Who Qualifies For NSFAS Funding 2026/2027

Who Qualifies For NSFAS Funding 2026/2027

A Comprehensive Guide for South African Students Seeking Financial Aid:

The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) continues to provide life-changing opportunities for thousands of South African students each year. For the 2026/2027 academic year, NSFAS offers full bursaries to students from low-income and working-class families who wish to study at public universities or TVET colleges. This government-funded programme, established under the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) through the NSFAS Act (Act 56 of 1999), ensures that financial barriers do not hinder academic success.

To qualify for NSFAS funding in 2026/2027, applicants must be South African citizens or permanent residents with a combined household income of R350,000 or less per year. Students living with disabilities qualify if their combined family income does not exceed R600,000 per year. All SASSA grant recipients automatically qualify for NSFAS support, while students who began studying before 2018 and have a household income of less than R122,000 per year are also eligible.

The 2026 NSFAS applications are officially open and will close on 15 November 2025. Students who meet the qualification criteria are encouraged to apply early via the official NSFAS website at www.nsfas.org.za. By qualifying for NSFAS, students can receive financial coverage for tuition, accommodation, books, and transport — giving them the freedom to focus on their studies and achieve their educational goals.

Read: List Of Courses Funded By Nsfas In 2026/2027

• NSFAS Applications for 2026 are now officially open and will close on 15 November 2025. The bursary is available to all South African citizens and permanent residents with a combined household income of R350,000 or less per year. For students with disabilities, the income threshold is R600,000 per year.

Who Qualifies For NSFAS Funding 2026/2027

To be eligible for NSFAS funding in 2026, applicants must meet the following criteria:

• All South African citizens
• All SASSA grant recipients
• Applicants with a combined household income not exceeding R350,000 per year
• Students with disabilities whose household income does not exceed R600,000 per year
• Students who began studying before 2018 with a household income below R122,000 per year

Required Documentation for NSFAS Application For 2026/2027

When applying for NSFAS funding, you will need to provide the following documentation:

• A certified copy of your South African ID or birth certificate.
• Proof of household income, such as recent payslips, pension slips, or affidavits.
• Your most recent academic records (e.g., Grade 12 certificate or tertiary transcripts).
• Acceptance or registration letter from the public university or TVET college where you plan to study.

What Does the NSFAS Bursary Cover For Students?

University Students:

• Accommodation: As per actual university costs (private accommodation not exceeding residence fees)
• Transport (within 40 km): R7,500 per year
• Living allowance: R15,000 per year
• Book allowance: R5,200 per year
• Incidental/personal care allowance: R2,900 per year (for students in catered residences)

TVET College Students:

• Urban accommodation: R24,000 per year
• Peri-urban accommodation: R18,900 per year
• Rural accommodation: R15,750 per year
• Transport (within 40 km): R7,350 per year
• Transport allowance: R7,000 per year
• Incidental/personal care allowance: R2,900 per year

NSFAS Application Process 2026/2027

To apply for NSFAS financial aid for 2026, follow these steps:

• Visit the official NSFAS website (www.nsfas.org.za) and click on “Register” to create an account.
• Complete the registration form with your personal information and create a secure password.
• Log in to your account using your email address and password to access the MyNSFAS Portal.
•  Click on “Apply” and fill out the online application form with all the necessary information.
• Upload the required supporting documents.
• Submit your application and note down the application reference number for future reference.

Checking Your Nsfas Application Status 2026/2027

To keep track of your NSFAS application status:

• Log in to your MyNSFAS Portal account.
• Navigate to the “Application Status” section.
•  View your application status, which may include “Pending,” “Approved,” “Declined,” or “Awaiting Information.”

Understanding the NSFAS qualifications for 2026 is important for South African students in need of financial aid to pursue higher education. By familiarising yourself with the eligibility criteria, required documentation, and application process, you can confidently navigate the application process and maximise your chances of securing the funding you need. Don’t miss the opportunity to transform your future through higher education.

Nsfas Contact Details