If you are planning to study in 2026/2027 and wondering are NSFAS applications still open?, the good news is that the application window for the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) is now active and open for eligible South African students. For the 2026 intake, NSFAS has announced that the online application portal is live, offering prospective students the opportunity to apply for funding to study at public universities and TVET colleges.

It is significant to act quickly, though, NSFAS applications usually follow a strict timeline each academic year, opening around September and closing by mid-November or at the end of the year. Before you submit, check that you meet the eligibility criteria such as being a South African citizen or permanent resident, having a combined household income below the threshold, and applying for a qualifying programme.

Applying early also gives you time to gather all required documents, create your myNSFAS profile, and avoid technical glitches or missing the deadline. Late applications are usually not accepted, so if you plan to study in 2026/2027, make sure your NSFAS application is submitted well before the deadline. With funding becoming increasingly competitive, staying ahead, meeting eligibility, and applying as soon as the portal opens are key steps to securing your financial aid through NSFAS.

Are Nsfas Still Open For 2026/2027While specific dates may vary from year to year, the NSFAS application process generally follows a consistent timeline:

Nsfas Application Date Open 2026/2027

• The application period for NSFAS funding for the 2026/2027 academic year opens in the last quarter of the year which is from September 2025.

Nsfas Application Deadline For 2026/2027:

• The application window for Nsfas 2026 closes in November, basically on the 15th of November 2026, giving prospective students ample time to gather the necessary documentation and complete their application.

Read: When Nsfas Is Closing 2026/2027

Nsfas Application Review Date 2026/2027

• NSFAS reviews and processes applications from January to February.
• During this period, applicants may be asked to submit additional information or documents.

Funding approval Date and communication:

• Successful applicants are notified of their funding approval between February and April. Unsuccessful applicants are also informed and may be provided with reasons for the decline.

Appeals process Date :

• Students who believe their application was unfairly declined can submit an appeal to NSFAS within the specified time frame, usually within a month of receiving the decline notification.

Who Is Eligible When Nsfas Are Still Open For 2026/2027

To be eligible to apply for Nsfas in 2026, you must be:

• All South African citizens
• All SASSA grant recipients qualify for funding
• Applicants whose combined household income is not more than R350 000 per annum
• A person with disability: Combined household income must not be more than R600 000 per annum
• Students who started studying before 2018 and whose household income is not more than R122 000 per annum.

Requirements Needed When Nsfas Are Still Open For 2026/2027

Before starting the application process, ensure that you have the following documents:

• Certified copy of your South African ID or birth certificate.
• Certified copies of your parent(s) or guardian(s) ID.
• Proof of income for your parent(s) or guardian(s).
• Your latest academic records.
• Consent form signed by your parent(s) or guardian(s) for NSFAS to verify income.