First-time applications for financial aid, as well as funding renewal for those students who are already recipients of NSFAS funding, are handled centrally via NSFAS. While applicants may have applied to multiple institutions for admission to study, only one financial aid application linked directly to NSFAS will be required.
As of the 2018 academic year, an increase in the NSFAS financial eligibility criteria for first time entering students (FTENS) came into effect.
Changing from a loan to a grant, while the gross income cut-off is set at R350 000 per family income per annum, the financial eligibility for current students remains unchanged.
All students and learners who need financial assistance are encouraged to apply to NSFAS through the NSFAS Online Application system.