The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) is a government-funded organization providing financial assistance to South African students. It was established in 1997 to provide a form of student loan to make tertiary education more accessible and affordable.
The NSFAS is not a university but provides funding for students to study at universities in South Africa.
NSFAS was established in 2001 to provide loans, grants, and bursaries to financially needy students.
In 2010, NSFAS introduced the National Bursary Fund, which offers bursaries exclusively to first-year undergraduate students who are academically deserving and have financial needs.
In 2016, NSFAS introduced the Student Emergency Grant (SEG), which offers emergency support to financially needy undergraduate students experiencing an unforeseen crisis or emergency that threatens their academic progress.
Does Nsfas fund you for the second semester?
Nsfas makes fund allowances to students and does cover the necessary university fees like accommodation fees, registration fees, and tuition fees that are by your university.
Nsfas opening date for the second semester?
TVET semester and trimester funding windows must be checked separately with NSFAS and the college. Check the current NSFAS notices and your college for the intake-specific dates.
NSFAS Closing Date for the Second Semester
TVET semester and trimester funding windows must be checked separately with NSFAS and the college. Check the current NSFAS notices and your college for the intake-specific dates.
Is the NSFAS Application Still Open?
Applications for NSFAS funding for the 2027 academic year opened on 18 September 2026 and close on 31 October 2026. As of 22 October 2026, this application window is open. See the official NSFAS application guidance.
What Documents do I need to apply for Nsfas?
- Copy of South African birth certificate
- Copy of South African birth certificate
- Proof of income (where applicable) – student/parent(s)/guardian or spouse (not older than three months.
- SASSA recipients have no proof of income required.
- A student recognized as a vulnerable child (e.g., Orphan) must submit a completed Vulnerable Child Declaration Form completed by the Social worker.
- Students with disabilities must complete and submit the Disability Annexure A form.
Students are urged to check and track their applications online at the NSFAS website.
What requirements do I need to have to qualify for the Nsfas program?
These are the following minimum entry criteria before applying:
- You must be a South African citizen
- You must be studying or intend on studying towards an undergraduate qualification in 2026 (postgraduate courses will not be funded, except for postgraduate students who received funding in 2020)
- You must be studying or intend on studying at a public tertiary institution within South Africa (University or TVET College)
- You must NOT have completed any previous qualifications
- You must fall into one or more of these categories:
- You must be a SASSA grant recipient (excluding the SASSA COVID-19 grant)
- You must have a total combined household income that is NOT more than R370 000 per annum
- You must be living with a disability AND have a total combined household income NOT more than R600 000 per annum
- You must have started studying before 2018 and have a total combined household income NOT more than R122 000 per annum
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Will Nsfas open for the second semester at UNISA?
According to applynsfas.com, students may register for semester two once their Nsfas funding has been approved.
Do I need to apply for Nsfas again for the second semester?
This is a question that many students ask themselves. And the answer is yes; you need to apply for NSFAS again for the second semester. You can apply online through their website or at your nearest NSFAS offices.
How much does Nsfas pay for the second semester?
Prices differ according to certain factors. For Study Materials R5200 per annum once off, the max amount for Accommodation R56 166.00, living allowance is R15 000.00 paid over ten month period. Incidental allowance is an annual amount of R2 900 paid over ten months, and travel allowance is R7 500 paid over ten months.
Which institutions does Nsfas recognize?
There are 25 Universities and 50 TVET colleges in south Africa that Nsfas recognize, and students that attend any one of these universities or colleges may be eligible to apply for the Nsfas program.
Universities Recognized:
- Cape Peninsula University of Technology
- Central University of Technology
- Durban University of Technology
- Monash University
- Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University
- North-West University
- Rhodes University
- Stellenbosch University
- Tshwane University of Technology
- University of Cape Town
- University of Fort Hare
- University of Johannesburg
- University of Kwazulu Natal
- University of Limpopo
- University of Pretoria
- University of South Africa
- University of the Free State
- University of the Western Cape
- University of the Witwatersrand
- University of Zululand
- Vaal University of Technology
- Walter Sisulu University
TVET Colleges Recognized:
- Boland College
- Buffalo City College
- Capricorn College
- Central Johannesburg College
- Coastal KZN College
- College of Cape Town
- Eastcape Midlands College
- Ehlanzeni College
- Ekurhuleni East College
- Elangemi College
- Esayidi College
- Ethekwini College
- False Bay College
- Gert Sibande College
- Ikhala College
- Ingwe College
- King Hintsa College
- King Sabata Dalindyebo College
- Letaba College
- Liphalale College
- Lovedale College
- Majuba College
- Mnambithi College
- Nkangala College
- Northern Cape Rural College
- Northern Cape Urban College
- Northlink College
- Orbit College
- Port Elizabeth College
- Sekhukhune College
- South Cape College
- South West Gauteng College
- Tshwane North College
- Tshwane South College
- Umfolozi College
- Umgungundlovu College
- Vhembe College
- Vuselela College
- Waterberg College
- West Coast College
