New Divorce Law – In a progressive move toward social and financial equity, the South African government has officially amended its policy regarding financial support for students affected by divorce or separation in their families. As of August 2025, the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) now includes special provisions to assist students from homes affected by marital separation. This comes as a part of a wider reform under the new divorce law that aims to reduce the academic and emotional burden on young individuals navigating financial instability caused by family breakdowns. Historically, students applying for NSFAS needed to provide income documentation of both parents or guardians. This created challenges for those whose parents were separated or going through a legal divorce, especially in instances where one parent was uncooperative or financially abusive. The new divorce-related policy recognizes the need for independent financial assessment and a more empathetic approach to such situations. Under this updated framework, separated or divorced parents will no longer be considered as a single household for NSFAS income threshold calculations. Students can now submit financial proof from one legal guardian or parent, especially the one who retains custody or provides active financial support. This change is a lifeline for thousands of young South Africans caught in a financial grey zone and is expected to increase access to the standard NSFAS R5,200 monthly grant, among other benefits. The policy has already led to a sharp rise in NSFAS applications and appeals in August 2025. Government officials and student advocacy groups have welcomed the move, calling it a step forward in protecting the academic futures of students facing domestic instability. Now, let’s explore how this new rule works, who qualifies, how to apply, and what supporting documents are needed.
Eligibility Rules Under the New Divorce-Based NSFAS Criteria
Students affected by parental divorce or separation will now fall under special eligibility rules. These rules are designed to assess financial needs based on a single parent or guardian’s income, with simplified documentation.
- Applicants must be South African citizens or permanent residents
- Applicant must be registered or accepted at a public university or TVET college
- Parents must be legally divorced or formally separated
- Applicant must provide documentation proving separation/divorce (court order, affidavit)
- Applicant must show income documentation of the parent they live with
- Total income of the single parent must not exceed R350,000 annually
- Applicant must meet academic progression requirements
Required Documents to Prove Divorce or Separation (as of August 2025)
To access NSFAS under this law, applicants must provide valid and current documentation to prove the household structure and financial dependency.
- Certified copy of parent’s divorce decree or court-issued separation document
- Affidavit explaining custody or residence arrangement
- Proof of income (latest payslip, bank statement) of the custodial parent
- Applicant’s certified ID copy
- Proof of university or TVET registration
- Signed NSFAS consent form
- Academic record showing progression (for returning students)
How to Apply for NSFAS as a Separated or Divorced Household Student
The application process has been updated to allow affected students to declare a single-parent household. Follow the steps below to apply correctly.
- Visit the official NSFAS portal: www.nsfas.org.za
- Create or log in to your MyNSFAS account
- Select “Apply” and choose 2025 academic year
- When asked for household details, tick “Separated/Divorced”
- Upload supporting documents listed above
- Submit and track status regularly via the dashboard
- If rejected, use the new “Appeal Based on Divorce” option available in August 2025
Application Timeline and Key Dates for 2025
The government has announced a streamlined window for processing such applications, aiming to disburse funds before semester deadlines.
| Activity | Start Date | End Date |
|---|---|---|
| NSFAS 2025 Applications Open | 1 August 2025 | 30 September 2025 |
| Document Upload Deadline | 15 October 2025 | — |
| Appeal Submissions Window | 1 August 2025 | 15 November 2025 |
| Final Approval & Disbursement | 1 December 2025 | 10 January 2026 |
Common Mistakes to Avoid While Applying Under the Divorce Law
A small error can result in delays or rejection. These are the most common pitfalls students must avoid when applying under the new rules.
- Not submitting a legal divorce or separation document
- Uploading blurred or expired IDs and payslips
- Using the income data of both parents when not required
- Failing to complete the appeal in case of initial rejection
- Ignoring academic performance requirements
- Not updating NSFAS portal with correct banking details
Tips to Strengthen Your Application in August 2025
These tips will help you ensure faster approval and avoid unnecessary rejections during this high-volume application season.
| Tip Number | Best Practice |
|---|---|
| 1 | Use clear scans of all documents (no photos) |
| 2 | Ensure affidavit is signed by a Commissioner of Oaths |
| 3 | Provide only one income proof document (e.g., latest payslip) |
| 4 | Upload your registration proof with institutional stamp |
| 5 | Double-check email and cellphone for application status alerts |
| 6 | Keep backup copies of all documents in Google Drive or email |
| 7 | Reach out to campus financial aid office for review before submission |
| 8 | Track appeal or rejection through the new “MyNSFAS Appeals” tab on portal |
What Benefits Do Separated Students Receive Under This NSFAS Update?
The financial support remains largely the same, but the way students qualify has changed to reduce barriers.
- Monthly living allowance of R5,200
- Tuition coverage paid directly to institution
- Learning material allowance (R5,460 annually)
- Travel allowance (if not in residence)
- Accommodation covered up to institutional threshold
- Access to NSFAS laptops scheme
- Optional funding for academic mentorship and support
Benefits Distribution Structure 2025 (Per Student Per Month)
| Benefit Type | Amount (ZAR) | Mode of Distribution |
|---|---|---|
| Living Allowance | R5,200 | Bank account / NSFAS Wallet |
| Tuition | Varies | Paid to institution |
| Learning Material | R5,460/year | Once-off annual grant |
| Accommodation (TVET) | R24,000/year | Paid to residence/college |
| Travel Allowance | R7,350/year | Paid in monthly installments |
| Laptop Scheme | One-time | Through partner institutions |
Departmental Contact for Queries
Students, guardians, and university financial aid staff can contact NSFAS or Department of Higher Education for assistance.
| Department | Contact Method |
|---|---|
| NSFAS Toll-Free Number | 0800 067 327 |
| NSFAS Email Support | info@nsfas.org.za |
| MyNSFAS Portal | www.nsfas.org.za |
| Department of Higher Education Hotline | 0800 87 2222 |
| Student Financial Aid Office (Campus) | Visit your campus helpdesk |
Important Advisory for Students in Transition
For students whose parents are undergoing divorce but have not finalized the process legally, a sworn affidavit may temporarily be used. However, full documentation will be required before disbursement. Students are advised not to submit false information, as this can lead to disqualification or legal action.
FAQs of New Divorce Law
Q1: Can I apply under the new divorce rule if my parents are only separated, not divorced?
Yes, as long as you provide a formal affidavit or court separation notice.
Q2: What if my application is rejected even after uploading the correct divorce documents?
Use the appeal option and re-upload documents through the “Appeal Based on Divorce” section on the NSFAS portal.
Q3: Will I receive the same R5,200 living allowance as others?
Yes, eligible students under the divorce law will receive the standard living allowance.
Q4: Can I still apply if I missed the original NSFAS deadline?
Yes, there is an extended appeal window till 15 November 2025 for divorce-based applications.
Q5: Is this rule permanent or just for August 2025?
The rule has been officially implemented and is expected to remain part of the NSFAS policy going forward.