A method for generating network function (NF) set load information aware NF discovery responses includes, at an NF repository function (NRF), receiving NFUpdate messages from producer NF instances. The method further includes collecting or generating, from the NFUpdate messages, NF set load information for NF sets of which the producer NF instances are members. The method further includes receiving, from a consumer NF, an NF discovery request. The method further includes generating, using query parameters in the NF discovery request, an NF discovery response including NF profiles of producer NF instances corresponding to the query and, including, in the NF discovery response, NF set load information for NF sets of producer NF instances whose NF profiles are included in the NF discovery response. The method further includes forwarding the NF discovery response including the NF set load information to the consumer NF.