Documents Needed For NSFAS Applications 2026/2027

Applying for the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) for the 2026-2027 academic year requires careful preparation. One of the most important steps is making sure you have all the correct documents ready before starting the application. Without the right paperwork, your application may be delayed or even rejected. The first requirement for every applicant is a valid identity number. This is because NSFAS cannot process any application without proof of identity.

Your ID number is used to confirm your details and ensure your application is linked to the correct person. If you are a South African citizen, you must provide your South African ID. For applicants under 16 who do not yet have a green bar-coded ID or smart ID card, a birth certificate will be needed. Other supporting documents may also be required, depending on your circumstances. For example, if you are still in high school, you may need to submit proof of your most recent academic results.

If you are a dependent, details about your parents’ or guardians’ income will also be required. These documents help NSFAS assess your financial need and eligibility for funding. To avoid last-minute stress, it’s best to prepare your documents early and make sure they are clear, valid, and easy to upload online. Having everything ready will make the NSFAS application process smoother and increase your chances of receiving financial aid for the 2026-2027 academic year.

Learn more: Documents Needed To Apply For NSFAS 2026-2027

Eligibility Criteria for 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 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 Applications Documents for 2026-2027

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, 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.
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. Documents Needed For NSFAS Applications 2026/2027
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.
Certified copy of your latest academic transcript or exam results. If you are currently in Grade 12, you do not need to submit this.

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: