NSFAS Applications 2025-2026 -NSFAS Online Application 2025 are open

NSFAS Applications Online 2025-2026: A Comprehensive Guide

NSFAS Application 2025, National Student Financial Aid Scheme NSFAS Online Application 2025-2026 Academic Intake will open on 1 September 2025 and close on 31 January 2026. The NSFAS Funding 2025 is now open for applications. Prospective students are encouraged to apply before the closing date or deadline.

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NSFAS Online Application 2025-2026 are open

Please visit the NSFAS online application portal 2026 at www.nsfas.org.za and submit your online application form. If you want to avoid embarrassment in 2025, you should apply by the deadline so you don’t get caught late. Do you have the desire to pursue higher education in South Africa, but are concerned about the financial challenges involved?

NSFAS Applications

 

Look no further! NSFAS is your gateway to achieving your academic goals.  NSFAS funding is highly competitive due to the limited funds available. The following tips and tricks will ensure you have the best chance of obtaining NSFAS funding for the upcoming 2025-2026 academic year.

 

NSFAS Applications 2025 -2026 Opening and Closing dates

NSFAS ApplicationDetails
Scheme Complete NameNational Student Financial Aid Scheme
NSFAS Application 2025 Opening Date1 September 2025
NSFAS Application 2025 Closing Date31 January 2026
mynsfas Online Portalwww.nsfas.org.za

NSFAS online application for 2025

Applications for NSFAS for the 2025-2026 academic year can be made via the online application portal 2025-2026.

  • To apply online, go to www.nsfas.org.za
  • After that, you create an account with myNSFAS.
  • On the NSFAS website, click “Apply.”
  • Make sure all information on the NSFAS online application 2025-2026 is up-to-date before proceeding For the 2025 application, upload supporting documents from NSFAS.
  • Once you have completed the process, click “SUBMIT.”

NSFAS Application Status Check Online 2025

You can successfully check your NSFAS status using the below approach.

  • Visit the NSFAS website
  • Go to “MyNSFAS.“
  • Enter your username and password to access your MyNSFAS account.
  • Select “Track funding progress” from the menu
  • On the dashboard, you will see the status.
  • Either funded or unfunded will be indicated by the status

An Additional Nine NSFAS Statuses may be Displayed when you select the “Track Funding Progress” tab.

 

NSFAS Status Check Using ID Number

Applicants who received NSFAS (National Student Financial Aid Scheme) funding must track their application progress. When you log into your online account, you can view the status of your NSFAS application using your ID number. You can track the status of an application if you have already created one by signing into your MyNSFAS account.

Here are the steps

  • Visit the official website of NSFAS: my.nsfas.org.za
  • Enter your ID number or username and password.
  • Click on the “SIGN IN” button
  • Click here to track funding progress
  • Finally, You will see your NSFAS Application Status.
 

The student portal allows students to log in with their email addresses instead of their ID numbers.

NSFAS Status Check Using Reference Number

Perform an NSFAS Status Check using your reference number by following these steps:

  • Go to the official NSFAS website: www.nsfas.org.za
  • Click on “MyNSFAS Account” at the top of the page
  • Log in with your email and password, or register if you don’t have an account
  • Click on “My Applications” or “My Funding Applications”
  • Enter your NSFAS reference number
  • Click “Submit” or “Check Status”
  • Your application status will appear (approved, declined, or in progress)
  • Contact NSFAS via their website or helpline if you need help

NSFAS Application Status Check Online 2025 Video Guide

NSFAS Application Status and Meaning

While tracking your NSFAS application status, you may come across one of the following statuses. Below is a description of each:

Application Submitted

  • You might see the phrase “Application submitted” when checking the status of your NSFAS application. This means that your grant application has been submitted. Currently, your application has been received, loaded completely, and is active.

Filtering

  • If the status of your NSFAS application states “Filtering,” it indicates that NSFAS determines if you are a first-time or returning student candidate. To process your stipend correctly, NSFAS filters your information to determine whether you are a returning student or a prospective student.

Evaluation

  • A status of “Evaluation” indicates that NSFAS is verifying all application-related supporting documents you submitted to their portal. NSFAS verifies your document’s accuracy, legality, and eligibility for financial aid for higher education.

Funding Eligibility

  • On an NSFAS application, the phrase “Financing Eligibility” means that they are verifying the information you provided about your household’s financial situation. For NSFA funding, students must have a household income of no more than R350 000 per year.

Awaiting Result

  • As well as validating your academic performance, this NSFAS application status indicates that you have been admitted to the institution for which you applied or have already been admitted.

Validation

  • The status of “Validation” indicates that SASSA and the Department of Home Affairs are conducting third-party checks. You are not eligible for a SASSA grant if you receive funding from NSFAS, but you are eligible for NSFAS if you receive funding from SASSA.

NSFAS Application Status Meaning After confirming your NSFAS application

After confirming your NSFAS application, look for the following NSFAS Application Status We also explain their Meaning

NSFAS Application Status Meaning

Pending

  • Assuming the situation with your application is “pending,” this shows that NSFAS is still assessing it. They might need some time to look over and analyze the documentation that was provided. Patience is necessary during this phase.

Provisionally Approved

  • If your application shows the “Provisionally Approved” status, it has previously been resolved that you are qualified. Before final approval and the circulation of assets, extra confirmation might be required.

Approved

  • An “Approved” status shows that your application has been successful and you are qualified for monetary guide. Congratulations! NSFAS will give directions on the later stages, like approval of the advance arrangement.

Rejected

  • If the status of your application is set to “rejected,” this indicates that either your application did not meet the eligibility requirements or that you did not provide the necessary documentation. Consider reapplying if eligible or seeking clarification from NSFAS after reviewing the provided reasons. The NSFAS must be informed if you have been admitted to the school you applied to. To approve your NSFAS application, they must wait until your university confirms your admission status.

Awaiting Registration

  • NSFAS status check page shows “Awaiting Registration” when your institution has not yet submitted registration information.  If your institution does not provide registration information to NSFAS, NSFAS cannot fund you through a bursary arrangement.

Signing of the Agreement

  • If your NSFAS status is “Signing Agreement,” you must sign your bursary contract before NSFAS will distribute your allowances. You have now been approved for a grant from NSFAS Bursary Funding. All you have to do is sign the consent form provided by NSFAS to agree to the loan contract.

Payment

  • “Payment” in the NSFAS status indicates that your allowances have been paid, and you can withdraw it or use it at NSFAS partners.

Eligibility Criteria for NSFAS Financial Aid

If you comply with the requirements of NSFAS, they will respond. In the above definition, the conditions are pretty much outlined. Show that you have done so.

To be eligible for NSFAS funding, you must meet the following requirements:

  • South African citizenship with a valid South African ID.
  • Registered or accepted to study at a public university or TVET college in South Africa.
  • First-time applicant or a returning student who meets academic performance criteria.
  • Household income not exceeding R350,000 per year (or R600,000 if you have a disability).
  • Recipient of a SASSA grant (automatically qualifies).
  • Valid email address and cellphone number for communication.
  • Enrolled in an NSFAS-funded programme, such as PLP, NC(V), or Report 191 at a public TVET college.
  • Not studying towards a duplicate qualification previously funded by NSFAS.
  • Satisfactory academic progress if applying for continued funding.
  • Recognized as a vulnerable child by the Department of Social Development (if applicable).

Note

To apply for NSFAS 2025, you must complete and submit your application online. Your application will not be processed, and NSFAS will not be able to fund you if it is incomplete. The NSFAS funding application period for the 2025-2026 academic year will likely run from 01 September 2025 to 31 January 2026 for prospective students.

What does NSFAS cover ?

  • Tuition fees
  • Registration fees
  • Accommodation (on/off campus)
  • Living allowance
  • Transport
  • Personal care allowance
  • Books and study materials

What Expenses Does the NSFAS Bursary 2025 Include?

The NSFAS Funding bursary for 2025-2026 encompasses various expenses associated with your studies, such as:

NSFAS FundDetails
Tuition FeesNSFAS covers the cost of your tuition.
AccommodationThe bursary includes coverage for on-campus or off-campus student housing.
Textbooks and Study MaterialsNSFAS can provide a study allowance to help you purchase the necessary textbooks and materials for your coursework.
MealsNSFAS offers a meal allowance to assist with the cost of food while you are pursuing your studies.
Travel ExpensesThe bursary includes a travel allowance to offset the expenses related to commuting to and from the campus.

For detailed information regarding what the bursary covers, we recommend reaching out to NSFAS directly.

How much is NSFAS allowance in 2025 ?

Expected NSFAS 2025 allowance amounts:

  • Living Allowance: R1,650/month
  • Transport: Up to R7,500/year
  • Accommodation: Actual cost (capped, depending on location)
  • Incidental/Personal Care: R3,045/year

Allowances for TVET College Students in 2025-2026

  • Accommodation in an urban area: R24,000 per annum.
  • Accommodation in a peri-urban area: R18,900 per annum.
  • Accommodation in a rural area: R15,750 per annum.
  • Transport (up to 40 km from the institution): R7,350 per annum.
  • Transport: R7,000 per annum.
  • Incidental/personal care allowance: R2,900 per annum.

TVET College students who are transitioning to a university may be eligible to apply for National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) funding for 2025. The specific requirements for NSFAS funding are determined by factors such as the student’s financial need, academic performance, and other criteria established by NSFAS. For more information and to apply, please visit www.nsfas.org.za.

Does NSFAS cover higher certificates ?

Yes, NSFAS funds Higher Certificate programmes at public universities and TVET colleges, as long as the qualification is accredited and the student meets funding criteria.

NSFAS Contact Information

Prospective or returning students have the option to reach out to NSFAS through their toll-free contact detail.

NSFAS-Funded Courses in 2025 – 2026

  • Hospitality, Tourism, Travel, Gaming, and Leisure
  • Human Resources
  • Industrial & Organizational Governance and HR Development
  • Information Studies
  • Information Technology and Computer Science
  • Justice in Society
  • Language
  • Manufacturing and Assembly
  • Marketing
  • Mathematical Sciences
  • Mechatronics
  • Media Studies
  • Music
  • Nature Conservation
  • Occupationally Directed ETD Practice
  • Office Administration
  • People-/Human-Centered Development
  • Performing Arts
  • Personal Care
  • Physical Planning, Design, and Management
  • Physical Sciences
  • Preventive Health
  • Process Instrumentation
  • Primary Agriculture
  • Process Plant Operations
  • Procurement
  • Project Management
  • Promoting Health and Developmental Services
  • Psychology
  • Public Administration
  • Public Policy, Politics, and Democratic Citizenship
  • Public Relations
  • Rehabilitative Health Services
  • Religious and Ethical Foundations of Society
  • Rural and Agricultural Studies
  • Safety in Society
  • Schooling
  • Secondary Agriculture
  • The State’s Sovereignty
  • Sport
  • Traditions, History, and Legacies
  • Transport, Operations, and Logistics
  • Urban and Regional Studies
  • Visual Arts
  • Wholesale and Retail
  • Adult Learning
  • Building Construction
  • Cleaning, Domestic, Hiring, Property, and Rescue Services
  • Communication Studies
  • Consumer Services
  • Cultural Studies
  • Curative Health
  • Design Studies
  • Drawing Office Practice
  • Early Childhood Development
  • Earth and Space Sciences
  • Electrical Infrastructure Construction
  • Engineering and Related Design
  • Environmental Relations
  • Environmental Sciences
  • Fabrication and Extraction
  • Film, Television, and Video
  • Finance, Economics, and Accounting
  • Forestry and Wood Technology
  • General Social Science Generic
  • Generic Management
  • Higher Education and Training
  • Horticulture

These courses are available at public universities and TVET colleges through NSFAS funding, primarily supporting first-year undergraduate degree programs.

 NSFAS Advantages And Disadvantages

Explore the Key Advantages and Disadvantages of NSFAS for South African Students

Advantages of NSFAS

  • The greatest advantage of NSFAS is that it covers all courses at various training facilities, tertiary education institutions, and vocational schools.
  • Students must maintain high academic performance and pass all course modules to be eligible for full funding.
  • NSFAS only covers residence housing, such as university residences, and private housing must be paid for by students.
  • Students who travel more than 40 kilometers to their educational institution will also only receive transportation coverage.
  • There are also book allowances and living allowances provided by NSFAS, but both are limited. Students recently received an R14000 living expense allowance and an R5000 book allowance; these amounts should cover most of their expenses.

Disadvantages of NSFAS

  • NSFAS has the major disadvantage of not being accessible to all South African students interested in studying abroad.
  • Disbursement of funds can also take a long time when students are still studying, which can complicate fund management.
  • The majority of the time, students should be able to avoid this if they manage their finances well. Some postgraduate degrees are not covered by NSFAS, so coverage may not be guaranteed.
  • The social worker’s signature is required on secondary documents, causing an additional hurdle for orphan students.

FAQs About NSFAS Application

Is NSFAS open for 2026?

Applications for NSFAS 2026 are expected to open around September 2025. Exact dates will be announced on the official NSFAS website.

How much does NSFAS funding 2025 cover?

Applicants approved for NSFAS funding for 2025 are covered for registration and tuition fees. As soon as the funding is verified, you can also receive allowances for living expenses, learning materials, personal care, accommodation, and transportation.

For more information on qualifications and institutions funded by NSFAS, please visit www.nsfas.org.za.

How often does NSFAS pay allowances?

NSFAS disburses allowances monthly, typically over a 10-month academic period.

What are the criteria for applying for NSFAS funding in 2025?

NSFAS funding will be available to South African citizens or permanent residents in 2025 who are currently enrolled or currently studying at a public university or TVET college in South Africa and meet one or more of the following criteria:

Individuals receiving SASSA grants, those with a combined household income of less than R350 000 per year, individuals with disabilities with a combined household income of less than R600 000 per year, and students who began studying before 2018 and whose combined household income is less than R122 000 per year.

How do I apply for NSFAS 2025? What supporting documents do I need?

 For NSFAS to process your funding application quickly, you must submit the right supporting documents. Please provide a copy of your ID as one of the required supporting documents. The Department of Home Affairs will accept a temporary ID. Non-SASSA applicants must provide ID copies of their parents, legal guardians, or spouses. Smart ID cards:

The smart ID must be copied on both sides; Proof of income: applicants and/or their parents/legal guardians/spouses (if applicable (non-SASSA)) should provide their latest pay slip, not older than 3 months, as well as UIF letters, appointment letters, and retrenchment letters (applicants and/or parents, legal guardians, spouses) as well as passports or driver’s licenses.

What is the NSFAS funding process and where do I apply?

 Follow the steps above to apply for NSFAS funding 2025 by visiting www.nsfas.org.za on your smartphone, tablet, or computer. You can still apply by visiting your nearest NYDA or Thusong Center if you don’t have access to a computer or the internet.

My application for funding last year was denied. Is it possible to apply for NSFAS funding in 2025?

 You must apply again if you do not meet the requirements for NSFAS funding in 2025 but your NSFAS application was not accepted in 2024, any other year, or any year thereafter.

I was approved for NSFAS funding, but I did not register during that time. For 2025, do I need to reapply?

 You will have a whole year after your NSFAS application is approved to register your interest in any TVET college or university. Applicants who applied for NSFAS funding for the 2020 academic year but were not able to register for a full year must reapply.

What is the process for resetting my NSFAS account profile?

The following steps will guide you through resetting your 2025 myNSFAS account login details:

  • Visit NSFAS website at www.nsfas.org.za
  • You can reset your password by clicking on ‘forgot password’ on ‘myNSFAS’
  • Please enter your ID number
  • Specify whether you need help with a password or username.
  • Click ‘Submit’ when you are done
  • SMS and email will be used to send you the username and link to change your password.
  • You will be redirected to the reset password page after clicking the link.
  • Follow the prompts on your screen to reset your myNSFAS account password.

Is there a deadline for NSFAS applications for 2025?

Applications for 2025 may be submitted until 15 December 2024 under the NSFAS. As long as the student resubmits before the closing date or deadline, they can resubmit their application after withdrawing. NSFAS requires all students to reapply for funding as they progress through the financial progression track.

What is the N+2 rule in NSFAS funding?

The N+2 rule allows students to receive funding for the standard duration of their course (N years) plus an additional two years to complete their qualification

Can I apply for NSFAS if I’m already receiving other financial aid?

Yes, you can apply for NSFAS even if you’re receiving other forms of financial aid. However, NSFAS will assess your total financial aid package during the application process

What does ‘Filtering’ mean in the NSFAS application process?

‘Filtering’ refers to the process where NSFAS assesses various factors, such as whether you’re a returning student or have previous qualifications, to determine your eligibility for funding.

How can I check my NSFAS balance?

You can check your NSFAS balance by logging into the Celbux portal at celbux.appspot.com or by dialing 134176# on your mobile phone.

What should I do if my NSFAS payment is delayed?

If you haven’t received your NSFAS payment on time, check your myNSFAS portal for updates. If the issue persists, contact NSFAS directly for assistance.

Does NSFAS fund students at UNISA?

Yes, NSFAS provides funding for eligible students enrolled at the University of South Africa (UNISA).

Can I reapply for NSFAS if my previous application was unsuccessful?

Yes, you can reapply for NSFAS funding in subsequent years if your previous application was not approved.

What does ‘Awaiting Evaluation’ status mean on my NSFAS application?

‘Awaiting Evaluation’ indicates that your application is under review. NSFAS is verifying your submitted documents and information to determine your eligibility.

What happens if I fail a course while receiving NSFAS funding?

Failing a course may affect your NSFAS funding. It’s important to maintain satisfactory academic progress to continue receiving financial aid

Conclusion

We hope this guide has clarified everything you need to know about checking your NSFAS application status and understanding how NSFAS works.

If you experience any issues during your application process or have further questions about NSFAS funding, eligibility, or allowances, feel free to leave a comment in the box below —we’re here to help. Thank you for visiting our site, and we wish you success with your NSFAS journey!