NSFAS August 2025 Bursary – The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) has long been a lifeline for underprivileged South African students striving for higher education. However, a new twist in the tale has caught thousands off guard. The Department of Higher Education and NSFAS jointly announced major changes to the bursary eligibility rules for the August 2025 cycle — a move that could potentially disqualify tens of thousands of current and aspiring university students. These changes, aimed at increasing accountability and ensuring that only truly deserving students benefit, come after reports of misuse, over-allocation, and duplicate applications in previous years. While the new framework seeks to create a fairer system, it also means that students and parents must now be extremely cautious and aware of the latest conditions. Whether you’re a continuing student, a first-time applicant, or a returning NSFAS recipient, this update could drastically affect your funding status. Here’s everything you need to know.
New NSFAS Eligibility Rules for August 2025
In August 2025, NSFAS introduced a new set of eligibility conditions that all students must meet. These rules are stricter and aim to improve fund management.
Key Highlights:
- Annual household income cap lowered from R350,000 to R300,000
- Academic progression criteria revised from 50% pass to 65% pass rate
- No funding for repeat subjects unless proven with valid academic reason
- Verification of disability status with official medical assessment
- Funding capped at N+1 rule strictly enforced
- No support for students pursuing second degrees or diplomas
- Compulsory parental/guardian affidavit for dependent students
- SA citizenship with verified ID is now strictly required
Comparison Table: Old vs New Eligibility Rules
| Criteria | Old Rule | New Rule (August 2025) |
|---|---|---|
| Income Threshold | R350,000/year | R300,000/year |
| Academic Requirement | 50% Pass Rate | 65% Pass Rate |
| Repeat Subject Coverage | Allowed | Restricted (needs valid justification) |
| Disability Support | Basic self-declaration | Requires Medical Board Verification |
| Citizenship Requirement | South African ID | Strict Home Affairs Validation |
| Age Limit | None | Students must be under 35 years |
| N+ Rule | Flexible | N+1 Rule strictly enforced |
| Second Degree/Diploma Funding | Allowed for some | Strictly Not Allowed |
Who Will Be Affected by These New Rules?
The new NSFAS policy has a significant impact on a wide range of students. The most vulnerable are those who barely met the old requirements.
Groups Most Likely to Be Disqualified:
- Students from households earning between R300,000 and R350,000
- Students with borderline pass marks below 65%
- Applicants using outdated or unverifiable documents
- Repeaters who failed without valid reasons
- Older students above 35 applying for undergrad degrees
- Students trying to apply for a second qualification
What Should Students Do Right Now?
Students need to act quickly to safeguard their bursary applications and prevent immediate disqualification.
Immediate Actions:
- Verify income with a certified affidavit and payslips
- Improve academic performance by August exams
- Get medical verification if applying under disability
- Update all personal documents on NSFAS portal
- Avoid applying if already funded for another degree
Step-by-Step Guide to NSFAS Application (With 2025 Changes)
With the new rules, NSFAS applications now require more documentation and validation.
Updated NSFAS Application Process:
- Visit the official NSFAS website (www.nsfas.org.za)
- Register or log in to the myNSFAS portal
- Fill in accurate personal, academic, and household details
- Upload certified copies of:
- ID documents
- Proof of income (affidavits, payslips, SASSA slips)
- Academic transcripts or latest results
- Disability medical assessment (if applicable)
- Submit the application and download confirmation receipt
- Wait for application status updates via SMS or email
Important Documents Required (Checklist)
All students must prepare these documents before the application deadline.
- Valid South African ID (not expired)
- Recent academic records (with institution’s stamp)
- Certified proof of income (3-month bank statements)
- Guardian/parent affidavit (if financially dependent)
- Medical report (for students with disability)
- SASSA letter (if applicable)
Application Timeline for August 2025 Intake
| Phase | Dates |
|---|---|
| Application Opens | 1 August 2025 |
| Deadline for Submissions | 31 August 2025 |
| Preliminary Shortlisting | 15 September 2025 |
| Final Approvals | 30 September 2025 |
| First Payouts | 15 October 2025 |
Appeals and Exceptions – Can Disqualified Students Reapply?
While the new rules are strict, NSFAS has created a limited appeal mechanism for students who believe they were unfairly disqualified.
How to Appeal:
- Visit the NSFAS website > myNSFAS > Appeals section
- Upload supporting documents (e.g., new income proof, updated results)
- Write a clear motivation letter explaining your case
- Await review and final decision within 21 working days
The new NSFAS eligibility rules for August 2025 might seem harsh, but they are intended to direct limited resources toward the most deserving students. However, without awareness and quick action, thousands may lose their only hope of higher education funding. Stay informed, prepare in advance, and don’t miss the key deadlines.
FAQs of NSFAS August 2025 Bursary
Q1. What is the new income threshold for NSFAS August 2025?
A1. The new income limit is R300,000 per year per household.
Q2. Can I apply for NSFAS if I failed some subjects last year?
A2. Only if you maintained at least a 65% pass rate and have valid academic justification.
Q3. What is the N+1 rule?
A3. It means NSFAS will only fund the standard duration of your course plus one extra year.
Q4. Is there any age limit for new applicants?
A4. Yes, new applicants must be under 35 years of age.
Q5. Can I appeal if I am rejected by NSFAS?
A5. Yes, you can appeal through the myNSFAS portal with proper documents and a motivation letter.
