In a major relief for South African students, the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) has confirmed that the majority of loan applicants for the 2025 academic year will now receive bursaries instead. This shift follows a detailed review of income thresholds and eligibility criteria.
For thousands of students, this means they no longer have to worry about repaying financial aid, offering improved stability and better access to higher education.
Key Stats for 2025 NSFAS Loan Applications
NSFAS has released new data showing how many students applied for loans and how many are now eligible for bursary funding instead.
| Application Status | Number of Applicants |
|---|---|
| Approved for Bursaries | 16,013 |
| Still Under Review | 1,504 |
| Rejected Applications | 1,487 |
| Rejected Due to High Income (R600k+) | 104 |
Out of 17,517 total applications for loans, a significant 91% have already been approved for bursaries.
Who Qualifies for NSFAS Bursaries and Loans in 2025
Income thresholds are critical when applying for any form of financial assistance through NSFAS. The current funding model clearly separates bursary and loan eligibility.
NSFAS Bursary Eligibility (2025):
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Household income must be R350,000 or less per year
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Students from low-income backgrounds automatically qualify
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SASSA recipients are also eligible for full bursary support
NSFAS Loan Eligibility (2025):
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Household income must be between R350,001 and R600,000
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Students in this range may be offered a partially repayable loan
This updated structure ensures that the neediest students get full financial support without repayment obligations.
What Does NSFAS Funding Cover in 2025
Whether you’re approved for a loan or a bursary, NSFAS covers a wide range of academic expenses. Students receive a comprehensive financial package that includes:
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Full tuition fees
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Registration costs
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On-campus accommodation
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Food allowances
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Transport support for students living over 40km from campus
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Learning material funding, including textbooks and devices
These allowances apply to both public universities and TVET colleges across South Africa.
Status of TVET College Applications
NSFAS confirmed that the final application period for Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) colleges closed in January 2025. Applicants from this round are currently under review, with final decisions expected to be issued soon.
Students who applied for TVET funding should keep checking their myNSFAS accounts for updates and upload any missing documents as requested.
How to Check Your NSFAS Application Status in 2025
To stay informed about your funding status, it’s essential to monitor your application regularly. NSFAS has made it easier than ever to track progress.
Here’s how:
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Go to the official NSFAS website: www.nsfas.org.za
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Log in to your myNSFAS account using your ID and password
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Navigate to the “Application Status” tab
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Check for updates, requests for documents, or approval messages
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Turn on notifications to receive SMS and email alerts
Keeping track of your account ensures you never miss critical deadlines or funding decisions.
Why the Switch From Loans to Bursaries Matters
This major move by NSFAS to convert most loan applications into bursaries comes at a time when many South African families are battling high living costs and tuition inflation. Bursaries provide immediate relief without long-term financial pressure.
The decision also aligns with the government’s larger objective of expanding access to tertiary education and reducing the burden of student debt.
FAQs
What is the total number of NSFAS loan applications for 2025?
A total of 17,517 loan applications were received for the 2025 academic year.
How many loan applicants have now been approved for bursaries?
Out of the total applicants, 16,013 have been approved for bursaries after income reviews.
Who qualifies for a NSFAS bursary?
Any student with a household income of R350,000 or less qualifies for a full bursary. SASSA recipients are also automatically eligible.
What if my income is above R350,000 but below R600,000?
In this case, you may be offered a NSFAS loan instead of a bursary. Loans must be repaid after graduation.
How can I check if my NSFAS loan was converted to a bursary?
Log in to your myNSFAS account and review your application status. If approved for a bursary, it will be reflected there.
What happens if my loan application was rejected?
If your application was rejected due to incorrect info or missing documents, you can file an appeal through your myNSFAS account.
Are bursary recipients required to repay the money?
No, bursary recipients do not need to repay NSFAS funds unless their status changes or fraudulent information was submitted.
Does this apply to TVET college students as well?
Yes, both university and TVET college students are considered under the same funding model and benefit from this bursary conversion.
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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.