Categories: NSFAS Application

Documents To Apply For NSFAS 2026/2027

When applying for financial assistance through the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) for the 2026–2027 academic year, one of the most important steps is making sure that you have the correct documents ready. Many students face delays or even rejection because they fail to provide the proper paperwork. Preparing your documents in advance will not only make the process easier but also increase your chances of having your application approved without unnecessary delays. NSFAS was created to help eligible South African students gain access to higher education by providing financial support for tuition, accommodation, study materials, and living expenses.

However, to benefit from this funding, applicants must meet the requirements and provide supporting evidence during the application process. This ensures that only deserving students receive the assistance. In this guide, we outline all the essential documents you will need to prepare before starting your NSFAS application. These documents may include proof of income for parents or guardians, certified copies of your South African ID or birth certificate, academic results, and any other required supporting forms.

By gathering these documents early, you will avoid last-minute stress and ensure that your application is complete and accurate. Getting your paperwork in order is the first step to securing your future in higher education. Use this guide as a checklist to make sure you don’t miss any of the important requirements needed to speed up your NSFAS application for 2026–2027.

Learn more: NSFAS Applications 2026-2027

Eligible criteria for NSFAS Funding 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.

Who is not qualified to apply for NSFAS

Students who have completed a previous qualification.
Students with a combined household income of more than R350 000 per annum.
Students who have already applied, qualified, and received funding. They are automatically funded for the duration of their studies, provided they pass their modules and meet the academic requirements.

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

Documents To Apply For NSFAS 2026/2027

What does the bursary cover?

Amounts indicated for accommodation, living allowance, transport, and learning materials need to be aligned with the approved latest DHET guidelines.

UNIVERSITY

Accommodation as per the actual costs charged by the university (costs for private
accommodation must not exceed the costs for university residence)
Transport (up to 40 km from the institution) R7 500 per annum
Living allowance R15, 000 per annum
Book allowances R5200 per annum
Incidental/personal care allowance of R2900 per annum for students in catered residences

TVET

Accommodation in an urban area is R24,000 per annum
Accommodation in a peri-urban area is R18,900 per annum
Accommodation in a rural area is R15,750 per annum
Transport (up to 40 km from the institution) R7,350 per annum
Transport R7000 per annum
Incidental/personal care allowance R2900 per annum

Learn more: How Do I Apply For NSFAS 2026/2027

How to apply online for NSFAS

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: