Is NSFAS application still open

NSFAS 2025/2026 APPLICATIONS ARE OPEN.

Applications will close on 07 January 2025/2026

Who qualifies for funding?

  • Undergraduate students only without any other funding
  • South African citizens
  • SASSA grant recipients
  • Applicants whose combined household income is not more than R350 000 p.a
  • Persons with disability whose combined household income is not more than R600 000 per year. Applicants who first registered at university before 2018 whose household income is not more than R122 000 p.a
  • Only eligible students will be considered. Students who applied previously and were rejected by NSFAS based on the reasons provided will not be considered again.

Required documents:

  • If you are a SASSA recipient, then no proof of income is required.
  • Copy of ID
  • ​Once you accept the application terms and conditions, you confirm that you have received consent from all relevant parties.
  • If the applicant is dependent on their parents, guardian or spouse, they must provide:​
    • ID copies of parent(s), guardian or spouse​
    • Proof of income of parent(s), guardian or spouse (payslip or appointment letter, where applicable)
  • If the applicant is self-sufficient, they must provide:
    • Proof of income (payslip or appointment letter)
    • 1 year’s IRP5 form Note (SASSA no proof of income required)
    • A completed and signed Vulnerable Child Declaration and Consent Form which must be completed by a social worker.
  • If parent(s) are unemployed submit a Retrenchment letter/Proof of SASSA recipient letter
  • If parent(s) are deceased submit a Death certificate/s.
  • If parent(s) are divorced a Divorce decree is required.

Disability requirements:

  • A completed and signed Disability Annexure A Form (if their information is not pre-populated on the online application form).

(Find attached the official documentation received from NSFAS in this regard, providing assistance and guidance to students on how to apply).​


Did You Know : Top 15 Free Online Learning Platforms

  1. Free Online Education Degrees : Coursera:

    Coursera partners with universities and organizations worldwide to offer a wide range of courses. While many courses are free, a fee is often required for certification.

  2. Free Online Education Degrees: edX:

    Founded by MIT and Harvard, edX offers high-quality courses from top universities and institutions around the world. Certificates are available for a fee.

  3. Free Online Education Degrees : Khan Academy:

    Khan Academy provides free educational content in various subjects, especially mathematics and science, using instructional videos and practice exercises.

  4. Free Online Education Degrees : Udacity:

    Udacity focuses on tech-related courses and nanodegree programs, offering free content as well as more in-depth paid programs.

  5. Free Online Education Degrees : MIT OpenCourseWare (OCW):

    MIT OCW provides a vast array of MIT's course content for free, covering a wide range of disciplines.

  6. Free Online Education Degrees : Harvard Extension School:

    Harvard Extension School offers a selection of free online courses. While some courses are free, others may require payment for a certificate.

  7. Free Online Education Degrees: Stanford Online:

    Stanford Online offers a variety of free courses in different disciplines, including computer science, engineering, and business.

  8. Best Free Online Courses : Carnegie Mellon Open Learning Initiative (OLI):

    OLI offers free online courses and resources designed to improve learning outcomes through research-based methodologies.

  9. Best Free Online Courses : FutureLearn:

    FutureLearn partners with universities and institutions to offer a diverse range of free online courses. Certificates are available for a fee.

  10. Best Free Online Courses: Alison:

    Alison offers a wide range of free online courses, including diploma and certificate programs, covering various subjects.

  11. Best Free Online Courses: Open Yale Courses:

    Yale University provides free access to a selection of introductory courses through Open Yale Courses.

  12. Best Free Online Courses : UC Berkeley Online:

    UC Berkeley offers free online courses on a variety of subjects, ranging from computer science to humanities.

  13. Best Free Online Courses : Google Digital Garage:

    Google Digital Garage provides free courses on digital skills, including online marketing, data analysis, and more.

  14. Best Free Online Courses : Codecademy:

    Codecademy offers free coding courses, interactive exercises, and coding projects to help individuals learn programming languages.

  15. Best Free Online Courses : LinkedIn Learning (formerly Lynda.com):

    LinkedIn Learning provides a variety of video courses on professional development, technology, and creative skills. It offers a free trial period.