NSFAS will reopen 2025 applications from 9 January 2025. Learners and students are encouraged to make use of this application period if they have not applied during the 1 August 2025 to 30 November 2025 application period.
This reopened application period will close on 20 January 2025 for learners and students who will be studying at a public university and on 14 February 2025 at a TVET College.
Application results for applicants who applied during the 1 August 2025 to 30 November 2025 period will receive communication via SMS as from 5 January 2025, thus it is important that we have your correct cellphone number. Update your contact details by calling the NSFAS Contact Centre on 086 006 7327.
To all 2025 first year students
All students who will register at public universities/ TVET Colleges for the first time in 2025 and need financial support can apply directly to NSFAS for financial assistance as of 9 January 2025. Applications will remain open between 9 January 2025 to 20 January 2025 for those who will be studying at a university and 9 January 2025 to 14 February 2025 for those who will be studying at a TVET College.
To all current university/ TVET college students already funded by NSFAS
NSFAS is in the process to receive all your information and details from the university/college where you are currently enrolled. You will be automatically migrated to the student-centered model and will be notified by SMS/post once NSFAS has received and registered your details.
To all current university/TVET college students, who are not funded by NSFAS, but intend to apply for NSFAS assistance for the 2025 academic year
All the above-mentioned students – including those who were previously on a government-funded bursary programme not offered by NSFAS – can apply for NSFAS financial assistance for the 2025 academic year from 9 January 2025 to 20 January 2025 for those who will be studying at a university and 9 January 2025 to 14 February 2025 for those who will be studying at a TVET College.