Document Needed To Apply For NSFAS 2026/2027

If you are planning to apply for financial aid through the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) for the 2026-2027 academic year, it is very important to prepare the correct documents before starting your application. Having the right paperwork will make the process smoother and help avoid unnecessary delays. When applying, you must complete all sections of the NSFAS application form with accurate information. Any missing details or incomplete answers can result in your application not being processed. Along with the form, you need to attach all the required supporting documents.

These documents are used by NSFAS to confirm your identity, financial situation, and eligibility for funding. A key rule to remember is that your South African identity number must appear on every single page of the documents you submit. This helps NSFAS link your paperwork directly to your application. If your ID number is missing on even one page, NSFAS will not be able to process that part of your application, which may cause rejection or long delays.

By preparing all your documents early and double-checking that your ID number is written on each page, you improve your chances of a successful application. NSFAS is committed to assisting students from disadvantaged backgrounds, but it can only do so if applicants follow the requirements correctly. Taking the time to get your application and documents in order will give you the best chance of securing funding for your studies in 2026-2027.

Learn more: Documents Needed For NSFAS Applications 2026-2027

Who can apply for the NSFAS bursary 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 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.

NSFAS Documents required to apply for 2026-2027

Please attach certified copies of the following documents

If either of your parents is deceased, please provide a certified copy of the death certificate.
If your parents are divorced, please provide a certified copy of the divorce decree.
If either of your parents does not live at home, please provide an affidavit explaining the reasons.
If you are supported by someone who is not your parent or legal guardian, please provide an affidavit explaining the reasons.
Certified copy of a SASSA letter if any of your family members are receiving a social grant and are also contributing to your household income. This also applies to your legal guardian.
If you have indicated that a dependent in your household is a student, please provide proof of registration or acceptance at the TVET college or university for each dependent
(All the certified copies must not be older than 3 months) Your documents can be certified at the South African Police Service or the South African Post Office.* If you are under the age of 18 or if you are 18 and older and are STILL DEPENDENT on the household income of your parent or legal guardian, then this also applies to you.
Certified copy of your Identity Document. If you are younger than 16 years of age and do not have a green bar-coded ID or smart ID card, you must submit a certified copy of your unabridged birth certificate
Certified copy of the Identity Document of each household member, including parents or legal guardian. Document Needed To Apply For NSFAS 2026/2027
Certified copy of your latest academic transcript or exam results. If you are currently in Grade 12, you do not need to submit this.
If you have been exempted from paying school fees, please provide a letter from the school informing NSFAS that you have been exempted.
Certified or official copy of recent payslip, letter of employment, not older than three months, for each parent, or the person who supports you, or your guardian, or yourself if you are employed. This is for all types of employment or all forms of income for all members of the household. This includes any income received from SASSA grants, Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF), or any retirement, life, or disability
or other benefits paid as a lump sum or in monthly payments
If your parents or the person who supports you or your legal guardian is retired, please provide a copy of an official pension slip or bank statement showing pension payment.
If your parents or the person who supports you or your legal guardian works as an informal trader, please provide an affidavit signed by them to confirm this employment
If you have a disability, please complete the relevant supporting documents (please see the website for details) and submit them with your application form.

Learn more: What Do I Need To Apply For NSFAS 2026/2027

How to apply online to NSFAS 2026-2027

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

Contact Details Of NSFAS

NSFAS Contact Center:

Phone: 08000 67327 (toll-free)
Operating hours: Monday to Friday, 8:30 AM – 5 PM (South African Standard Time)

Nsfas Email:

General inquiries: info@nsfas.org.za
Application inquiries: apply@nsfas.org.za

Nsfas Postal Address:

Private Bag X1
Plumstead
7801
South Africa

Physical Address:

10 Brodie Road
House Vincent, 2nd Floor
Wynberg
Cape Town
7700
South Afric

Having the necessary paperwork is essential when submitting an NSFAS financial aid application for the 2025-2026 semester. When determining your eligibility and need for financial aid, these records are essential. For details, go to https://www.nsfas.org.za

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Grace Nartey