NSFAS Required Documents Needed (2023)

The NSFAS programme is the most popular thing at the moment among students right now, as the applications become open, there will be a rush of applications as eligible students do not want to miss out on this great opportunity to get the funding they need. But one thing that reoccurs is that a lot of students rush in to register, without even knowing what documents they need to have.

However, for your application to be approved and funded by NSFAS, you will need to submit certain documents. These documents when provided according to directions, validate your application, confirm your identity, and confirm that you really are in need of funding.

Before you set off to register and apply for the NSFAS bursary you need to know what documents you need, and in what order. You should also know why you are submitting these documents and their benefits. Read the paragraphs below for clarification.

NSFAS Required Documents Needed To Apply For All Applicants

List of the Documents you need to Submit when Applying for NSFAS Funding:

Copy of your ID

Proof of income of guardian:

Consent Form

Proof of income

Disability Annexure A

A completed and signed Vulnerable Child Declaration

Retrenchment letter

Death certificate/s

Divorce decree

NSFAS Required Document For All Applicants:

Full details on all you need to upload the following documents to complete your NSFAS application.

• Copy of your ID

The NSFAS programme requires you to provide copies of your Identity Documents. Preferably this should be your National Identity Number (provisional and validated copies should be provided). Alternatively you could provide your birth certificate.

The NSFAS programme also requires you to provide copies of your parent’s identity documents. This is necessary to prove your identity as well. Please ensure that you have consent from the parent(s), guardian, or spouse to submit their personal information. This will give your application validation and verification. 

• If the applicant is dependent on their parents, guardian, or spouse: 
• ID documents of parent(s), guardian, or spouse
• This proves that the guardian is aware of your request for funding.
• Proof of income of guardian:

The NSFAS programme requires you to prove that you are really in need of funding by providing copies of your guardian’s payslip or appointment letter as applicable. The payslip should show that the guardian earns below the threshold of R350 000 per annum.

• Consent Form:

Apart from proving the identity documents of parents and guardians, the student must also download and fill out a consent form filled by their parents or guardians. This shows that they do not object to the applicant’s decision to seek funding for his education.  

If the applicant is self-sufficient, earning their own money they must provide:

• Proof of income 

This should be a recent payslip (3 months or less) or an appointment letter. The payslip or appointment letter should be in the name of the applicant.

• 1 year’s IRP5 form

This is necessary to overcome some legal hurdles regarding the NSFAS. Please ensure that the document is clear and legible.

If the applicant has a disability, the required documents are:

A completed and signed Disability Annexure A. this document greatly increases an applicant’s chances of receiving funding. If an applicant provides this document he may receive funding even if his guardians earn above the threshold of R350 000 per annum.

If the applicant is Orphaned or a Vulnerable Child, they must provide:

• A completed and signed Vulnerable Child Declaration

This document is to be signed by a Social Worker, preferably one who has worked with the applicant, and who knows the child’s history. After signing the document, the Social Worker may follow it up at the  Isibindi Center, or NYDA office.

• A completed and signed Consent Form

An orphaned child may request that his consent form, which should be filled out by his parents or guardians, should be filled out by a social worker. This validates your application and increases your chances of getting funding. The programme is partial to orphaned and disabled applicants.  

Other documents required, if applicable:

• Retrenchment letter

If applicable, a retrenchment letter in the name of the applicant’s parents, guardians, spouse, or the applicant’s own name, shows that the applicant does not have any source of income at the moment, and so needs the NSFAS funding.

• Death certificate/s

If the applicant’s parents or guardians have died, then it is necessary to provide the parent’s death certificate of their parents. They may also need to provide death certificates to prove that they are orphaned.

• Divorce decree

The Divorce Decree is necessary to prove that the applicant does not have a steady family, and is, therefore, a vulnerable child. This may also be necessary for applicants who were once married but have separated from their spouses.

• If you are a SASSA recipient:

If you are a SASSA recipient then you do not need to provide any proof of income. The SASSA is not considered a productive source of income. You are eligible to receive NSFAS funding as a SASSA recipient.

Related:

• Who Qualifies for NSFAS Bursary
• NSFAS Contact Details
• List Of All Bursaries In South Africa

Conclusion:

To be eligible for NSFAS funding the applicant must be a South African citizen and must come from a family with a combined annual household income that is less than R350 000 per annum. For students with a disability, the combined annual household income may be as high as R600 000 per annum.

Please ensure that all documents provided are clear and legible. Ensure that the documents are in the proper name and that there are no discrepancies between the information you have filled in and the names on the documents you have provided.