Closing Date Of NSFAS For 2026/2027

Closing Date Of NSFAS For 2026/2027

The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) helps many South African students pay for their studies. One of the most important things to keep in mind when applying is the closing date. The NSFAS application closing date is the final day on which you can submit your application form along with all the required supporting documents. If you miss this deadline, your application might not be considered, and you could lose the chance to receive funding for your studies.

The NSFAS closing date is 31 January 2026. This means that all students who want to apply for financial aid must make sure their applications are submitted before this date. Submitting your application on time gives NSFAS enough time to review your details and decide whether you qualify for funding. It is also important to remember that late applications are usually not accepted.

NSFAS receives thousands of applications each year, so sticking to the deadline is the only way to make sure your application is processed. To avoid last-minute issues, students are encouraged to start the application process early and prepare all the necessary documents in advance. Knowing and respecting the NSFAS application deadline is the first step to securing financial support for your studies. If you are planning to study in 2026, make sure you apply before 31 January 2026 to give yourself the best chance of receiving assistance.

Learn more: NSFAS Application 2026 Closing Date

NSFAS Application Deadline Date for 2026-2027

The deadline for NSFAS applications for the 2026-2027 academic year is January 31, 2026, which all prospective students need to be aware of. If this deadline is missed, the application may not be reviewed, which might harm the applicant’s prospects of receiving important financial aid for their educational institution.

Criteria for Nsfas 2026-2027

If you are a citizen of South Africa, intend to enrol in school in 2026, or are enrolled in a public university or TVET college, and 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. NSFAS For 2026/2027

What NSFAS covers for 2026

NSFAS covers the following things;

UNIVERSITY

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

• Accommodation in an urban area R24,000 per annum
• Accommodation in a peri-urban area 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

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: Application For NSFAS 2026-2027 Closing Date

NSFAS Application Procedure for 2026

Follow the process below to apply online for the NSFAS bursaries for 2026-2027:

•  Create a profile: Use this link to register for a myNSFAS account: https://my.nsfas.org.za/ or get the NSFAS App from the App Store or Google Play. Your username will be your ID number.
•  Apply now: To amend your personal information and upload the supporting documents for your application, click the “Apply” option.
•  Complete: Submit your application

You must meet this deadline for your application to be taken into account for financing. To increase your chances of receiving financial help, be well-informed, make plans ahead of time, and submit your application on time. For details, go to https://www.nsfas.org.za

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