Matriculants urged to apply for NSFAS as deadline edges closer

Matriculants have been urged to apply for National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) for the 2025 academic year as applications are set to close soon.

The Higher Education Department says the 15th of this month is the last day for online applications.

The application process has been opened since September.

This year, the scheme supported about 1.2 million students, with the number anticipated to grow next year.

 

NSFAS has also been going to different institutions to assist students as the deadline looms.

@myNSFAS is currently running an applications drive in Mahikeng, working closely in partnership with the Mahikeng Local Municipality and the @deptoflabour to ensure that students in the area have access to the financial support they need to pursue their studies. pic.twitter.com/UNNbgvTJUO

— NSFAS (@myNSFAS) December 5, 2024

Who qualifies for the financial aid scheme?

• South African citizens or permanent residents
• Students who come from households whose combined gross income doesn’t exceed R350 000 per annum
• SASSA recipients automatically qualify for funding
• Persons with disabilities qualify if their combined household income does not exceed R600 000 per annum

The financial aid scheme has also introduced a loan scheme for the missing middle.

The loan is open to students from households with combined incomes of between R350 000 and R600 000 per annum.

For the list of qualifications covered in the NSFAS loan scheme for the missing middle, applicants are urged to visit www.nsfas.org.za.

Rise and shine Mzansi!😀 Below is a list of documents that might be requested to support your NSFAS application.
IMPORTANT TO NOTE: NSFAS does NOT accept affidavits as supporting documents.#NSFAS2025 #NSFAS2025Applications #UnitedInDiversity #FundingForAllWhoDeserveIt pic.twitter.com/E9cvojhZ2j

— NSFAS (@myNSFAS) September 26, 2024

The scheme has also issued warnings for applicants to avoid scams.

It has also assured students that they will receive their allowances on time for 2025.

Despite this, however, concerns have emerged over the application process, with some people expressing their frustration on social media.

Plse ask your NSFAS guest why students trying to apply are not getting any help. Phone is not available due to overload, emails not responded to and alternatives no response either. Not via email, social media, USSN and even branches have closed. eg 3 in East London are no longer

— Morag Swanepoel (@MoragSwan) December 5, 2024

NSFAS IS UNAVAILABLE TO STUDENTS FOR HELP. What is going on?

— Morag Swanepoel (@MoragSwan) December 5, 2024

We cannot get through to NSFAS on the phone, email, whatsapp, social media etc. I went in today to your 3 different offices in East London and all are closed. What sort of a service are you actually providing? You are disappointing so many students. @RiseMzanzi

— Morag Swanepoel (@MoragSwan) December 5, 2024

Do a bit of research

The NSFAS is a challenge on its own

— Matthew T Garraway (@MattTGarraway) December 5, 2024

On the NSFAS portal, the application tracker shows three existing applications, but only two are visible when I check. I’m also unable to view my status as the current application isn’t appearing. Could you please assist?

— Usher (@Usher21779176) December 5, 2024

I’m having a problem with my niece application as she couldn’t upload all her documents as the data base doesn’t give her the option to upload. What must she do?

— Humphrey_m_m (@Humphrey_M_D) December 5, 2024