The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) has announced that a significant number of students who applied for loans for the 2025 academic year are now eligible for bursaries. This decision follows a comprehensive review of eligibility criteria, allowing thousands of students to benefit from financial support without the burden of repayment.
The change means that most applicants with household incomes under the set thresholds now receive full bursaries instead of loans, ensuring better financial security for students in need.
What Are the Key Figures for 2025 NSFAS Loan Applications?
The NSFAS received 17,517 loan applications for the 2025 academic year. Following a detailed review process, here’s the latest status:
| Application Status | Number of Applicants |
|---|---|
| Eligible for Bursaries | 16,013 |
| Applications Under Review | 1,504 |
| Rejected Applications | 1,487 |
| Rejected Due to Income Above R600,000 | 104 |
Most of the applicants have already been approved for bursaries, with only a small portion still under review.
What Are the NSFAS Income Thresholds for Bursaries and Loans?
Understanding income thresholds is essential when applying for NSFAS funding:
- NSFAS Bursary Eligibility: Household income of R350,000 or less per year.
- NSFAS Loan Eligibility: Household income between R350,000 and R600,000 per year.
Students from lower-income households automatically qualify for bursaries, while those in the middle-income bracket may be offered loans.
How Does NSFAS Funding Benefit Students?
NSFAS provides comprehensive financial support, covering:
- Tuition fees
- Registration fees
- Allowances for accommodation, food, and learning materials
This funding is available for students enrolled in approved programs at public universities and Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) colleges across South Africa.
What Is the Current Status of NSFAS TVET College Applications?
The final NSFAS TVET College application window closed in January 2025. Students who applied during this period are still being considered, with decisions expected to be finalized soon.
MUST READ: NSFAS Application Form 2025, Admission, Allowance, and Key Updates
How Can Applicants Stay Updated on Their NSFAS Application Status?
Staying informed is vital to avoid missing important deadlines or updates. Here’s how you can check your NSFAS application status:
- Visit the official NSFAS website: www.nsfas.org.za
- Log in to your NSFAS account to view your application progress.
- Subscribe to updates via the NSFAS website to receive notifications.
FAQs
How many NSFAS loan applicants are receiving bursaries in 2025?
Out of 17,517 applications, 16,013 applicants now qualify for bursaries.
Why are most 2025 NSFAS loan applicants being converted to bursary recipients?
An extensive review of eligibility criteria found that many applicants come from households earning below the bursary threshold.
What happens to the remaining 1,504 NSFAS applications under review?
These applications are still being processed, with decisions expected in the coming weeks.
Can students from households earning above R600,000 qualify for NSFAS funding?
No, applicants exceeding the R600,000 income threshold are not eligible for NSFAS loans or bursaries.
What expenses does NSFAS funding cover?
NSFAS covers tuition, registration, accommodation, learning materials, and food allowances.
When will NSFAS finalize decisions for TVET College applicants?
All pending TVET College applications are expected to be processed shortly, following the January 2025 application window closure.
How can students check their NSFAS application status?
Students can check their status by logging into the official NSFAS website or their account dashboard.
Is there still time to apply for NSFAS funding for 2025?
No, the final application windows have closed, but applicants should monitor the NSFAS site for future opportunities.
Aanchal is a passionate writer with a keen interest in storytelling, content creation, and creative expression. She enjoys exploring diverse topics and crafting engaging narratives that captivate readers.
