Categories: NSFAS Application

Can You Apply For NSFAS For the Second Semester of 2026

The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) plays a vital part in enabling South African students to pursue tertiary education by providing financial assistance. This government-funded initiative covers essential educational expenses such as tuition fees, accommodation, transport, study materials, and personal allowances for eligible students enrolled in public universities and TVET colleges. The program is particularly important for students from disadvantaged backgrounds, offering a pathway to academic and career development.

While the NSFAS has historically opened applications for specific academic periods, understanding the availability of second-semester applications for 2026 requires careful attention to official announcements and deadlines. Currently, Semester 2 NSFAS TVET College applications are open for the 2025 academic year, with a closing date of July 31, 2025. However, as of now, the NSFAS 2025 Applications TVET Semester 2 are officially closed.

Applications are projected to open on September 1, 2025, for the 2026-2027 year. This indicates that while second-semester applications for 2025 have concluded, prospective students interested in 2026 funding should monitor future announcements, likely around September 2025, for the subsequent academic year’s application window. Aspiring students must stay informed through official NSFAS channels to secure funding for their studies and avoid missing application periods.

Learn more: NSFAS Application For Second Semester 2026-2027

NSFAS Application Dates for Second Semester 2026

NSFAS provides funding opportunities for students at TVET Colleges during specific application periods. The application window for the second semester will run from 17 July 2026 until 1 August 2026. This period is only meant for students who are registering at a TVET College for the second semester of the 2026 academic year.

Eligibility Criteria for Second Semester Funding 2026

To be considered for NSFAS funding for the second semester of 2026, applicants must meet the following minimum requirements:

All South African citizens
All SASSA grant recipients qualify for funding
Applicants whose combined household income is not more than R350 000 per annum
Person with disability: Combined household income must not be more than R600 000 per annum
Students who started studying before 2018, whose household income is not more than R122 000 per annum.

Supporting documents required for NSFAS

NSFAS needs information to confirm the employment and income of an applicant’s parents, guardians, or spouse.

NSFAS Declaration Form: completed by the school principal or social worker. (Non-SASSA only)
Orphan and Vulnerable Child Declaration Form: completed by a social worker for applicants under 18. (Non-SASSA only)
NSFAS Consent Form: signed by the applicant and/or parent, guardian, or spouse. (Not needed for SASSA recipients)
If the applicant has a legal guardian, court-issued proof is required.
For non-court-appointed guardians, submit the NSFAS Declaration Form.

Other documents that may be required, if applicable

Retrenchment letter
Death certificate/s
Divorce Decree
Proof of legal guardianship
Marriage certificate
Other documents may be required for appeal purposes, eg, retrenchment letter

Learn more: Does NSFAS Open For the Second Semester of 2026-2027

How to Apply for NSFAS Second Semester TVET College Funding

Similar procedures to those for the regular intake are often involved in the Second Semester intake application process:

Online Application: During the designated application time, go to the NSFAS website.
Documentation: Gather the required paperwork, such as identity, proof of income, and school transcripts.
Submission: Fill out the online form and attach the necessary files.
Follow-Up: Regularly check the status of your application and get back to any requests for more information as soon as possible.

Students who missed the previous application periods or who are beginning their studies later in the academic year can still apply for the NSFAS during the second semester. Application instructions must be followed, and eligibility requirements must be understood to submit a successful NSFAS grant application for the second semester of 2026.

Contact Details Of NSFAS

NSFAS Contact Center: