In view of the approaching 2025 academic year, students wishing to apply for NSFAS funding find themselves pressed for time. The National Student Financial Aid Scheme funds the tuition, accommodation, and necessary books of qualifying students, as well as meals and travel. All of this is catered for students coming from low- to middle-income families. With the application deadline fast approaching, students are being urged to hand in their forms as soon as possible, as no late submissions will be entertained.
The Importance Of Applying On Time
Applying for NSFAS funding on time is crucial if the student wishes to enrol for the upcoming academic year. Given the widespread demand for NSFAS funding, late application means late enrolment, late registration, and an increased chance of not getting the funding altogether. When students apply in good time, and provide the necessary accompanying documentation such as family income statements, certified IDs, and academic results, the chances of document errors are significantly reduced.
Documents to Collect
In order to apply for NSFAS, ensure you collect:
- A certified copy of your South African identity document (ID) or birth certificate
- Your latest school report
- Proof of household income (SASSA grant recipients are exempt)
- Any other additional documentation that may be required (e.g. for persons with disabilities)
Having all these documents will significantly reduce the time taken to process your application, as well as reduce the likelihood of being disqualified.
Errors to Avoid
In most cases, people lose funding not because of any reasonable condition, but because of easily fixable conditions. Some of the easiest fixable funding errors include:
- Inaccurate or incomplete documentation
- Leaving submission to the last day and risking NSFAS portal technical difficulties
- Not disclosing complete household income or missing income consent forms
- These mistakes can easily be avoided by complying with the regulations, ensuring documentation is complete, and submitting the application before the deadline.
Tracking Your Application Progress
After submitting, users can track their application’s progress on the myNSFAS portal. Processing of the application begins and goes through its respective stages of “Submitted”, “Reviewed”, “Awaiting Academic Results” and later gets the status “Approved” or “Rejected.” Make sure your contact information is current to receive important updates and to submit any further documents NSFAS might require as soon as possible. This diligence helps eliminate unnecessary waiting in processing and guarantees timely funding.
Also Read: SASSA Double Grant September 2025: Who Qualifies For Two Payments