About applying for financial assistance from NSFAS

Are you in need of financial assistance to study at a tertiary institution? Apply for a NSFAS study loan or bursary through the Financial Aid Bureaus at your tertiary institution.

NSFAS is a loan and bursary scheme funded by the Department of Higher Education and Training for those who do not have the financial means to fund their studies and / or cannot access bank funding, study loans or bursaries.

Who qualifies for a NSFAS loan?

You qualify for a NSFAS loan if you are:

• a South African citizen in need of financial assistance.
• Enrolled or intending to enrol for the NC(V) or N - Courses at a Public FET College in South Africa or for an undergraduate certificate, diploma of
• degree at any public university.
• able to demonstrate potential for academic success.
• you are from a household with a total income of less than R122 000 per annum.
• a parent/guardian who is unemployed, you must produce an affidavit from the South African Police.
• an employer who would like to find a way for his or her employees' children to study further

Depending on your end of the year results, up to 40% of your loan may be converted into a bursary which you don’t have to pay back.

When do you pay back the loan?

Once you start earning a salary you will be required to start paying back the loan. NSFAS sends you quarterly statements informing you of your settlement terms. It is your legal responsibility to keep in touch with the NSFAS and to start repaying your loan as soon as you start working.

Note:

• Application for a study loan should be made at the institution where you would like to study, not at NSFAS.
• Loans will be allocated subject to the availability of funds
• Loans are not guaranteed

What you should do

• Apply at the institution where you are currently enrolled or where you would like to study and complete it with the following attached:
• your caregivers, next of kin, spouse or legal guardian’s payslip. If your parents or caregivers are not working, you must provide an affidavit stating so
• certified copy of your identity document
• certified copy of your parent’s or legal guardian’s identity document.

Timeframe

It varies from institution to institution.

How much does it cost

The service is free.

Forms to complete

Forms are obtainable from any public institution.

Who to contact