In a major development for South African students, the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) has confirmed that the majority of applicants who applied for student loans in 2025 have now been approved for bursaries instead. This change is part of a government-backed effort to make higher education more accessible for low-income families.
The conversion from loans to bursaries means thousands of students will no longer need to repay the financial aid they receive—easing future debt burdens and expanding learning opportunities.
May 2025: NSFAS Loan Conversion Stats
The latest numbers from NSFAS reveal how the 2025 applications have played out:
| Application Status | Number of Applicants |
|---|---|
| Approved for Bursaries | 16,013 |
| Still Under Review | 1,504 |
| Rejected Applications | 1,487 |
| Rejected Due to Income Above R600,000 | 104 |
Out of a total of 17,517 applicants, an impressive 91% have been approved for bursaries following income assessments.
Who Qualifies for NSFAS Bursaries in 2025?
NSFAS determines funding eligibility based on household income and social support status. Here’s how it breaks down:
NSFAS Bursary Criteria – May 2025
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Household income must be R350,000 or less per year
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Students from low-income families qualify automatically
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SASSA recipients are fully eligible for bursaries
NSFAS Loan Criteria – May 2025
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Household income between R350,001 and R600,000
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Applicants in this range may be offered a repayable loan rather than a bursary
This two-tier model ensures the most financially vulnerable receive support with no repayment requirements.
What Does NSFAS Cover in May 2025?
Whether you receive a loan or a bursary, NSFAS offers a comprehensive funding package covering key expenses at both public universities and TVET colleges.
NSFAS funding includes:
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Full tuition fees
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Registration costs
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Accommodation (on or near campus)
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Monthly food and meal allowances
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Learning material support (books, devices)
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Transport costs for students living more than 40 km from campus
TVET College Applicant Status
The application period for Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions closed in January 2025. Students who applied in that window are currently under review, with decisions expected within May 2025.
TVET applicants should regularly check their myNSFAS accounts for updates or document requests.
How to Track Your NSFAS Application in 2025
To avoid delays or missed notifications, students must check their NSFAS status online using the myNSFAS portal.
Steps to check your status:
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Visit the official NSFAS website: www.nsfas.org.za
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Log in using your ID and myNSFAS password
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Click on the “Application Status” tab
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Look for updates, approval messages, or documentation alerts
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Turn on SMS and email notifications for real-time alerts
FAQs
What is the total number of NSFAS loan applications in 2025?
A total of 17,517 students applied for NSFAS loans for the 2025 academic year.
How many loan applicants were approved for bursaries?
16,013 applicants have already been converted from loan to bursary recipients after eligibility review.
Who qualifies for a full NSFAS bursary?
Students from households earning R350,000 or less per year, including SASSA grant recipients, automatically qualify for full bursary support.
What if my income is between R350,000 and R600,000?
You may still be approved for a NSFAS loan, which must be repaid after completing your studies.
How do I know if my loan was changed to a bursary?
Log in to your myNSFAS account and check the “Application Status” tab for updated results.
What happens if my application was rejected?
You may appeal the decision directly through the myNSFAS portal by submitting corrected or missing documents.
Do bursary recipients have to repay any money?
No. Bursaries are non-repayable, unless false information is provided or your financial status changes.
Does the bursary switch apply to TVET college students too?
Yes. The same income thresholds and funding model apply to both university and TVET students.
Click here to know more.
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.