NSFAS 2025 Eligibility Criteria Confirmed: Learn how to qualify for funding, with key details on who is eligible and how to apply.
The Minister of Higher Education and Training, Dr. Nobuhle Nkabane, has officially launched the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) application period for 2025.
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NSFAS provides comprehensive bursaries and student loans to deserving learners enrolled in approved courses at universities and TVET colleges. These bursaries cover tuition and registration fees, as well as several allowances for food, accommodation, and learning materials.
BREAKING NEWS: NSFAS 2025 Applications Now Open! CLICK HERE TO APPLY
Applications opened on Friday, 20 September 2024, and will close on 15 December 2024, giving students 86 days to apply for funding.
Minister Nkabane emphasised that NSFAS is vital in empowering historically disadvantaged learners and urged students not to wait for their matric results before applying. She encouraged all learners to submit their applications as soon as possible.
NSFAS and Labour Skills Development
In 2024, NSFAS supported approximately 1.2 million students enrolled in universities and TVET colleges. The scheme has been instrumental in addressing the lingering effects of apartheid’s structural inequalities.
Minister Nkabane also praised the introduction of student loans for “missing middle” students as part of the Comprehensive Student Funding Model.
BREAKING NEWS: NSFAS 2025 Applications Now Open! CLICK HERE TO APPLY
As the model continues to be implemented, the government will work with stakeholders to ensure a more efficient and consolidated bursary and loan system for South Africa.
Government Expanding Funding Options
The Minister assured that the government is actively working to increase student funding options beyond NSFAS, ensuring no one is excluded from post-school education due to financial constraints.
Other bursary schemes supported 161,292 students in the public university sector, in addition to NSFAS beneficiaries.
NSFAS Eligibility for 2025
Minister Nkabane confirmed that South African citizens and Permanent Residents with a household income of less than R350,000 per year qualify for the NSFAS bursary. SASSA grant recipients automatically qualify as well.
The bursary covers registration, tuition, learning materials, living allowances, personal care, transport, and accommodation. NSFAS will prioritise immediate funding decisions for SASSA recipients and first-time students.
BREAKING NEWS: NSFAS 2025 Applications Now Open! CLICK HERE TO APPLY
For those who don’t meet the bursary criteria, the NSFAS loan scheme is available to students from families earning between R350,000 and R600,000 annually. The Minister stressed the importance of providing accurate information when applying.
Application Surge Expected
More than 170,000 applications for 2025 have already been received, and NSFAS expects over 900,000 submissions, excluding SASSA beneficiaries.
Improved Application System for 2025
NSFAS administrator Freeman Nomvalo stated that the system has been upgraded to ensure a smoother experience for applicants. He reminded students to upload all required documents to secure funding and noted that assistance is available at National Youth Development Agency (NYDA) offices.
NSFAS will also launch outreach programs to support learners in the application process.