NSFAS Online Application

NSFAS is very important to many South African students as it provides them with financial assistance for their tertiary education.

If you’re a South African citizen who’s considering applying for NSFAS online funding, this is how to go about the online application process.

The NSFAS online application is the primary method for submitting your funding request. This is how to get started:

Create a myNSFAS Account: Visit the myNSFAS website and click “Create Profile.” Enter your ID number, name, surname, email address, and cellphone number. Remember, your ID number will become your username. Create a strong password and accept the terms and conditions. An OTP (One Time Pin) will be sent to your phone and email for verification.
Complete the Application Form: Once logged in, go to the “Apply” section and select the appropriate application cycle (usually for the following year). Carefully fill out the online application form, ensuring all details are accurate and up-to-date. You’ll be asked for information such as your proposed qualification, institution, and family financial income.
Supporting Documents: The application process requires uploading scanned copies of specific documents. These usually include your ID book, proof of income for yourself and your parents/guardian, and your latest academic results. You should ensure all your documents are clear and readable.
Submit and Track: Once you’ve reviewed your application thoroughly, submit it electronically. You’ll receive a confirmation email with a reference number for tracking your application status. You can log back into your myNSFAS account to monitor the progress of your application.

How do I get NSFAS approved?

Meeting the eligibility criteria is necessary for NSFAS approval. These are some main factors that are considered for approvals:

South African Citizenship: You must be a South African citizen.
Financial Need: Your family’s combined gross income must fall within the NSFAS threshold (currently R350,000 per annum).
Academic Performance: For returning students, a good academic record in the previous year of study is generally required.
Study Choice: NSFAS prioritizes funding scarce skills and qualifications aligned with South Africa’s development goals.

Remember that meeting the eligibility criteria alone doesn’t guarantee that you will win the funding.

Applications are assessed based on various factors, including available funding and your specific circumstances.

Once your NSFAS online application is approved, you’ll be notified via email and SMS. To activate your funding, you’ll need to:

Register with the institution: Accept your offer of study at your chosen institution and complete the registration process. NSFAS won’t disburse funds until your registration is confirmed.
NSFAS Wallet: You’ll be prompted to create an NSFAS Wallet account. This acts as your electronic funding platform for receiving and managing your NSFAS allowances.

The NSFAS application window normally closes around September each year.

If your application is unsuccessful, you can appeal the decision within a specific timeframe after receiving the notification.

The exact appeal deadlines are usually announced by NSFAS on their website and social media platforms closer to the application closing date.