NSFAS Bursary Eligibility – In 2025, thousands of South African students depend on the NSFAS (National Student Financial Aid Scheme) bursary to pursue their dreams of higher education. However, major eligibility changes announced for August 2025 have raised concerns for both current and prospective applicants. If you or someone in your family is relying on NSFAS funding, it’s essential to understand how the new rules could affect your status — and what steps you must take to stay eligible. NSFAS plays a critical role in bridging the financial gap for underprivileged learners who cannot afford tertiary education. It covers tuition, accommodation, learning materials, and transport for eligible students. But now, stricter measures and updated income thresholds are being enforced to ensure that the bursary goes only to the truly needy. Alongside these, compliance with academic performance and document verification has become more rigid. In this article, we break down all the new NSFAS 2025 eligibility requirements, changes in income thresholds, academic standards, and application processes. We also share tips on how to stay compliant and what alternatives are available if your application is rejected. Let’s help you stay ahead before the August deadline hits.
Key NSFAS Bursary Eligibility Changes for August 2025
NSFAS has revised several core eligibility criteria that students must now meet before the August application cycle. These changes are already in effect and must be considered during both new applications and renewals.
- Revised income threshold from R350,000 to R300,000 per annum.
- Compulsory parental/guardian verification.
- Academic performance must be above 50% pass rate for renewal.
- Applicants must be registered at a public university or TVET college.
- Students already holding another bursary are disqualified.
- All supporting documents must be verified through Home Affairs.
- Late or incomplete applications will not be reconsidered.
New Income Threshold and Financial Guidelines
The most critical shift for many applicants is the reduction in the household income threshold. Here’s a detailed table showing the financial eligibility updates as of August 2025.
| Household Income Type | Previous Threshold | New Threshold (Aug 2025) |
|---|---|---|
| General Applicants | R350,000 per year | R300,000 per year |
| Students with Disability | R600,000 per year | R600,000 per year |
| Orphans and SASSA Recipients | No limit | No limit |
| Employed Parents | Proof of income required | Full bank statement required |
| Self-employed Parents | Signed affidavit accepted | Business financials mandatory |
| Divorced Parents | Maintenance proof optional | Mandatory affidavit & court order |
| Foreign Nationals | Eligible with permits | Eligible only with SA residency |
Updated Academic Performance Requirements
Academic performance is now directly linked to bursary continuation. NSFAS will no longer automatically renew funding for underperforming students.
- First-time applicants must meet minimum university/TVET admission marks.
- Renewal students must pass 50% of their registered modules per semester.
- Failing to meet this standard results in funding suspension.
- Students can appeal only once per academic year.
- Supporting academic transcripts are now mandatory for renewals.
Additional Documentation Requirements from August
From August 2025, NSFAS has implemented stricter document validation protocols to combat fraud and ensure only genuine applicants benefit from funding.
| Document Type | Old Requirement | New Requirement (2025) |
|---|---|---|
| Certified ID Copy | Valid within 3 months | Certified within 30 days |
| Proof of Residence | Any utility bill accepted | Must match ID holder’s name |
| Parent/Guardian ID | Optional for self-declaration | Mandatory for all applicants |
| Academic Transcripts | Only for renewals | Required for all applicants |
| SASSA Letter (if applicable) | Not verified | Verified by SASSA database |
| Disability Assessment (if needed) | Upload PDF | Must be signed by registered practitioner |
| Income Declaration Form | Affidavit allowed | Bank statement + affidavit both required |
NSFAS Appeal Process – What Changed in 2025?
If your NSFAS application gets rejected or your funding is discontinued, the appeal process is now more standardized but also stricter.
- Appeals must be lodged within 15 working days from decision date.
- Only one appeal is allowed per academic year.
- Valid appeal reasons: family income drop, death in household, or administrative error.
- Appeals must include full supporting documentation.
- Outcomes are released within 30 days.
Step-by-Step NSFAS Application Process for August 2025
To apply for NSFAS in August 2025, follow the below updated application steps carefully.
- Visit the official NSFAS portal at www.nsfas.org.za.
- Register your myNSFAS account or log in.
- Complete your personal, academic, and financial details.
- Upload all required supporting documents.
- Submit and track your application on the dashboard.
- Ensure your phone and email are accessible for verification calls.
Common Reasons for NSFAS Application Rejections in 2025
Avoid the most frequent mistakes by understanding why many applications are denied under the updated rules.
- Household income exceeds the new R300,000 limit.
- Missing certified documentation or expired files.
- Mismatch between ID and academic registration data.
- Student already receiving other bursary support.
- Poor academic record or lack of transcript upload.
NSFAS 2025 Important Dates to Remember
| Activity | Start Date | Deadline | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Online Applications Open | 1 August 2025 | 30 September 2025 | No extensions available |
| Supporting Documents Submission | With Application | 30 September 2025 | Must be uploaded online |
| Appeal Submission (if rejected) | 10 Oct 2025 | 25 Oct 2025 | Only 15 working days allowed |
| Final NSFAS Approval Notifications | From 1 November | By 20 Nov 2025 | Via SMS and email |
| Disbursement of Funds | From Jan 2026 | Ongoing | Linked to university schedules |
Who Will No Longer Qualify Under the New NSFAS Rules?
With tightened rules, several groups of applicants are now disqualified from NSFAS funding even if they were eligible before.
- Students whose household income is between R300,001 and R350,000.
- Individuals with dual citizenship or non-permanent residents.
- Learners attending private colleges or unaccredited institutions.
- Students repeating the same academic year more than once.
- Beneficiaries of other bursaries or scholarships.
Tips to Stay Eligible and Improve NSFAS Approval Chances
To improve your chances of approval or renewal, students must proactively manage their application and academic progress.
- Keep your academic record clean and above 50%.
- Use only certified and current documents.
- Avoid submitting conflicting personal/guardian details.
- Never miss application or appeal deadlines.
- Monitor NSFAS emails and SMS for updates or requests.
Departmental Contact Details for NSFAS Queries
If you’re unsure about your eligibility, appeal, or application status, contact NSFAS directly using the updated contact details:
- NSFAS Toll-Free Number: 08000 67327 (Monday–Friday, 8am–5pm)
- Email: [email protected]
- NSFAS Online Portal: www.nsfas.org.za
- Social Media Handles: @myNSFAS (Twitter, Facebook, Instagram)
- Physical Address: NSFAS Head Office, 10 Brodie Road, House Vincent, Wynberg, Cape Town, 7700
Alternative Bursary Options If You’re Disqualified
If you no longer qualify for NSFAS in 2025, consider applying to these credible bursary sources:
- Funza Lushaka Teaching Bursary
- Department of Health Bursaries
- Allan Gray Orbis Foundation
- Motsepe Foundation Bursaries
- University Merit-Based Financial Aid
- SASSA Social Relief (for temporary support)
Keep in mind that each bursary has unique eligibility rules, so apply to multiple simultaneously to increase your chances.
NSFAS’s 2025 eligibility overhaul is designed to make the system more accountable, but it also means many borderline students could lose out. It’s vital to act early, double-check your documents, and ensure your financial and academic details are aligned. Don’t wait for the deadline—get everything in order before September to avoid last-minute surprises.
FAQs of NSFAS Bursary Eligibility
1. What is the new income limit for NSFAS in August 2025?
R300,000 per annum for general applicants. R600,000 for students with disabilities.
2. Can I still apply for NSFAS if I failed some modules?
You must pass at least 50% of your modules; otherwise, you risk suspension.
3. Is NSFAS available for private college students?
No, NSFAS only supports students at public universities and TVET colleges.
4. How long does NSFAS take to respond to applications?
Approximately 4–6 weeks from the closing date, depending on document verification.
5. Can I appeal more than once if my application is rejected?
No, NSFAS allows only one appeal per academic year.