How To Apply For NSFAS Online Portal 2026/2027

Applying for financial aid for higher education can be a significant step, and the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) in South Africa provides important help to eligible students. The NSFAS online portal is designed to simplify this process, allowing students to manage their financial aid applications, access information about their funding status, and handle related administrative tasks. This online platform serves as a central point for students to interact with NSFAS regarding their tertiary education financial assistance.

The application period for NSFAS for the 2026-2027 academic year is expected to open on September 1, 2025, and close on January 31, 2026. Applicants need to be aware of these dates to ensure the timely submission of their applications. The NSFAS bursary scheme is funded by the Department of Higher Education and Training, specifically for those who lack the financial means to fund their studies and cannot access other forms of funding, like bank loans or bursaries.

To apply, you will typically need to check your eligibility, register an account on the “myNSFAS” portal, complete the online application form, submit the application, and await a response. The process involves preparing necessary documents and visiting the official NSFAS website at www.nsfas.org.za. An NSFAS account allows students to apply for funding, update personal and financial information, view communications, and track the progress of their applications or disbursements. This guide will outline the comprehensive steps involved in navigating the NSFAS online application process for the 2026/2027 academic year, ensuring you are well-prepared to secure the financial support needed for your studies.

Learn more: My NSFAS Status Student Portal Login 2026

Eligibility 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.

How to Apply for NSFAS Online for 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

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.

Learn more: NSFAS Login Student Portal

Students looking for financial help for the academic year 2026-2027 can apply more easily thanks to the NSFAS online portal. You can increase your chances of receiving money for your education by following these guidelines and meeting the qualifying requirements. Visit the Official Website for more details.

Contact UNISA

University of South Africa
P O Box 392 Unisa
0003
Ethics Hotline: 0800 075 278
unisa@thehotline.co.za

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