Do Returning Students Apply For NSFAS 2025-2026

When it comes to funding higher education in South Africa, The National Student Financial Aid Scheme plays a significant role by offering financial help or assistance to good applicants or students. Many returning students will be wondering whether they need to reapply for NSFAS funding or if their previous application automatically covers them for the new academic year.

A common question among returning students is whether they must reapply for financial aid through the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) for the following academic year. You may be sure that students attending any of the 26 public universities and 50 TVET colleges will have equal access to financing because the NSFAS process is the same for new and returning students. If you’re a returning student hoping to get funding for your studies in 2025-2026, here’s what you should know about the NSFAS application procedure.

Knowing NSFAS for Students Who Are Returning

When a returning student was funded the previous academic year, NSFAS frequently offers automatic renewal. That being said, you might not have to reapply if you satisfy specific requirements. Often, receiving money is based upon completing coursework, earning a specified amount of credits, and keeping a predetermined GPA.

Do returning students have to apply for NSFAS again?

Students who go via the NSFAS-funded academic pathway and return to the university must reapply and fulfil the conditions for ongoing student academic eligibility. Students must reapply for financing if they transfer from one type of institution to another (e.g., from TVET College to University or vice versa).

NSFAS Refunds for Students Who Return

It is not required to reapply for NSFAS funding every year once you have received approval. As long as you maintain your financial need and complete the academic standards, the financing is automatically extended annually. You won’t have to reapply for NSFAS 2025 funding if you were a beneficiary in 2025 and intend to continue your studies in 2025.

Qualifications for Students Returning to the NSFAS

For both university and TVET college attendance, returning students need to fulfil the following NSFAS requirements:

Certified copy of identification documents (ID) or birth certificate
Valid cell phone number
Functional email address
Eligibility for SASSA grants
Combined household income not exceeding R350,000 per annum
A disabled individual whose combined household income is below R600,000 should submit a
signed Disability Annexure Form

NSFAS Application Procedure for Returning Students 2025

Follow the process below to apply online for the NSFAS bursaries for 2025-2026:

Create a profile: Use this link to register for a myNSFAS account: https://my.nsfas.org.za/ or get the NSFAS App from the App Store or Google Play. Your username will be your ID number.
Apply now: To amend your personal information and upload the supporting documents for your application, click the “Apply” option.
Complete: Submit your application

Checking Your NSFAS Application Status

For those eager to track the progress of their NSFAS application, here’s a simple method: