Exploring the Reasons Behind the Lack of Student Support in 2026/2027

Many South African students have recently expressed concern about why NSFAS is not funding some applicants for the 2026/2027 academic year. The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) remains one of the most important government programs, designed to help students from low-income families access higher education. While applications for NSFAS 2026/2027 are open and will close on 15 November 2025, not every applicant automatically qualifies for funding.

There are various legitimate reasons why some students may not be funded in 2026/2027. The most common reason is not meeting the financial eligibility requirements. NSFAS only funds South African citizens and permanent residents whose combined household income is R350,000 or less per year, and for students with disabilities, R600,000 or less. Students who exceed these income thresholds or provide incorrect financial information may have their applications rejected.

Another reason NSFAS may not fund certain students is missing or incomplete documentation. Applicants who fail to upload required forms such as the NSFAS Consent Form, Declaration Form, or Disability Annexure Form may face delays or rejection. Additionally, students who already hold an undergraduate qualification or receive full funding from another source are not eligible for NSFAS support.

NSFAS also follows strict guidelines from the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET), meaning only accredited programs at public universities and TVET colleges qualify for funding. As it stands now, NSFAS is still funding students in 2026/2027, but only those who meet the necessary criteria and submit complete, accurate applications within the official deadline

Read: When Nsfas Is Closing 2026/2027

NSFAS Applications 2026/2027: Everything You Need to Know

• Applications for the NSFAS 2026/2027 academic year are currently open and will close on 15 November 2025. This means there is no general halt in the application process.
• If your household earns R350,000 or less per year, you are encouraged to apply for NSFAS funding. The bursary is available to all South African citizens and permanent residents who meet the income requirements.
• For applicants living with disabilities, the combined household income threshold is R600,000 per annum.

What the NSFAS Bursary Covers For Students In 2026/2027

NSFAS provides comprehensive financial support that includes:

• Registration and tuition fees
• Learning materials
• Living and personal care allowances
• Transport or accommodation costs

Please note that living, personal care, and transport allowances are not part of any loan scheme—they are fully covered under the bursary.

Who Qualifies for NSFAS Funding In 2026/2027

Below are those who qualify for NSFAS for 2026:

• All South African citizens
• All SASSA grant recipients
• Applicants with a household income of R350,000 or less per year
• Persons with disabilities (household income below R600,000)
• Students who started studying before 2018 with a household income below R122,000 per year

Why Is NSFAS not Funding Students In 2026/2027

• NSFAS is still actively funding students for 2026/2027, but only those who meet the financial, academic, and documentation criteria.
• Students are encouraged to ensure all their information is correct, submit their applications before 15 November 2025, and track their application status through the myNSFAS portal to avoid missing out on funding opportunities.

How Much Will NSFAS Pay Students In 2026

University Students:

• Accommodation: As charged by the university (private costs must not exceed residence rates)
• Transport (within 40 km): R7,500 per year
• Living allowance: R15,000 per year
• Book allowance: R5,200 per year
• Incidental/personal care: R2,900 per year (for students in catered residences)

TVET College Students:

• Accommodation (urban): R24,000 per year
• Accommodation (peri-urban): R18,900 per year
• Accommodation (rural): R15,750 per year
• Transport (within 40 km): R7,350 per year
• Personal care allowance: R2,900 per year

How to Apply for NSFAS 2026/2027

Applying for NSFAS is simple:

• Visit www.nsfas.org.za
• Create a myNSFAS profile
• Fill in all required details
• Submit your application

How to Track Your NSFAS Application Status For 2026

• Visit the NSFAS website and click on myNSFAS.
• Log in with your email and password.
• Select Application Status to track your progress.

Status meanings include:

• Application Submitted: Your application has been received.
• Documents Missing: Upload required documents.
• Under Review: NSFAS is checking your eligibility.
• Approved: Funding confirmed.
• Rejected: Application unsuccessful (a reason will be provided).

NSFAS Appeals Process

• If your application is rejected:
• Log in to your myNSFAS portal.
• Check the rejection reason.
• Submit a formal appeal with supporting documents.

Nsfas Required Supporting Documents 2026

Applicants may be required to upload:

• NSFAS 2026 Consent Form (to verify family details)
• NSFAS Declaration Form (for applicants 34 years or younger)
• Disability Annexure Form (for applicants with disabilities, including a medical report)
• Orphan/Vulnerable Child Declaration Form (for applicants under 18 who are orphans or vulnerable children)

Nsfas Contact Details

Hope the information given 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 website of Nsfas for more clarification.

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