Who Does Nsfas Fund 2026/2027

Who Does Nsfas Fund 2026/2027

How Much Is Nsfas Money 2026/2027

Are you planning to study at a public university or TVET college in South Africa and wondering who NSFAS funds for 2026/2027? The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) is a government initiative under the Department of Higher Education and Training that provides bursaries to students from low-income and working-class families. Its main goal is to ensure that financial challenges do not prevent deserving students from accessing higher education.

For the 2026/2027 academic year, NSFAS funding is available to South African citizens who plan to study or are already studying at a public university or TVET college. To qualify, your combined household income must not exceed R350,000 per year, while students living with disabilities qualify if their household income is below R600,000 per year. In addition, SASSA grant recipients automatically qualify for NSFAS funding, as the scheme prioritizes students from financially disadvantaged backgrounds.

NSFAS covers key study-related expenses, including tuition fees, accommodation, transport, living allowances, and learning materials, according to the latest guidelines from the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET). This ensures that every funded student can focus on their studies without worrying about financial stress.

Students who began studying before 2018 and have a household income under R122,000 per year may also qualify under the older NSFAS funding model. By supporting thousands of students across the country, NSFAS continues to play a vital role in promoting access to education and equal opportunity.

Nsfas 2026/2027 Online Application Date

• The online application for the NSFAS 2026/2027 academic year opens from September 2025, and the application will close on the 15th of November 2025.
• Applicants are to submit their applications on time to meet the application deadline because applications that are submitted after the online application deadline will not be processed.

Read: How Do I Apply For NSFAS 2026/2027

Who Does Nsfas Fund In 2026/2027

To apply for NSFAS funding, applicants must meet the following criteria:

• 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 2020 and whose household income is not more than R122 000 per annum.

Who Is Not Eligible To Be Funded By NSFAS In 2026/2027

The following people are not allowed to apply for NSFAS:

• Students who have completed a previous qualification.
• Students with a combined household income of more than R350 000 per annum.
• Students who have already applied, qualified, and received funding. They are automatically funded for the duration of their studies, provided they pass their modules and meet the academic requirements.

Nsfas Application Documents 2026/2027

When submitting an online NSFAS application, it is essential to provide the required supporting documents to ensure a smooth application process and increase the chances of receiving funding. Below is a list of supporting documents that you may need to submit during the online NSFAS application:

• South African ID document/card or unabridged birth certificate:

A certified copy of the applicant’s ID or birth certificate to confirm their South African citizenship.

• ID documents/cards of parents/guardian/spouse:

Certified copies of the ID documents or cards for the applicant’s parents, guardian, or spouse to verify their identities.

• Proof of income for parents/guardian/spouse:

Recent payslips, pension slips, or affidavits if self-employed for the applicant’s parents, guardian, or spouse confirm the household income.

• Proof of residence:

A recent utility bill, rental statement, or affidavit confirming the applicant’s home address.

• Signed consent form:

A completed and signed consent form, which allows NSFAS to verify the applicant’s and their family’s income with the South African Revenue Service (SARS).

• Academic records:

For applicants who have already completed Grade 12, a certified copy of their final Grade 12 results or National Senior Certificate (NSC). For applicants currently in Grade 12, a certified copy of their latest school results.

• Proof of admission:

A copy of the acceptance letter or proof of registration from the public university or TVET college where the applicant has been admitted or is applying for admission.

• Students with disabilities:

A completed and signed Disability Annexure A form, along with any relevant medical records or supporting documents.

• Other relevant documents:

Additional documentation may be required depending on the applicant’s specific circumstances, such as proof of NSFAS-approved allowances, retrenchment letters, or death certificates for deceased parents.