Last Updated on November 15, 2022
Do you want to apply for NSFAS 2023? NSFAS 2023 applications are now open. We’ve provided details on the NSFAS application below. Read on for more information on how to apply.
NSFAS is a government entity under the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) established according to the NSFAS Act (Act 56 of 1999) to provide financial support to disadvantaged students who wish to further their studies at public universities or TVET colleges. It receives funds from the Government and then grants them to students.
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Who qualifies for the NSFAS Bursary?
You qualify for an NSFAS bursary if you are a South African citizen who plans to study in 2023 or you are already studying at a public university or TVET college and you meet the following requirements:
- SASSA recipients automatically qualify for financial eligibility
- Your combined household income is not more than R350 000 per year or
- A person with a disability with a combined household income of not more than R600 000 per year or
- Must have email and cell phone number.
How To Apply For NSFAS 2023 Online
Students need a functioning cellphone, a valid cellphone number, and their own email addresses to apply for funding. If they do not have a cellphone, they may use a trusted guardian or relative’s phone.
Students can register online via a smartphone, a personal computer, or using the facilities at application centres.
- Visit www.nsfas.org.za and create your myNSFAS account.
- Ticking the box to allow NSFAS to verify your details replaces the consent form
- Remember to submit a copy of BOTH sides of the ID card
- The email address will be your username
- Choose your password, and keep it in a place where you can find it if you forget it in the future
- After creating the account, log in and click the Apply tab: fill in your personal/required information and upload your supporting documents. Note that much of the information will be automatically pre-populated as the NSFAS system matches the applicant’s ID to records at the Departments of Social Development, Home Affairs, and Education.
- Once you have filled in all required information, click on the ‘Submit’ option to complete your application and note your application Reference number. This reference number is proof that you have applied.
- Track the progress of your application on your myNSFAS account.
Manual Applications
Students in rural areas or without access to the internet can go to an NYDA office to collect and submit paper version application forms:
- NYDA offices (16 branches across the country) are open during office hours from Monday to Friday. Get information at – https://www.nsfas.org.za/content/nyda.html.
- The NYDA office will provide an acknowledgement of receipt card with a barcode that matched the barcode on the application documents.
Other application centers
The DHET is rolling out other places for applicants to apply and/or use computers and internet connections.
- Department of Basic Education (DBE) District Teacher Development Centres (students must make an appointment with the Centre Manager to use these facilities)
- Thusong Centres (community development centres)
The list of Thusong and Teacher centres per province is available at https://www.nsfas.org.za/content/application-centres.html.
What is required during the NSFAS Application Process?
NSFAS may need more information from you to process your application, check what supporting documents are required and ensure that you have all the relevant information:
- You will need the following to complete your NSFAS application:
- Your own cellphone number and email address
- Copy of your ID or birth certificate
- ID copies of parents, guardian or spouse (If applicable)
- Your proof of income or 1 year’s IRP5 (if applicable)
- Your parents, guardian or spouse’s proof of income
- If you are a SASSA grant recipient, no proof of income will be required
- Applicants with a disability must submit a completed and signed Disability Annexure A Form, click here to download
- An applicant who is recognised as a Vulnerable Child by the Department of Social Development must provide a completed and signed Vulnerable Child Declaration and Consent Form, click here to download.
NSFAS Online Application Deadline 2023
The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) officially opened its 2023 application window on 28 September 2022. The application period will close on 31 January 2023.
Once your funding application becomes successful, NSFAS will cover your costs for:
- Accommodation
- Transport
- Living allowance
- Learning material allowance
- Personal care allowance
If you are studying at the University of South Africa (UNISA) you will receive funding for:
- Tuition
- Books (subject to the number of modules registered)
- Personal care allowance