University of Cape Town NSFAS Application 2025/2026
University of Cape Town NSFAS Application 2025/2026 – NSFAS & UCT Financial Assistance
As of 1 August 2016, the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) opened its student-centred application model. First-time applications for financial aid, as well as funding renewal for those students who are already recipients of NSFAS funding, will be handled centrally via NSFAS. Although applicants may have applied to multiple institutions for admission to study, only one financial aid application directly to NSFAS will be required.
University of Cape Town Fees 2025/2026
In December 2017, the President announced an increase in the NSFAS financial eligibility criteria for first time entering students (FTENS) effective from 2018. The gross income cut-off is R350 000 gross family income pa. The financial eligibility for current students remains unchanged. The funding provision from NSFAS changes from a loan to a grant effective from 2018.
Note: Any students that was a first-time entering student prior to 2018, will still be evaluated by NSFAS on the previous financial eligibility cut-off of R122 000 gross family income per annum.
All students and learners who need financial assistance should apply to NSFAS through the NSFAS Online Application system.
UCT has additional funding programmes to assist students. UCT co-funds NSFAS financial aid students and offers a funding programme – GAP funding – for those not eligible for NSFAS. We do not require a separate application to determine eligibility for funding from UCT as we will receive directly from NSFAS the information we require in order to determine your eligibility for UCT funding programmes. Kindly read the detailed information provided on all UCT’s financial assistance programmes and the general rules and policies that apply (see columns on the left).
The process for the various NSFAS categories of application is outlined below:
For all first-time student applicants
All learners (potential first year students) applying to study next year are required to apply directly to NSFAS. Applications normally open from 1 September annually and close on 30 November the year before your admission and registration as a student. Please apply early to ensure that you have the necessary documentation to submit the application.
For all currently registered students (at any institution) already funded by NSFAS
Academic eligibility renewal criteria will be applied to check eligibility for renewal, and you will be informed of whether you still meet the requirements for continued funding.
For currently registered students intending to apply for NSFAS funding for the first time
Students not currently funded by NSFAS, or who are on a government-funded bursary programme, may apply for funding, if they require financial aid in the next academic year. For students in this category, applications normally open on 1 September annually and close 30 November.
If you think that your current funder may not renew your funding, you are encouraged to submit a NSFAS application before the closing date.
Late applications
Applications will not be accepted after the closing date and it is therefore important that you get your application in on time. Late applications will not be considered. Applications open and close the year prior to your registration year.
How and where to apply
Go to the NSFAS website to register and proceed to complete your online application:
The NSFAS contact details are outlined below should you require assistance or visit your closest tertiary institution’s Financial Aid Office for further assistance.
Toll free Number: 0860 0067 327
Email: Info@NSFAS.org.za
We encourage applicants to print a copy of their NSFAS online application and keep a record of all supporting documents, in case they are required later. Also check your email account regularly for correspondence from NSFAS and UCT.
NB. All applicants that apply online to NSFAS must make sure that they receive an application reference number after the application is submitted. Your application has not submitted successfully if you do not receive an application reference number