How To Apply For NSFAS To Cover Trimester 3 Studies

NSFAS is a bursary scheme funded by the Department of Higher Education and Training for those who do not have the financial means to fund their studies and cannot access bank funding, study loans or bursaries.

TVET College students are required to apply for NSFAS funding every trimester, so if you are studying at a TVET college and you are considering registering for trimester 3 you will need to apply for NSFAS to cover your trimester 3 studies. 

NSFAS advises students to visit the TVET College bursary office to seek assistance when applying or to complete the application via the online portal. 

Who can apply for NSFAS Funding? 

To be eligible for NSFAS funding, an applicant must:

1. Be a South African citizen
2. Come from a family with a combined annual household income of not more than R350 000 per annum (in the case of students with a disability the combined annual household income may not exceed R600 000 per annum).

Any Students who have not met academic eligibility criteria may lodge an appeal with NSFAS 

What documents are needed when applying?

1. Copy of South African birth certificate/copy of ID document/Temporary ID of the student.
2. Copy of South African birth certificate/copy of ID document/Temporary ID of parent(s)/guardian/spouse.
3. Proof of income  – student/parent(s)/guardian or spouse (not older than 3 months)
4. SASSA recipients do not require proof of income.

Where to apply for NSFAS funding? 

1. TVET college bursary offices - A TVET official will apply on your behalf
2. Online via the NSFAS portal
3. NSFAS head offices
4. NSFAS application centres 

To complete the online process follow these steps: 

1. Step 1: Go to www.nsfas.org.za and click on the 'myNSFAS' tab.
2. Step 2: Create a myNSFAS account.
3. Step 3: Click on the 'APPLY' tab and complete the sections on the screen.
4. Step 4: Upload required supporting documents where applicable.
5. Step 5: Click on 'Submit'

Make sure to take note when applications for Trimester 3 funding open to avoid missing the application window, as missing the application window will result in NSFAS not funding you for that trimester.