Is It True That NSFAS Wants 75% Pass Rate 2025?

NO. NSFAS wants a pass rate of 55%. The minimum pass rate for students receiving financial assistance from South Africa’s National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) has risen to 55%. To continue receiving NSFAS assistance, First-Time Entering Students (FTENs) must obtain a course credit pass rate of 50%.

A progressive course credit pass rate of 55% is required for continuing university students. NSFAS hopes to encourage students to continue giving their all to their studies by instituting minimum credit scores. Returning NSFAS-funded university students must meet continuous academic eligibility standards to continue receiving NSFAS assistance. In 2025, NSFAS will evaluate the N+ Rule for remote university students, and academic qualifications will gradually increase from 55% to 60%.

Approved Programs NSFAS Fund 2025

Naturally, the costs of the courses also vary considerably but it is important to remember that Department of Higher Education and Training programmes are subsidised by 80% of the delivery cost and for the remaining 20% that would be paid by the student, many full bursaries are available.

however, the generally funded programmes are below:

Engineering Studies – (National Certificate -Vocational) NQF levels 2-4 & Engineering studies – Report 191 N1-N6
Engineering and Related Design; Electrical Infrastructure; Civil Engineering Construction and Information Technology & Computer Science
Business & Utility Studies (National Certificate – Vocational) NQF levels 2-4 & Report 191 N1-N6
Management; Marketing; Finance; Office Administration; Economics & Accounting; Education & Development; Hospitality; Tourism; Safety in Society and Transport & Logistics
Pre-Learning Programme (PLP) funding through NSFAS

NSFAS Allowances 2025

The giving of allowances to students is an example of NSFAS support. These allowances are intended to cover a student’s living and educational expenses while they are pursuing their studies.

NSFAS pays for the following;

Registration & Tuition Fees
Personal Care Allowance
Transport Allowance
Accommodation Allowance

NSFAS Allowances For University Students

The NSFAS allowance levels vary depending on the type of housing you live in while studying:

Students living in university-managed and catered lodgings will receive an R5 460 study materials stipend and an R61 500 accommodation allowance each year.
Students living in self-catering university accommodation will get an R5 460 learning materials allowance, an R16 500 living allowance, and an accommodation allowance of up to R45 000 per year.
Students who live with family (rather than in private accommodation) will get an R5 460 learning materials allowance and an R16 500 living allowance per year.
Students residing in private off-campus authorized housing will receive an R5 460 learning materials stipend and an R5 460 living allowance.

NSFAS Allowances For TVET Colleges

Students who live in TVET college-owned catered homes will get an R54 045 accommodation stipend every year.
Students staying in TVET college-managed, owned, or leased self-catered accommodation will receive an R6 000 living allowance, an R3 045 personal care allowance, and an R45 000 plus living allowance paid to the TVET college.
Students living in private accommodation will get an R6 000 living allowance, an R3 045 personal care allowance, and an R45 000 accommodation allowance every year.
Students who live a distance of 10 kilometres from the institution will get an R6 000 living allowance, an R3 045 personal care allowance, and an R7 718 transport allowance.

NSFAS Application Procedure 2025

The NSFAS applications are done online on the official website of the Agency. Follow the steps below to apply online for NSFAS for the 2024/2025 academic year;