The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) is a government-backed initiative in South Africa, designed to offer financial assistance to underprivileged students seeking higher education at public universities and TVET colleges. Each academic year features a specific timeframe for NSFAS funding applications, and aspiring students need to stay aware of these dates and deadlines to optimise their chances of obtaining financial support. This article will outline the standard NSFAS application schedule and offer advice on keeping track of the application status for the 2026/2027 academic year. The application period for NSFAS funding for the 2026/2027 academic year opens in the last quarter of the year, which is from the 1st of september 2025. The application window for Nsfas 2026 closes in January, basically on the 1st of January 2026. NSFAS gives prospective students ample time to gather the necessary documentation and complete their application.

Are Nsfas 2026/2027 Applications Open

While specific dates may vary from year to year, the NSFAS application process generally follows a consistent timeline:

Nsfas Applications 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 the 1st of september 2025.

Nsfas Applications Deadline For 2026/2027

• The application window for Nsfas 2026 closes in January, basically on the 1st of January 2026. NSFAS gives prospective students ample time to gather the necessary documentation and complete their application.

Read: Nsfas January Application Status 2026/2027

Nsfas Application Review 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 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 Open For 2026/2027 Applications

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 Open For 2026/2027 Applications

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.