their higher education. NSFAS provides loans and bursaries to pay different expenditures associated with higher education, including tuition, housing, and study materials.NSFAS usually covers the duration of your undergraduate degree.

In most situations, this implies that NSFAS will cover the whole cost of your first bachelor’s degree. Depending on the curriculum and educational institutions, this might range from four to five years.

READ HERE: What Does NSFAS Bursary Cover

How To Maintain Your NSFAS Funding

The following factors must be considered to continue receiving NSFA funding;

Academic Progress:

In order to keep NSFAS funding, students must typically achieve the minimum academic performance standards. Failure to meet these criteria may result in NSFAS assistance being suspended or withdrawn.

Course period:

Typically, the period of coverage is connected to the normal term of your selected program. If your program is longer than usual for academic reasons, NSFAS may not fund the extra years.

Qualification of Study:

NSFAS is primarily concerned with undergraduate qualifications. Postgraduate students seeking master’s or doctorate degrees may be disqualified for NSFAS funding.

Reapplication:

Students must typically reapply for NSFAS support each year. The continuation of assistance is subject to your qualifications and the availability of funds.

Financial Qualification:

NSFAS gives preference to students from low-income families. Your family’s financial position determines your qualification for assistance.

Bursaries/Loans:

Some NSFAS funds are offered as a bursary (non-repayable), while other sections may be in the form of a loan, which must be returned after your studies are over.

Who Is Eligible To Apply For NSFAS Funding?

The following people are qualified to apply for NSFAS funding to pursue Higher education;

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

Required Legal Papers to Apply For NSFAS

The following documents 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.

How To Apply 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’.

NSFAS Contact Details

Email: info@nsfas.org.za
Facebook: National Student Financial Aid Scheme
Twitter: @myNSFAS
Instagram: @myNSFAS
WhatsApp: +27 78 519 8006
USSD:*120*67327#

NSFAS coverage normally lasts for the three to four years required to earn an undergraduate degree, which is the industry standard. To continue receiving NSFAS funding, students must maintain academic progress, reapply yearly, and fulfill other qualification conditions. Visit the official website of NSFAS for more information.