How to Apply for NSFAS Online: Step-by-Step Portal Guide

Step 1: Check Your Eligibility

Before beginning the application on the portal, verify that you meet the core requirements:

• You must be a South African citizen or permanent resident.
• Your combined gross annual household income must not exceed R350,000 per year (or R600,000 per year for applicants with a registered disability).
• You must be intending to register or already registered for an approved undergraduate qualification at one of the 26 public universities or 50 TVET colleges in South Africa.

Step 2: Create Your myNSFAS Account

1. Open your web browser and navigate to the official portal: www.nsfas.org.za.
2. Click on the myNSFAS tab in the top navigation bar.
3. Click 'Register' or 'Create Account'.
4. Enter your 13-digit South African ID number, full first names, and surname exactly as they appear in your green barcoded ID book or smart ID card.
5. Enter your personal cell phone number and personal email address (e.g., Gmail or Outlook).
6. Create a secure password (minimum 8 characters, including an uppercase letter, lowercase letter, number, and special symbol).
7. Agree to the terms and click 'Submit'.

Step 3: Verify Your Account via OTP

NSFAS will send a 6-digit One-Time PIN (OTP) to your registered cell phone number via SMS and another verification link or OTP to your email address:

• Enter the received OTP code on the verification screen.
• Once validated, your myNSFAS profile is officially activated.

Step 4: Complete the Online Application Form

1. Log into myNSFAS using your ID number and password.
2. Click on the 'Apply' button on your dashboard.
3. Section 1: Personal Details: Confirm your demographic details, home address, disability status, and school history.
4. Section 2: Household & Parent Details: Enter the names, ID numbers, and marital status of both biological parents, legal guardians, or spouse. If you are orphaned or living with a single parent, indicate this clearly.
5. Section 3: Study Details: Select the university or TVET college you have applied to or wish to attend, along with your prospective field of study.

Step 5: Upload Supporting Documents

Ensure all documents are clear photos or PDF scans under 2MB each:

• Copy of your South African Smart ID Card (both sides) or ID Book.
• Completed and signed NSFAS Consent Form (available for download directly from the portal), permitting NSFAS to verify income with SARS, UIF, and credit bureaus.
• Parent/guardian ID copies and proof of income (pay slips, 3 months bank statements, or unemployment affidavit if not working).
• If SASSA recipient: No proof of income is needed; the system automatically validates with SASSA.
• If applicant with disability: Completed Disability Annexure Form signed by a registered medical practitioner.

Step 6: Submit and Record Your Reference Number

Read the final declaration, accept the declaration checkbox, and click 'Submit Application'. An on-screen confirmation will display your unique Application Reference Number (ARN). Immediately take a screenshot or write this number down in a secure notebook.

What Does NSFAS Actually Cover?

Troubleshooting Common myNSFAS Issues