When to apply for NSFAS ?

Looking forward for When to apply for NSFAS? then this article all you seek. NSFAS Applications are now open for the 2025 academic year. Applications for 2024 will now close on 10th January 2024. Late applications after the closing date will not be considered, so make sure to get your application in time!

NSFAS Account Funding Application:

  1. Register online as a user on myNSFAS or re-register a myNSFAS account
    • Go to www.nsfas.org.za
    • Click on “myNSFAS” tab
    • Click on “Register“
    • Tick the box to allow NSFAS to verify your details
    • Then enter your ID number on the field as it is stated on your South African Identity Document (ID)
    • Type in your full names and surname as per your ID number
    • Type in your current email address
    • Confirm your email address
    • Type in your cellphone number
    • Create a password
    • Confirm password
    • Upload your ID Copy
    • Click on register
    • An OTP will be sent to the email and cell number provided (this OTP expires after 24 hours)
    • Type in the OTP and click submit
    • You have now completed your re-registration
  2. Click the APPLY tab to be directed to the online application form.

Documents needed to apply for NSFAS

Prepare certified copies of the following documents which must not be older than 3 months. Your documents must need to be certified at the South African Police Service or the South African Post Office. If you are under the age of 18 or if you are 18 and older and are STILL DEPENDENT on the combined household income of your parent or legal guardian, then this also applies:

  • A valid copy of your South African ID or unbridged birth certificate. If you are younger than 16 years of age, and do not have a green bar–coded ID or smart ID card, you must submit a certified copy of your unabridged birth certificate.
  • IDs of parents and/or guardian (death certificate if applicable)
  • IDs of each person living in your household
  • Proof of annual household income of your parents or guardian or yourself if employed as a payslip or appointment letter (This is for all types of employment or all forms of income for all members of the household. This includes any income received from SASSA grants, Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF), or any retirement, life, disability or other benefits paid as a lump sum or in monthly payments.)
  • A certified copy of your latest academic transcript or exam results. (If you are currently in Grade 12, you do not need to submit this)
  • University registration documents (if applicable)
  • Travel and Accommodation documents (if applicable)
  • Proof of marital status (if applicable)
  • Download and complete the consent form and fill it in with signatures of all people whose incomes have been declared in the application.
  • If you have a disability, download and complete the Disability Annexure A Form

Manual Application Forms / Offline NSFAS Application:

  • Visit one of the application centers where you will be given a hard copy of the application form to fill in.
  • Use black ink to complete the nsfas application form and write within the blocks with CAPITAL letters.
  • Do not cancel out any text and make sure to write clearly.
  • Have parents/guardian sign the consent form.
  • Have certified copies of the listed supporting documents and attach them to the application form by stapling before submission.
  • Documents must be certified on the front side of the page and should be within 3 months.
  • Sign the completed application form and submit it to one of the NYDA assistants.
  • The application will be attached with a barcode. Wait for the small acknowledgment of the receipt card with the duplicated barcode.

NSFAS Requirements and Financial Eligibility Criteria

  • South African citizen (foreign students do not apply)
  • Applicants who wish to pursue an undergraduate degree at a public university or TVET college with the necessary academic requirements
  • Previous applicants who already have an application reference number should not apply
  • NOT a grant recipient of any NSFAS funding for the current academic year (only unfunded students)

For postgraduate studies, only students of one of the following below field of study are accepted:

  • B Tech – Architecture / Architectural Technology
  • B Tech – Biokinetics, Biomedical Technology/Biotechnology
  • Postgraduate Certificate in Education
  • Postgraduate Diploma in Accounting
  • Bachelor of Laws/LLB

For a TVET college bursary nsfas application:

  • Registered at a public South African TVET college
  • Registered for the National Certificate (vocational)
  • Registered for certain Report 191 (NATED) programmes such as N1-N6 in engineering and N4-N6 in all other fields.

Overview of Public Universities in South Africa

Here's an overview of some public universities in South Africa, including general admissions requirements and estimated application periods. Keep in mind, specific program requirements and dates can vary significantly, so it's important to check each university's official website for the most current information.

University of Pretoria

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with minimum scores in specific subjects related to the chosen program; for international students, equivalent qualifications.
  • Application Period: Usually opens in March and closes at the end of July for most programs.

University of Cape Town

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with pass levels required for degree study; subject-specific requirements depending on the program.
  • Application Period: Application opens in April and closes at the end of July.

Stellenbosch University

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with required marks; some programs have additional testing.
  • Application Period: Opens in March and typically closes at the end of June.

University of the Witwatersrand

  • Admissions Requirements: Matriculation certificate with university exemption; required scores vary by faculty.
  • Application Period: Begins in March and ends on the 30th of September.

University of Johannesburg

  • Admissions Requirements: Matric exemption with a minimum APS score; specific subject requirements based on the faculty.
  • Application Period: Opens in April and generally closes by the 30th of September.

University of the Free State

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with specific marks for the program applied to; additional requirements for certain courses.
  • Application Period: Typically opens in April and closes at the end of August.

University of Venda

  • Admissions Requirements: Completion of the National Senior Certificate with an endorsement for diploma or degree studies; specific APS scores needed.
  • Application Period: Usually from May to September.

University of Fort Hare

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with university exemption; certain programs may have specific requirements.
  • Application Period: Opens around May and closes at the end of September.

University of the Western Cape

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with specific performance levels; additional requirements for certain programs.
  • Application Period: Generally from May to September.

North-West University

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with university exemption; program-specific requirements may apply.
  • Application Period: Opens in March and usually closes by the end of August.

Rhodes University

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate or equivalent; minimum academic performance in certain subjects.
  • Application Period: Applications open in April and close at the end of September.

Nelson Mandela University

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with required scores for chosen programs; portfolio or additional tests for some faculties.
  • Application Period: Opens in April, with a deadline at the end of August for most programs.

Cape Peninsula University of Technology

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with specific scores; additional requirements for certain courses.
  • Application Period: Opens in May and typically closes by the end of September.

University of Limpopo

  • Admissions Requirements: Senior Certificate with endorsement for diploma or degree courses; specific APS scores for different programs.
  • Application Period: From April to September.

University of Zululand

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with an endorsement for bachelor’s degree studies; specific score requirements for various programs.
  • Application Period: Usually between April and November.

Central University of Technology

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with specific scores for the chosen field of study; additional criteria for certain programs.
  • Application Period: Application period generally starts in May and ends in October.

Vaal University of Technology

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with a pass that qualifies for admission to bachelor’s degree, diploma, or higher certificate programs.
  • Application Period: Typically from May to September.

Walter Sisulu University

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with required scores for chosen programs; additional criteria for certain faculties.
  • Application Period: From April to September.

This list provides a starting point for understanding the admissions landscape across South Africa's diverse higher education institutions. Given the variability in programs and requirements, it's crucial to consult each university's website for the most accurate and up-to-date information.

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