NSFAS Application 2026-2027

NSFAS Application 2026-2027

NSFAS Application 2026-2027

How to Apply for NSFAS Online 2026-2027:

The NSFAS Application for 2026-2027 is now open to all eligible South African students who require financial assistance to pursue their studies at public universities and TVET colleges. The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) helps students from low and middle-income households by covering the cost of tuition, registration, learning materials, accommodation, transport, and living expenses. This life-changing bursary gives thousands of young South Africans the opportunity to study without worrying about financial barriers.

For the 2026-2027 academic year, NSFAS applications officially opened and will close on 15 November 2025. Applicants are encouraged to apply early to avoid missing the deadline. To qualify, you must be a South African citizen or permanent resident with a combined household income of R350 000 or less per year. Students living with disabilities qualify if their household income is R600 000 or less per year.

Applying for NSFAS funding is quick and easy. All you need to do is visit the official NSFAS website at www.nsfas.org.za, create a myNSFAS profile, fill in the required details, upload the necessary documents, and submit your application online. However, NSFAS does not fund students studying at private institutions or those who already hold an undergraduate or certificate qualification. Make sure your course is approved by the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) and accredited by SAQA before applying.

NSFAS Application Date For 2026-2027

  • NSFAS 2026 applications are now open and will close on 15 November 2025.

What NSFAS Covers For Students In 2026/2027

NSFAS funding provides financial support for:

  • Registration fees
  • Tuition and learning materials
  • Living allowance
  • Personal care allowance
  • Transport or accommodation costs

Who Qualifies for NSFAS Funding In 2026/2027

If you are planning to apply for the NSFAS Application 2026-2027, it is important to know who qualifies for financial support. NSFAS aims to assist students from disadvantaged backgrounds to access higher education opportunities without financial stress.

You may qualify for NSFAS funding if you meet the following requirements:

  • All South African citizens who plan to study at a public university or TVET college.
  • All SASSA grant recipients automatically qualify for NSFAS funding.
  • Applicants with a combined household income of R350 000 or less per year.
  • Persons living with disabilities whose combined household income does not exceed R600 000 per year.
  • Students who started their studies before 2018 and have a combined household income of R122 000 or less per year.

These criteria ensure that financial aid reaches students who truly need it. If you meet the above qualifications, you can apply through the NSFAS online portal by creating a myNSFAS profile and submitting your details before the closing date.

Who Cannot Apply for NSFAS in 2026/2027

You are not eligible to apply if:

  • You already receive 100% study funding from non-NSFAS sources.
  • You have completed an undergraduate qualification and want to study another undergraduate degree.
  • You have completed a certificate qualification and wish to study for a second certificate.
  • You are studying at a private institution.
  • You are enrolled in a course that is not approved by DHET or accredited by SAQA.

NSFAS Application General Instructions for 2026-2027

Below are the NSFAS Application instructions for applying to the 2026-2027 academic year:

  • Before filling out the application form, please read the following notes carefully. Make sure that you read all of the sections and that the information you give is correct.
  • All applicants should write his/her identity (ID) number in the top right-hand corner of all the pages of the application form and on every page of all supporting documents
  • If you submit application forms without ALL the required supporting documents, your application will not be processed by NSFAS.
  • The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) will process only the first application that will be received. Please, nobody is allowed to submit more than one application unless NSFAS requests you to do so.
  • Your cellphone number or email address will be required by NSFAS to reach you during the application process. If you know you don’t have an email address, it is very necessary to create a free email account on Google at www.gmail.com, on Yahoo at www.yahoo.com, or any other free email service.
  • NSFAS will use the cellphone number you provided on the application form to make payment for some of your student allowances by cellphone voucher in case your application is successful.
  • If you don’t have a bank account, you need to open a bank account at any nearby bank, such as Postbank, ABSA, Capitec, FNB, Standard Bank, Nedbank, or others. Some student allowances will be paid into your bank account.

The closing date for submitting all applications and other completed supporting documents for students who are already studying at a university or FET college, but who are applying for NSFAS financial aid for the first time, is 15 December for the following academic year.

Read Also: NSFAS Requirements for 2024

NSFAS Required Supporting Documents for 2025-2026 Application

If you want your application to be processed by NSFAS, please make sure you complete all sections of the application form and attach all the required supporting documents. Below are the needed documents:

  • Certified copy of your Identity Document
  • You must submit a certified copy of your birth certificate
  • Certified copy of the Identity Document of each household member, including parents or legal guardian
  • If your parents are divorced, please provide a certified copy of the divorce decree
  • If you are a SASSA grant recipient, no proof of income will be required
  • Applicants with a disability must submit a completed and signed Disability Annexure A Form
  • An applicant who is recognized as a Vulnerable Child by the Department of Social Development must provide a completed and signed Vulnerable Child Declaration and Consent Form.

How to Apply Online for NSFAS Funding Bursary 2026-2027

The NSFAS Online Application for 2026 is very simple, easy, and accurate. To apply online, follow the steps below:

  • Go to www.nsfas.org.za online and apply for 2026
  • Then, click on the ‘myNSFAS’ tab.
  • Create a myNSFAS account
  • After that, click on the ‘APPLY’ tab
  • Complete the sections on the screen
  • Upload the needed supporting documents where applicable
  • Click on the “Submit” button to finish the application

How to Update NSFAS Cellphone Number

Students who want to change their contact details must follow the process below:

  • Login to my.nsfas.org.za
  • On the already registered tab
  • Enter your username and Password. Click on the sign-in button
  • Click on my details
  • Go to the cell phone number section
  • Delete and remove, and type in the new cellphone number. Click on update details
  • OTP will be sent to your new number
  • Enter OTP and submit

TVET Colleges NSFAS Application Dates for Trimester 2, Semester 2, and Trimester 3 of 2026-2027

  • TVET Colleges NSFAS Application for Trimester 2 of 2023: 5 May 2026 to 22 May 2026
  • TVET Colleges NSFAS Application for Second 2 Semester of 2026: 17 July 2026 to 31 July 2026
  • TVET Colleges NSFAS Application for Trimester 3 of 2026: 4 September 2026 to 20 September 2026

TVET Colleges NSFAS Requirements 2026-2027

All applicants who wish to study at any of the TVET Colleges in South Africa must have the following NSFAS requirements for the 2026-2027 academic year

  • Be a South African citizen
  • Be enrolled or planning to enrol in a TVET college
  • Have passed Grade 9 or higher for diploma and certificate programmes
  • Have not received NSFAS funding for another qualification
  • Demonstrate financial need (combined annual household income must be below R350,000)

How to Apply for NSFAS Funding at TVET Colleges 2026-2027

Once you’ve determined your eligibility, follow these steps to apply for NSFAS funding 2026 at your chosen TVET college:

  • Visit the NSFAS website at www.nsfas.org.za
  • Create an account if you haven’t already.
  • Log in to your account and click on the “Apply” tab.
  • Complete the online application form with your details
  • Submit the required supporting documents (certified copies of your ID, academic transcripts, and proof of household income).
  • Review your application and ensure all details are correct before submitting it.

PLEASE NOTE: Keep track of your application status by regularly logging in to your NSFAS account.

Contact Details Of NSFAS

For general and student enquiries:

For all other queries regarding students:

  • Tel No.: 08000 67327
  • Email: info@nsfas.org.za

Physical Address (Head Office):

  • The Halyard, 4 Christiaan Barnard St, Cape Town City Centre, Cape Town, 8001

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