Can You Still Apply For NSFAS 2026/2027

The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) is one of South Africa’s most important support systems for students. Its main goal is to make sure that money is not a barrier for young people who want to study further. NSFAS provides full bursaries that cover tuition fees, accommodation, study materials, and even living allowances. This helps thousands of students at public universities and TVET colleges to access higher education and build a better future. By doing so, NSFAS plays a big role in creating equal opportunities and supporting socio-economic growth in the country.

If you are planning to study in the 2026-2027 academic year, it is very important to know when the NSFAS applications will open. As of August 2025, the application window for 2026 has not yet started. Looking at previous years, NSFAS usually opens applications in the second half of the year before the academic year begins. For example, funding applications for 2025 opened in September 2024. Based on this, students can expect the 2026 application period to start around September 2025.

To avoid missing out, prospective applicants should keep a close eye on official NSFAS updates. The best way to stay informed is by checking the NSFAS website regularly, following their social media pages, and keeping up with news announcements. Having all the required documents ready beforehand will also make the process easier once applications open.

Learn more: Requirements For NSFAS Bursary 2026/2027

NSFAS Application Opening Date for 2026-2027

Application NSFAS 2026-2027 opening date: September 2025
Application NSFAS 2026-2027 closing date: 31st January 2026
Late NSFAS Application 2026-2027: Late applications won’t be accepted

Can You Still Apply For NSFAS 2026/2027

Who is Eligible For NSFAS 2026-2027

If you are a citizen of South Africa, intend to enrol in school in 2026, or if you are enrolled in a public university or TVET college and you match the following criteria, you are eligible for an NSFAS bursary:

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.

What does the bursary cover?

NSFAS will cover your costs for the following:

Accommodation
Living allowance
Learning material allowance
Personal care allowance

UNISA students will receive funding for:

Tuition
Books (subject to the number of modules registered)
Personal care allowance

Eligible students with a disability will receive funding for:

Assistive Devices
Meals
Tuition
Transport
Tuition
Human Support
Accommodation

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.

Learn more: Will NSFAS Fund Me For 5 Years?

How to apply for NSFAS 2026 Online

The steps to apply are as follows, if NSFAS is still open for the 2026-2027 academic year:

To gain access to the application portal, go to the official NSFAS website.
Creating an Account: Create a new account or sign in with an already existing one.
Fill out the application completely: Complete the application accurately and with all the necessary data.
Upload Required Documents: Attach supporting documentation, such as identification papers, income verification letters, and transcripts.
Application Submission: After finishing, send in your application via the web portal.

How to Check Your myNSFAS Application Status

Follow these steps to see how your application is progressing:

Visit the myNSFAS Portal

Go to www.nsfas.org.za.
Click the myNSFAS button at the top right of the homepage.

Enter your email address and password.
Complete the CAPTCHA to confirm it’s you.
Click Sign In.

Check Your Application Status

After logging in, find the Track Application Progress or Application Status tab.
Click it to see your current status.

If you missed the previous deadlines, you may still be able to apply for NSFAS for the 2026-2027 academic year. Achieving financial aid requires keeping track of the application period, following instructions, and completing all required paperwork on time. For details, go to https://www.nsfas.org.za

USEFUL LINKS

NSFAS Application 2026-2027