Documents Needed to Apply for NSFAS

On this page, you wil learn about what documents are required in order to apply for NSFAS funding for your 2025 studies.

In 2023, NSFAS received 978,402 first-time applications, which is 14% more than the previous year (2022). This shows that more South African students are relying on NSFAS for funding. Out of those who applied, 657,000 new students were funded, making up 66% of the applicants. 81% of these funded students are SASSA beneficiaries.

For you to increase your chances of getting funded by NSFAS, please make sure all the requirements and documentations are in place.

Below is a detailed list of the documents you will need to apply:

1. Certified copy of your Identity Document (ID): If you are younger than 16 years and do not possess a green bar-coded ID or a smart ID card, a certified copy of your unabridged birth certificate is required.
2. Certified copies of the ID for each household member: This includes the IDs of parents or legal guardians.
3. Latest academic records: If you are currently in Grade 12, you are exempt from submitting this document. Otherwise, include your latest academic transcript or exam results.
4. Proof of exemption from school fees: If applicable, submit a letter from your school confirming that you have been exempted from paying school fees.
5. Proof of income:
   • Certified or official recent payslips or employment letters (not older than three months) for each working member of your household.
   • For non-salaried income, such as SASSA grants, UIF, or any pensions or benefits, provide recent documentation showing these payments. Example: a pension slip or a bank statement indicating pension deposits.
6. Affidavit for informal employment: If your parent or guardian is an informal trader, submit an affidavit confirming this.
7. Death certificate: If one or both of your parents are deceased, provide a certified copy of the death certificate.
8. Divorce decree: If your parents are divorced, include a certified copy of the divorce decree.
9. Affidavit for non-resident parent: If a parent does not live at home, an affidavit is required stating the reasons for their absence.
10. Affidavit for non-parental support: If you are being supported by someone other than your parent or legal guardian, an affidavit explaining this arrangement must be included.
11. Certified SASSA letter: If any household members receive a social grant and contribute to your household income, include a certified copy of the SASSA letter. This also applies to legal guardians.
12. Proof of registration or acceptance for dependent students: If you have dependents in your household who are students, provide proof of their registration or acceptance at a TVET college or university.
13. Supporting documents for applicants with disabilities: Complete the necessary forms available on the NSFAS website and include them with your application.

Reminder: Ensure that you write your identity number on every page of all supporting documents. This is mandatory for the processing of your application. Applications lacking an ID number on all documents cannot be processed by NSFAS.

Also Read:

• Do I Qualify for NSFAS if I’m Working?
• NSFAS Will Not Fund You Twice
• Documents Needed to Apply for NSFAS
• Colleges that are Funded by NSFAS in 2025

NSFAS Application 2025 Closing Dates

The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) is set to open the bursary application window for the 2025 academic year on 18 November 2024, and the cycle will conclude on 20 January 2025. Please confirm on NSFAS Official Website.

10 Don’ts Regarding NSFAS Documents

1. Don’t Submit Uncertified Documents
   • Ensure all required documents are certified within the last three months. Uncertified documents will be rejected.
2. Don’t Use Old Payslips
   • Avoid submitting payslips or income documents older than three months. NSFAS requires recent proof of income.
3. Don’t Leave Out Household Member IDs
   • Include certified copies of ID documents for all household members. Missing any can result in your application being incomplete.
4. Don’t Forget to Write Your ID Number
   • Every page of your documents must have your ID number. Applications without this detail cannot be processed.
5. Don’t Submit Blurry or Unclear Copies
   • Make sure all documents are legible. Blurry or poor-quality copies may lead to rejection.
6. Don’t Exclude Relevant Affidavits
   • If applicable, include affidavits for non-resident parents, informal employment, or non-parental support. Missing these could delay your application.
7. Don’t Submit Expired SASSA or Pension Documents
   • Ensure any SASSA or pension letters are recent and certified. Expired documents won’t be accepted.
8. Don’t Ignore Disability Supporting Forms
   • If you have a disability, include all required forms as specified by NSFAS. Leaving this out will result in an incomplete application.
9. Don’t Forget Proof of Academic Records
   • If you’re not in Grade 12, failing to submit your latest academic transcript or exam results may lead to disqualification.
10. Don’t Assume All Proof of Income Is the Same

• Provide correct income documents: payslips for formal employment, affidavits for informal traders, or SASSA letters for grant recipients. Ensure these are certified and up-to-date.

By avoiding these common mistakes, you’ll increase your chances of having your NSFAS application approved. Ensure all your documents are complete, accurate, and properly certified!

NSFAS Consent Form PDF Download