The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) was established in 1999 to provide financial assistance to needy students. Originally known as the Tertiary Education Fund of South Africa (TEFSA) when founded in 1996, the organization was restructured and rebranded as NSFAS, becoming a statutory body. The scheme’s primary mission is to break down financial barriers, helping disadvantaged students—from accessing funds through NSFAS login to receiving support—to pursue higher education. This initiative, driven by the South African government, ensures that financial need does not hinder access to education for deserving students.

It allows students to apply, track, and manage their financial aid. It’s designed to support low-income students’ access to higher education by covering tuition, accommodation, and other study-related costs.

NSFAS Login

Login Portal

It allows students to apply, track, and manage their financial aid. To login the portal click here.

Check Status

You can access the NSFAS application portal by visiting www.nsfas.org.za, to see the page.

Apply Application

Are financial constraints preventing you from pursuing your dream of a university education?

Mobile App

Offers a convenient way to manage your NSFAS account on the go, ensuring that students can stay

 NSFAS applications are NOT FOR SALE!

  • Applicants are advised not to pay any fee to anyone to assist with NSFAS applications.
  • It is also important for applicants NOT TO SHARE their details.
  • NSFAS employees will NEVER ask you to share your login details/ passwords.
  • NSFAS applications are strictly online.

Allowances Covered by NSFAS

Tuition Registration cost

Fully funded for eligible programs; students don’t pay upfront registration.

Living Allowance

For university students not in catered residences, covering food and personal expenses (R16,500 in 2024)

Accommodation Allowance

Capped at R45,000 per year for private and institution-managed accommodations.

Learning Materials

R5,460 for books and devices, with an emphasis on purchasing a digital learning device if needed.

Special Allowances (Disabilities)

Includes living allowance, assistive devices, human support, and maintenance costs, with device costs capped at R50,000

NSFAS Portal Access

The NSFAS portal allows students to apply, track application status, and manage their funding details conveniently online.

How to Use the NSFAS Portal

Benefits of the NSFAS Portal

  • Centralized Information Access: Students can find all essential information in one place.
  • Real-Time Status Updates: Track your funding application status without visiting NSFAS offices.
  • Easy Document Submission: Upload and manage documents online.
  • Reduced Application Errors: Clear instructions reduce errors and improve application accuracy.

How much is the NSFAS allowance for 2024 per month?

For 2024, NSFAS provides a monthly living allowance for eligible university and TVET college students:

  • University Students receive a total living allowance of R16,500 annually, split into monthly payments of R1,650. This includes R1,345 for meals and R304.50 for personal care.
  • TVET College Students receive a total living allowance of R10,000 annually, which comes to about R833 per month.

Additionally, students may receive allowances for accommodation and travel:

  • Accommodation: Up to R50,000 per year for students in metro areas, or R41,000 in non-metro areas.
  • Travel: Up to R7,875 annually for students living with family or relatives who need to travel to their institution.

These allowances aim to support students with essential expenses throughout the academic year​

History of NSFAS

The NSFAS portal was established to provide financial assistance to disadvantaged South African students, transitioning from paper applications to an online system in 2010. The official portal launched in 2014, allowing students to apply for funding and track their applications conveniently. In 2020, the introduction of the myNSFAS mobile app further

Fast Facts of NSFAS Portal

  • Purpose: The NSFAS portal facilitates the application and management of financial aid for South African students from low-income households.
  • Launch Year: The online portal was officially launched in 2014 to streamline the application process.
  • Mobile Accessibility: In 2020, the myNSFAS mobile app was introduced, allowing users to manage their financial aid conveniently from their smartphones.
  • Real-Time Tracking: The portal provides real-time updates on application statuses, enabling students to stay informed about their funding progress.
  • User-Friendly Interface: The portal’s design is intuitive, making it easy for students to navigate, apply for funding, and access resources without extensive technical knowledge.
  • Comprehensive Support: The portal offers a range of support resources, including FAQs and contact details for assistance with financial aid issues.
  • Renewal Process: Funding can be renewed each academic year through the portal, provided students meet the required educational criteria.

Customers Support

  • Toll-Free Helpline: Call 08000 67327 for general inquiries and assistance with applications.
  • Email Support: For specific questions about payments and balances, email [email protected]
  • USSD: Dial 120 67327# for quick assistance.

Social Media

  • Facebook: National Student Financial Aid Scheme
  • Twitter: @myNSFAS
  • Instagram: @myNSFAS
  • WhatsApp: +27 78 519 8006

Physical Address:

The Halyard 4 Christiaan Barnard St Cape Town City Centre Cape Town, 8001

NSFAS Complete Report

NSFAS Complete ReportDownload

FAQs

The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) is a South African government initiative that provides financial assistance to eligible students from low-income households to access higher education at public universities and TVET colleges.

The NSFAS portal serves as an online platform where students can apply for financial aid, manage their funding applications, and access important information related to their financial aid status, making the process more efficient and accessible.

What is the customer support of NSFAS?NSFAS provides customer support through various channels, including a toll-free helpline at 08000 67327, email support at [email protected], and social media platforms. This ensures that students can get assistance with their inquiries and issues related to the portal.

The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) declaration form is a document that verifies the details of an applicant’s parents or guardians. The form is used to request personal information from agencies about the applicant’s parents or guardians’ employment status and income. 

An NSFAS reference number is an Application Reference Number that is sent to your email and cellphone after you submit your NSFAS application. You can use your NSFAS reference number to: 

  • Log in to your MyNSFAS account to check your application status  
  • Make payments using your ID number as a reference 

National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) does not have an age restriction for first-time undergraduate students (FTENs). However, there are other requirements to apply for NSFAS funding, including: 

  • Having passed Grade 12 to study at a university  
  • Having passed Grades 9, 10, 11, or 12 to study at a TVET college  
  • Having a strong academic record  
  • Applying to a public university or TVET college for an accredited qualification  
  • Not having received 100% study funding from non-NSFAS sources  
  • Not already having an undergraduate qualification and wanting to study a second undergraduate qualification

A bursary is a type of financial aid that does not need to be repaid. NSFAS provides bursaries to students who are enrolled in public universities or Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) colleges.