Do Returning Students Apply For NSFAS 2025

NSFSA Application Form, Do Returning Students Apply For NSFAS 2025

The NSFAS is a bursary scheme funded by the Department of Higher Education and Training for South African students who face difficulty in financing higher education. The scheme provides essential support to such students.  It covers expenses like tuition, accommodation, meals, study materials and many others. Are you a returning student, and wondering if you have to re-apply for NSFAS again as you return to campus?

READ ALSO: Will NSFAS Money Increase In 2025-2026

NSFAS Funding for Returning Students 2025-2026

Once you’ve been approved for NSFAS funding, the beneficiary doesn’t have to apply again every year, the scheme is designed in a way that it automatically renews itself annually as long as you meet the academic requirements. Therefore, if you were a beneficiary of NSFAS in 2024 and plan to continue your studies in 2025, you won’t need to reapply for the NSFAS 2025 funding.

List Of NSFAS 2025 Allowance

UNIVERSITY

• Accommodation; As per the actual costs charged by the university (costs for private accommodation must not exceed costs for university residence)
• Transport (up to 40 km from the institution) R7 500 per annum
• Living allowance R15, 000 per annum
• Book allowances R5200 per annum
• Incidental/personal care allowance of R2900 per annum for students in catered residences

TVET College

• Accommodation in an urban area is R24,000 per annum
• Accommodation in a peri-urban area is R18,900 per annum
• Accommodation in a rural area is R15,750 per annum
• Transport (up to 40 km from the institution) R7,350 per annum
• Transport R7000 per annum
• Incidental/personal care allowance R2900 per annum

When Are NSFAS Payment Dates 2025

The exact dates on which approved funds are disbursed to NSFAS beneficiaries. include the following.

First Semester NSFAS Payment Date:

Cycle 1 – All Campuses 26 February 2025
Cycle 2 – All Campuses 06 March 2025
Cycle 3 – All Campuses 22 April 2025
Cycle 4 – All Campuses 20 May 2025
Cycle 5 – All Campuses Monday 17 June 2025

Second Semester NSFAS Payment Date

Cycle 6 – Medical School 01 July 2025
Cycle 6 – All Other Campuses 08 July 2025
Cycle 7 – All Campuses 05 August 2025
Cycle 8 – All Campuses 02 September 2025
Cycle 9 – All Campuses 07 October 2025
Cycle 10 – All Campuses (Final payment for 2025) 04 November 2025

How To Maintaining Your NSFAS Funding 2025-2026

Here are some key things to keep in mind if you wish to stay on the scheme

• Academic Progress: NSFAS requires students to pass at least 50% of their modules each year. Failure to meet this requirement could result in the loss of your NSFAS funding.
• Update Your Information: If there are significant changes in your academic or personal circumstances, you should update this information on the myNSFAS portal.
• Check Your Status: Regularly log into your myNSFAS account to check your status and make sure everything is in order. Exceptions to the Rule For NSFAS 2025-2026
• There are certain situations where a returning student might need to reapply for NSFAS. These include:
• Gap Year: If you took a gap year or paused your studies, you’ll need to reapply when you return to your studies.
• Change of Institution: If you’re changing institutions, you should reapply, as NSFAS needs to re-evaluate your funding based on the fees of your new institution.

READ ALSO: NSFAS Appeal For 2025-2026

NSFAS Contact Information

Website: www.nsfas.org.za

Email: info@nsfas.org.za

South African students: 0860 067 327

International students: +27 21 763 3232

Physical Address: 10 Brodie Road, Wynberg, Cape Town, South Africa, 7700

Postal Address: Private Bag X1, Plumstead, Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa, 7801

For more details visit the official website. I hope the provided information is helpful, kindly leave your comment below.