NSFAS 2025 Explained: New Study Options and Opportunities

NSFAS 2025: New regulations for studying now—every student should know!

In South Africa, in case you are a parent or student, you have probably wondered, what has changed in NSFAS (National Student Financial Aid Scheme) 2025?

The NSFAS has made huge investments and regulatory changes in 2025 to make better schooling more open, disciplined, and reachable to all. These adjustments, but, suggest that you may now need to examine attentively and strategically.

Let us learn all the key things one by one in simple words.

NSFAS 2025

Feature	Details
New Academic Pathways	Students can now progress from Higher Certificate to Degree under NSFAS.
No Double Funding	NSFAS will not fund multiple qualifications or repeat programs.
TVET Progression	Clear routes from PLP to NC(V) or Report 191 Level 1.
Loan Scheme	New income-based loans for families earning R350k–R600k annually.
Trimester 2 Applications	For TVET colleges: May 12–23, 2025.
Appeals Process	Students can appeal funding rejections via NSFAS portal.
Official Website	https://www.nsfas.org.za

What is new in NSFAS from 2025?

Now students must remember some special things:

• You must finish your studies in time.
• Frequent course changes or repeating the same degree will not work anymore.
• You must have a learning pathway.
• If you keep failing or dropping a course, NSFAS will not fund you.

All this has been accomplished to ensure that increasingly deserving students receive assistance and the government budget is expended properly.

University students’ new NSFAS regulations

• You can now pursue a bachelor’s degree after taking a higher certificate—if your university and NSFAS permit.
• You will not receive NSFAS funding for two different degrees. That is, you cannot pursue another degree once you have finished one if you have already received NSFAS funding.
• Postgraduate (PG) funding is also offered only on selected courses like PGCE and certain LLB degrees.
• Every year you have to pass a minimum of 50% of your modules, or your funding could be withdrawn. This is referred to as the “N+1 Rule.”

New changes for TVET college students

• If you are studying at a TVET college, you now have to complete a defined study progression.
• For instance: PLP → NC(V) Level 2 → Level 3, followed by Level 4
• Or Report 191: N1 → N2 → N3 → N6
• Course changes (e.g., from NC(V) to Report 191) are only permitted for first-term students.
• If you already have a pass in NC(V) Level 4 or Report 191 N6, NSFAS will not fund the same level.

NSFAS’s new loan scheme for middle-income families (2025)

Now NSFAS has also introduced a new scheme that will assist students from middle-class families as well. It will be a low-interest loan.

• This is for families with an annual income between R350,000 and R600,000.
• The loan will fund tuition fees, accommodation, and study material.
• But this excludes transport cost.
• You will have to pay this money back gradually after your studies.
• Only permanent residents or South African citizens are eligible to apply for it.

How ​​to apply for NSFAS 2025?

The whole application is online and completely free. Before applying, have these things ready:

Needed documents:

• Your and your parent/guardian’s certified ID
• Evidence of income or SASSA letter
• Your latest exam results
• An active mobile number and email ID

Application process:

1. Visit the website: https://www.nsfas.org.za
2. Click on “MyNSFAS.”
3. Register using your ID number.
4. Upload your documents.
5. Click on “Submit.”
6. Wait for a response through SMS or email.

Tip: Don’t use another person’s mobile number or email address. Avoid also logging in using public Wi-Fi.

Most NSFAS application errors

• Submitting incorrect documents or an unsigned form
• Posting a blurry photo or scan
• Using another person’s mobile number or email
• Submitting after the deadline
• Assuming TVET and university regulations are the same—when they’re not

What to do if your application is rejected?

Don’t panic! NSFAS provides you with the chance to appeal.

How to appeal:

1. Log in to myNSFAS account.
2. Click “Appeal.”
3. Choose the reason—e.g.:
   • Family income has changed.
   • Result has passed remark.
4. Upload necessary documents.
5. Click “Submit” and monitor the status.

You typically have 30 days from the rejection to appeal.

Success story: How Lerato became a university student

Lerato Mathebula, who hails from Mpumalanga, matriculated in 2023 and received admission to Wits University. She applied early, provided the proper documents, and received NSFAS funding. She initially did a Higher Certificate in Education and then upgraded to a Bachelor of Education (BEd) in 2024.

His tale proves that with some hard work and planning, in time, NSFAS can assist you in enhancing your education and your future.

Does NSFAS really help?

Yes, definitely! As per a report:

• Students who get NSFAS funding are 30% more likely to finish a degree.
• Over 600,000 students were funded in 2024.
• Over half of these students were first-time university students.

NSFAS doesn’t just cover the cost of education, it is able to additionally be a tool to break the cycle of poverty.

NSFAS Contact Information & Support

Need Help?	Contact Details
Website	https://www.nsfas.org.za
Toll-Free Number	08000 67327
Email	info@nsfas.org.za
WhatsApp Line	078 519 8006
Social Media	@myNSFAS on Twitter, Facebook

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