Who Qualifies For NSFAS 2026/2027

Who Qualifies For NSFAS 2026/2027

NSFAS (National Student Financial Aid Scheme) Eligibility 2026/2027

The NSFAS 2026/2027 funding is designed to support South African students from low and middle-income families who want to study at public universities and TVET colleges. The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) offers bursaries to ensure that financial challenges do not prevent deserving students from accessing higher education. Applications for the 2026/2027 academic year are open and will close on 15 November 2025, giving students enough time to check if they meet the qualifying requirements before applying.

To qualify for NSFAS 2026/2027, you must be a South African citizen or permanent resident with a valid ID number. Your total combined household income should not exceed R350,000 per year. For students living with disabilities, the income limit is increased to R600,000 per year. You must also be accepted or planning to study at a public university or TVET college in South Africa. NSFAS does not fund students studying at private institutions.

Students who have already received a qualification or are fully funded by another bursary are not eligible for NSFAS. However, those who meet the financial and academic requirements can receive full funding that covers registration, tuition fees, learning materials, accommodation, transport, living allowance, and personal care.

Understanding who qualifies for NSFAS 2026/2027 is important for students who need financial help to pursue their studies. Meeting all eligibility requirements and submitting the correct documents before the deadline ensures a smooth application process and increases the chance of getting approved for funding.

Nsfas Online Application Open And Closing Date For 2026/2027

If you wish to study or are already studying at a public university or TVET college and come from a family with an income of R350,000 or less, then apply for NSFAS.

• Nsfas will be opening its online application window for the 2026/2027 academic year from September, and the online application will be closing on the 15th of  November 2026.

Read ALSO: Nsfas website

Who Qualifies For NSFAS 2026/2027

To be eligible 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 a 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.

Requirements Needed To Apply For NSFAS 2026/2027

The following are supporting documents needed when applying for NSFAS for the 2026/2027 academic year:

• Provide your own cellphone number and email address
• You must have a copy of your ID or birth certificate
• National ID copies of parents, guardians, or spouses
• The evidence of your income or 1 year’s IRP5, if necessary
• The proof of income of your parents, guardian, or spouse.
• If you are a SASSA grant recipient, you don’t need to provide any evidence of income.
• All Applicants with a disability should provide and submit a completed and signed Disability Annexure A Form
• An applicant who is known as a Vulnerable Child by the Department of Social Development should also provide a completed and signed
• Vulnerable Child Declaration and Consent Form.

What Does The Bursary Cover For Students 2026/2027

The NSFAS bursary covers the following:

University Students:

• Accommodation
  As per the actual costs charged by the university (costs for private accommodation must not exceed costs for university residence)
• Transport (up to 40 km from institution) R7 500  per annum
• Living allowance R15, 000  per annum
• Book allowances R5200 per annum
• Incidental/personal care allowance R2900 per annum for students in catered residences

Tvet College Students:

• Accommodation in an urban area R24,000 per annum
• Accommodation in a peri-urban area is R18,900 per annum
• Accommodation in a rural area R15,750 per annum
• Transport (up to 40 km from institution) R7,350  per annum
• Transport R7000 per annum
• Incidental/personal care allowance R2900 per annum

Application Process For NSFAS 2026/2027

The application process for the 2026/2027 NSFAS funding cycle starts in September and runs until November of the preceding year. Follow these steps to apply:

• Visit the official website: www.nsfas.org.za
• Create a myNSFAS account.
• Complete all the required fields accurately.
• Upload the necessary supporting documents.
• Submit your application before the closing date.

Nsfas Contact Details

Stay informed, focused, and committed to your academic success, and embrace the bright future that lies ahead. I hope the information provided above has been useful to you. If you have any suggestions, kindly leave them in the comments section provided below. You can also visit the official NSFAS website for further clarification.

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