My National Student Financial Aid Scheme (MyNSFAS)
My National Student Financial Aid Scheme (MyNSFAS) , Apply directly online through the NSFAS website (www.nsfas.org.za) or submit a manual application to NSFAS.
My National Student Financial Aid Scheme (MyNSFAS)
1. NSFAS exists to provide financial aid to eligible students at TVET colleges and public universities; 2. NSFAS identifies eligible students, provides bursaries and collects past student loan repayments to replenish the funds available for future generations of students; and, 3. NSFAS supports access to, and success in, higher education and training for students from poor and working class families who would otherwise not be able to afford to study.
About NSFAS
The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) is the government student bursary and loan scheme that receives its funding budget from, and reports to the Department of Higher Education and Training.
The scheme was established in terms of the National Student Financial Aid Scheme Act 56 of 1999. We provide financial assistance in the form of bursaries and loans to eligible students at public universities and
Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Colleges in South Africa. We administer such bursaries and loans, and recover the loans from students once they have graduated and are employed.
NSFAS also raises funds in order to increase the funding pool for student bursaries and loans.
What does NSFAS offer?
A NSFAS loan is the money you borrow to cover the costs of your studies. The costs include tuition fees,
food, accommodation, books and travel allowances. Allmloans are only paid back to NSFAS after you have graduated or left university or college, found employment/ in business, and earning R30 000 or more per annum. If you are still studying or unemployed, you are not required to start making repayments.
At TVET Colleges NSFAS students receive bursaries, which need not be repaid.
NSFAS also administers bursaries such as the Funza Lushaka Teacher Bursary; Department of Social Development Bursary; DHET Disability Bursary and numerous other bursaries from Sector Education and Training Authorities (SETAs).
You qualify to apply for assistance if you are:
- A South African citizen;
- Financially needy as determined by the NSFAS means test;
- Academically deserving and can demonstrate the ability to
- succeed in your studies; and
- If you have applied or are applying to study at a public university or TVET College for a qualification.
- You need to have passed Grade 09/10/11/12 to receive NSFAS funding to study at a TVET College.
- You need to have passed Grade 12 to receive NSFAS funding to study at a university.
- All applicants currently receiving SASSA grants will not be means tested;
- Orphans and children with unemployed parents;
- All learners from no-fee schools.
How to apply?
Apply directly online through the NSFAS website (www.nsfas.org.za) or submit a manual application to NSFAS.
To apply online, applicants will be required to first register and create a MyNSFAS profile on the NSFAS website, which will serve as their personal account where they can log in for updates on their applications and funding throughout the year.
Manual application forms can be downloaded from the NSFAS website and posted to: NSFAS Loans & Bursaries Department, Private Bag X4, Plumstead, 7801; faxed to: 086 644 2822; or scanned and emailed to: apply@nsfas.org.za.
Applicants who receive NSFAS funding will not be required to reapply for the duration of their initial registered course.
NSFAS will be able to pay successful students’ registration fees effectively and without delays.
For more information about TVET Colleges in South Africa, contact 0800 872 222