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Education · Funding

Study & NSFAS

NSFAS application phases, university fees, and TVET funding.

Last reviewed: April 2026

NSFAS provides comprehensive funding for eligible South African students at public universities and TVET colleges. Applications for the 2027 academic year open late 2026.

Study updates

  • Study

    NSFAS application window reminders for 2026

    Check closing dates, required documents, and appeal routes on the official NSFAS portal.

    Read more
  • Study

    DHET bursary directory updated

    New provincial bursary listings added for TVET and university pathways.

    Read more

NSFAS Application Phases

Track the status of your funding application.

Phase 1
Initial

Application Received

Your application has been logged on the system.

Monitor your portal closely. If stuck in 'Evaluating' for more than 4 weeks, contact the financial aid office at your institution immediately.

Phase 2
Verification

Evaluating

Checking documents with Home Affairs and SARS.

NSFAS connects with third-party agencies (SARS and DHA) to verify your household income. Delays here usually mean name mismatches or missing tax data.

Phase 3
Success

Funding Approved

You meet all academic and financial criteria.

Once approved, you still need to register at your university or TVET college. NSFAS will only pay out once the institution confirms your registration.

Average University Registration

Upfront fees required if not funded by NSFAS.

R10,000+
Average

UCT / Wits

First minimum payment required before classes.

If you are NSFAS funded, this upfront fee is waived. Ensure your institution has received your funding confirmation before attempting to register.

R5,000+
Average

UJ / UP

Standard registration fee block.

If you are NSFAS funded, this upfront fee is waived. Ensure your institution has received your funding confirmation before attempting to register.

Module Based
Distance

UNISA

Pay per registered module upfront.

UNISA calculates registration based on the number of modules selected. You must pay the minimum required module fees to finalize your registration status.

Official Sources

Verified portals for final submission and validation.

NSFAS Portalmy.nsfas.org.za/

Applications & Appeals

Department of Higher Edwww.dhet.gov.za/

Bursary info