DHET Bursary Scheme 2025 | Guidelines & Application Process

The government of South Africa knows that the future of the country is in the hands of the youth; therefore, it is investing to lift up their literacy rate by providing them with a DHET Bursary, a program to financially assist students. The Department of Higher Education and Training is offering financial assistance to students who cannot afford the expenses of their universities and colleges.

This extensive bursary is supported by the NSFAS (Nation Student Financial Aid Scheme) which covers all expenses of a student from tuition fees to accommodation and transport charges. If you are struggling to cover the expenses of university and eager to study but unable to enhance your academic skills, you can apply for a DHET Bursary. Come with me to see the application process, requirements, and eligibility criteria of the DHET Bursary.

DHET Bursary is a financial assistance program for students so they can manage their expenses and focus on their studies. Currently, South Africa is considered a developing country, but the good news is that it is also considered as one of the most powerful countries in the African continent. The reason behind its power is the stability South Africa maintained after facing a list of challenges.

It is only possible because SA invested in the students, it helped aspirant engineers, doctors, developers, and policymakers to get higher education for free with the help of Bursaries like DHET. The program is only for those who cannot afford the higher education of colleges and universities.

There is a proper criteria for eligibility and the process to apply for the bursary is slightly long, so if you fall under the criteria and successfully apply, you can get financial assistance. Going back in time, the DHET Bursary was launched in 2018, the government of SA decided to subsidize the education for the students with the help of a bursary. DHET Bursary is only for public university students, later it was introduced for Technical and Vocational Education Training (TVET) colleges.

DHET Bursary Eligibility Criteria

Basically, the DHET Bursary is not for everyone because it is designed for citizens who cannot afford education expenses. Additionally, there are students from Zimbabwe, Mozambique, or Botswana, who seek asylum in South Africa and also cannot afford education. However, the DHET Bursary application is not designed for international or asylum-seeking students.

1. The student must be a citizen of South Africa.
2. The student should have a firm offer from a public university and the university must accept the student’s proposal to enroll him in the initial territory program.
3. The student with an income of R350,000 is eligible for the DHET Bursary.
4. The family income of the legal parents, guardians, or spouse is considered.
5. The family members must permit NSFAS to conduct a financial means test.

How To Apply For DHET Bursary?

The application process is a bit lengthy, so you need to spare maximum time to apply for the DHET Bursary. Additionally, there are different ways to apply for the DHET Bursary, such as you can visit the Department of Higher Education or apply online. Here is a way to apply through the webpage for the DHET Bursary.

Creating An NSFAS Account

Step 1: Tap on the link provided below and it will lead you to an NSFAS page.

Link: profprod.nsfas.org.za/register

Step 2: Fill all the bars and provide authentic details.

Step 3: Create a password, you need to remember it because it is a code you will require to log in to the account.

Step 4: Tap on the “Create Account”, once all the details are provided.

Step 5: You will receive an OTP on your email address, enter the code to the empty bar and your account has been created.

Creating NSFAS Through Application

Step 1: Download the NSFAS application 2025 from Google PlayStore.

Step 2: Open the application and tap on the “Create Account.”

Step 3: Provide all the details, such as ID number, email, etc.

Step 4: Create a password and tap on the “Register” button.

Step 5: You will receive an OTP, do not share a PIN with anyone and enter it to verify your account.

Applying For DHET Bursary

Step 1: Go to myNSFAS, and enter the details to log in.

Step 2: Click on the “Apply” button and answer all the provided questions.

Step 3: It will ask you to upload the necessary documents, such as your ID Number, certificate of university, admission form, etc.

Step 4: Upload all the authentic documents. If you try to manipulate the department, it will reject your application and take a legal account against you.

Step 5: You will receive an application reference number on the screen.

Required Document For NSFAS

1. NSFAS demands your cell phone number and email address.
2. Upload a copy of your ID or birth certificate.
3. NSFAS demands an ID copy of your parents, guardians, or spouse.
4. NSFAS demands your 1-year income record.
5. Upload a record of your parents, guardian, or spouse’s income for a year.
6. The physically disabled applicant must submit the Disability Annexure A Form.

Contact Details of NSFAS & DHET

NSFAS Contact Details

Phone Number: 0800 067 327

Email: [email protected]

SMS: 32261

DHET Contact Details

Phone Number: 0800 87 2222

Email: [email protected]

What Expenses Does DHET Bursary Covers?

DHET Bursary was designed to subsidize the educational expenses of the students. In the beginning, it played a significant role in decreasing student fees, but after the 5-year phase, the government changed its policies. Currently, students who enroll for the DHET Bursary do not need to pay their tuition fees and registration charges.

1. Tuition Fee: All the expenses related to the fees such as the admission fee, the semester fee, and other charges are given by the DHET.
2. Accommodation: DHET Bursary provides accommodation to students who travel from one city to another in order to attend college.
3. Living Allowances: The students not only get accommodation and free education, but they also receive an amount from the Department of Higher Education.
4. Transport Expenses: The students also receive transport expenses, or free transport from the university.
5. Personal Care Allowances: In case a student faces health issues, he can also get a personal care allowance from the Higher Education Department.

• Bursary Name: DHET Bursary
• Bursary Closing Date: The closing date is according to each province.
• Bursary Application link: my.nsfas.org.za/
• Bursary Sponsor: Government
• Funded item: Tuition fee, accommodation, personal care allowances.

DHET Bursary is the hope for the students who cannot afford the education expenses. It is a way to get education for free and liberate the student from the problems of managing the tuition fee, accommodation expenses, and transportation fare. If you want to apply for the DHET Bursary, you can follow the steps I have mentioned above, I hope this information will help you in the future.